After getting an overhaul in 2019, Acura is continuing with the same iteration of its popular SUV, the RDX in 2020 as well. The New Gen RDX got a complete revamp in terms of its looks, features and equipment on board and the 2020 model, continues to offer all those at a minimal price hike of just $200. You still get those fantastic Jewel effect LED Headlights, spirited handling characteristics and Luxurious Interiors.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
The 4 Trims on offer- Standard,, Technology, A-Spec and the Advance, come with FWD as standard. Acura is offering it’s SH-AWD system on all those trims at a small price difference of nearly $2,000 over their FWD counterparts. The 2.0L Inline-4 Turbocharged Motor continues to do duty on the 2020 RDX and Acura hasn’t added any performance updates/powerful motor’s to the same. A 10 Speed transmission with Paddle shifters play the role of the transmission unit in the 2020 RDX.
Rivals of the RDX includes the Volvo XC60, BMW X3 and the Lincoln MKC. Prices of the 2020 Acura RDX, ranges from $37,800 to $47,900, depending on the options chosen.
2020 Acura RDX SUV Front View
2020 Acura RDX SUV Rear View
8.5/10 Features
7.0/10 Engine and Performance
4.0/10 Fuel Economy
7.5/10 Interior
7.0/10 Exterior
9.4/10 Safety
7.5/10 Competition
8.0/10 Final Verdict
2020 Acura RDX Features
8.5/10
The 2020 Acura RDX carries forward unchanged from 2020 and that can be seen in the trim levels as well. The 4 Trims on offer- Standard, Technology, A-Spec and Advance, come with the option of FWD or AWD. The A-Spec adds exclusivity with certain features and embellishments specific to the A-Spec trim only.
Trim
Standard
Technology
A-Spec
Advance
MSRP (FWD)
$37,800
$41,000
$44,000
$45,900
MSRP (AWD)
$39,800
$43,000
$46,000
$47,900
Key Features
Panoramic Moon Roof with Tilt and Slide
Adds/Upgrades to Standard Trim
Adds/Upgrades to Technology Trim
Adds/Upgrades to A-Spec Trim
Auto On/Off LED Headlights with Wiper Integration
GPS Iinked Climate Control
LED Foglights
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
LED Taillights, Turn Indicators, CHMSL
Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
A-Spec exclusive Front and Rear Bumpers
Heated Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
Heated, Reverse Tilt Down Side Mirrors
Natural Language Voice Recognition
Red Ambient Cabin Lighting with Dark Brushed Aluminum Trim
Natural Olive Ash Burl Wood Trim
Sport Seats with Leather Trimmed Interiors with 7" Color MID
Sport Seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather-Trimmed Interior with Contrast Stitching
Sport A-SpecSeats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather and Ultrasuede Trimmed Interior with Contrast Stitching and Piping
Sport Seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather-Trimmed Interior with Contrast Stitching and Piping
Front 12 Way Powered, Heated Seats with Power Lumbar Support
Acura Navigation System with 3D View, Traffic Rerouting, Real-Time Traffic with Street and Freeway conditions
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
Front 16-Way Power Seats with Power Lumbar Support, Power Thigh Extension and Power Side Bolsters and Heated Outboard Rear Seats
9 Speaker Acura Premium Audio System with 10.2" Touchscreen Infotainment
12 Speaker Acura/ELS Studio Premium Audio
16 Speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D Audio System
10.5" Heads-Up Display
Which trim to go for?
The A-Spec trim comes with plenty of exclusive features and treatments, both on the outside and on the inside as well as features. Hence, we would certainly recommend the same trim for the kind of features and exclusivity that it offers.
2020 Acura RDX Engine and Performance
7.0/10
The establishment of each change begins by modifying the basics. The Engineers at Acura decided to give this thought chance and hence started by changing the motor inside the RDX. The 3.5L V6 motor was dropped in favor of a 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo which probably won't appear the best thought. However, the scaled-down motor does well in delivering higher power and torque figures than its predecessor. The numbers for power and torque are rated at a healthy 272hp and 280lbs.-ft. respectively.
2020 Acura RDX SUV 2.0L i4 Turbo Premium Unleaded Engine
One downside to this entire setup is the evidence of Turbo lag, which is minimal for the most part but prominent on some occasions. Transmission duties are performed by a 10 Speed Unit and can be changed using the paddle-shifters behind the steering wheels.
Models
Acura RDX
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
BMW X3 sDrive 30i
Lincoln MKC
MSRP
$37,800
$40,195
$41,995
$34,990
Engine
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Premium Unleaded
2.0L Intercooled Turbo Inline-4 Premium Unleaded
2.0L Intercooled Turbo Inline-4 Premium Unleaded
2.0L Intercooled Turbo Inline-4 Premium Unleaded
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
RWD
FWD
Transmission
10-Speed automatic
8-Speed automatic
8-Speed automatic
6-Speed automatic
Power (hp @ rpm)
272@6,500
250@5,700
248@5,200
245@5,500
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)
280@1,600
258@1,500
258@1,450
275@3,000
The Expensive rivals of the RDX fall short of the RDX's power and torque figures and include the Volvo and the BMW. The Lincoln, on the other hand, offers a similar amount of power and torque as the Volvo and the Bimmer but at a far lower price than the 3 SUVs here.
How fast is the Acura RDX?
The Turbocharged Heart of the 2020 Acura RDX, manages to match its adversaries as far as acceleration goes. The 6.4 second time to hit the 60MPH mark and 14.8-second mark for the quarter-mile run are respectable timings for an SUV of this size.
2020 Acura RDX hits 0-60 in just 6.4 sec
Models
Acura RDX
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
BMW X3 sDrive 30i
Lincoln MKC
0-60 MPH (sec)
6.4
6.5
6.7
7.1
Quarter Mile (sec)
14.8
15.2
15.1
15.3
Top Speed (MPH)
125
140
155
N/A
Engine
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Premium Unleaded
2.0L Intercooled Turbo Inline-4 Premium Unleaded
2.0L Intercooled Turbo Inline-4 Premium Unleaded
2.0L Intercooled Turbo Inline-4 Premium Unleaded
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
9.3
7.7
6.8
8.4
Speaking of rivals, not much separate the Volvo, Bimmer and the Lincoln apart. The RDX is the fastest of them all while the Volvo comes in second in the 60MPH dash. In the quarter-mile runs, the Acura again is the fastest of the lot with the BMW, coming in a close second.
What is the ride and handling of the Acura RDX like?
Ride and Handling is one of RDX's strong suits, the steering changes character with every mode. Comfort mode makes the steering light while the Sport and Sport Plus adds significant weight to the wheel. The A-spec package is more aggressive but creates significant understeer, on the other hand, the wide tires don't offer a lot of grips. However, Acura did a good job in containing boy roll. The SH-AWD system works its magic around the corners with a slingshot effect. The 10-speed automatic transmission keeps the engine in its sweet spot.
2020 RDX Ride and Handling is one of RDX's strong suits
How well does the Acura RDX fare on the braking front?
Brakes on the RDX feels fine and firm, the pedal inspires confidence irrespective of your speed. The SUV remains stable on the highway, courtesy of Acura's stability control system. The front brakes are rated at 12.4 inches and the back remains at 12.2 inches. At, 3,783 pounds the RDX is quite a heavy SUV in the class. From the speed of 60 mph, the RDX halts to a standstill in an astonishing 116ft.
2020 RDX Brakes on the RDX feels fine and firm
Model
Acura RDX
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
BMW X3 sDrive 30i
Lincoln MKC
Brake Rotors Front (in)
12.4
13.6
13
13.2
Brake Rotors Rear (in)
12.2
12.6
13
12.4
Curb Weight (lbs)
3783
4109
4034
3823
60-0 MPH (ft)
116
114
127
119
Most Rivals of the Acura can't match its braking performance. The Bimmer surprisingly is the weakest performer of the lot and is then followed by the Lincoln. The Volvo is the best performer of them all and the Acura falls marginally short of the Volvo's figures.
2020 Acura RDX Fuel Economy
4.0/10
Though it only drinks premium fuel the RDX is a sensible SUV when it comes to mileage. It won't demand many trips to the gas station and is equally efficient like any other SUV in the compact luxury segment. In the city, the RDX boasts its 22 mpg mileage while on the highway it makes it a decent 28 mpg which is fine. Overall you can expect a total mileage of 24 mpg from the 2020 Acura RDX.
Model
Acura RDX
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
BMW X3 sDrive 30i
Lincoln MKC
MPG (City)
22
22
23
20
MPG (Highway)
28
29
30
27
MPG (Combined)
24
24
26
23
Tank Capacity (Gallons)
17.1
18.8
17.2
15.7
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) (mi)
376/479/410
414/545/451
396/516/447
314/424/361
2020 Acura RDX Interior
7.5/10
The RDX's old sophisticated interior was exposed to radiation, what emerged was a genetically superior machine. We have dissected the mechanical DNA and complimented the suave exterior improvement now what's left is interior to judge. There is nothing you won't like inside the RDX, though you might get daunted by the million switches after giving a fine look everything is pretty simple to use. As far as quality goes there are a lot of soft touches and leather traces, it might lack the design quotient but it can be ironed out considering the good interior quality.
2020 Acura RDX has a good seating capacity
Model
Acura RDX
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
BMW X3 sDrive 30i
Lincoln MKC
Seating Capacity
5
5
5
5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
39.6/59.7/41.6
38.0/58.2/41.5
41.1/57.6/40.3
39.6/56.0/42.8
Rear Row
(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
38.3/56.6/38.4
38.0/56.3/38.0
39.1/56.0/36.4
38.7/55.3/36.8
The cabin is spacious and cozy for all 5 passengers, the seats are not exactly hugging but it's comfortable for long rides. You will also have a good view of the road but assistance from the rearview camera feels pixelated and isn't that useful. The front cabin has a decent headroom of 39 inches and 41.6 inches worth of legroom. The second row seats are not bad either, you have similar headroom while the legroom is rated at 38.4 inches which won't create a problem either. You will have 2 standard options and 2 other optional with A-spec package.
What to expect on the Infotainment front?
Previously the RDX has a 5-inch infotainment screen which was fussy and confusing, this year the screen size was stretched to 10.2 inches. Despite the bigger screen the RDX still inherits the gene of complication. Below the screen, you will find a cluster of buttons that may distract the driver, also, it will take you months to have a natural understanding of using every feature. Then you have Apple CarPlay and plug-and-play connectivity standard on the RDX.
2020 Acura RDX's bigger screen still inherits the gene of complication
Creature comforts on offer?
For a Vehicle like the RDX, you'd expect it to have a lot of bells and whistles for pampering the occupants on the inside. We are happy to report that Acura is offering a lot of these as standard in the 2020 RDX as well. Here is a list of few of the creature comforts
Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
Interior Air Filtration
Front, Side, And Rear View Camera
Heated Steering Wheel
Climate Control
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Adaptive Cruise Control
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
How much Luggage can I carry in the Acura RDX?
Acura figured out a way to fully use its cargo bay in a more efficient way. The 31 cubic feet is nice an competitive, even better than some of the competitors. The boot starts from a low height and is wide enough to swallow all your baggage for a long road trip. The second-row seats split, fold flat for bigger objects. The engineers manage to hide the spare tire under the carriage, the left out space now houses a special compartment divided into different sections to hide your stuff.
2020 Acura RDX has a cargo volume of 31.1 ft.
Inside the cabin, you have a lot of cubby holes for your cell phone, bottles, and all kinds of stuff. There is a center armrest and door pockets and other section to put your other belongings.
To some extent, yes. Acura was never a big style icon, in fact, its old grill was a bit of a compromise to the overall design. However, that ends this year with their new diamond-pentagon grill. The new grill debuted on some concepts by the brand. It is the first time, the design was actually built around the grill as it looks better than ever. Arguably the RDX is the second most good looking Acura in Honda's garage. It's long and wider than the previous iteration and dons a new character.
2020 Acura RDX was actually built around the grill as it looks better than ever
Model
Acura RDX
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
BMW X3 sDrive 30i
Lincoln MKC
Curb Weight (lbs)
3783
4109
4034
3823
Length (in)
186.8
184.6
185.9
179.2
Width (in)
74.8
78.7
74.4
73.4
Height (in)
65.7
65.3
66
65.2
Ground Clearance (in)
8.2
8.5
8.0
7.8
Wheelbase (in)
108.3
112.8
112.8
105.9
Acura didn't just swap the engine with mild touches, they built the entire SUV like it's a new car. The RDX is a tad bigger than the old model as far as dimensions go, it might not have any visual effect but who doesn't love more space. The RDX is 186.8 inches long and 74.8 inches wide. The height is rated at 65.7 inches which is competitive but the ground clearance is much lower than other SUVs. The 8.2" of ground clearance on offer is at par with the others in the segment and comes in handy, while off-roading or wading through deep waters.
What are the RDX's exterior features?
Like the Interiors, Acura is offering a lot of features on the outside of the RDX. Some of the highlights of the 2020 RDX's exteriors include the following
Power Moonroof with Tilt and Slide function
Auto On/Off LED Headlights with Wiper Integration
LED Fog lights, Brake lights, and CHMSL
LED Turn Indicators on Exterior Powered and Heated Mirrors
While the Acura hasn't been tested by IIHS and NHTSA, Acura has ensured that the RDX doesn't miss out on any safety feature. Acura bundles a bunch of safety features as standard on the 2020 RDX. You also get plenty of driving assistance features as standard on the 2020 RDX and the the list of those includes
2020 Acura RDX Safety Test
Multi view Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
Surround View Camera System
Rear Camera Washer
Collision Mitigating Braking System
Adaptive Cruise Control with lane speed follow
Front, Side, Side Curtain and Knee Airbags
Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control and Motion adaptive steering
4 Wheel ABS with EBD and Brake Assist
Hill Start Assist with TPMS and LATCH tethers
Front and Rear Parking sensors with Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross traffic monitor
2020 Acura RDX Competition
7.5/10
Acura RDX vs. Volvo XC60
Volvo makes some of the most safest cars on the planet and the XC 60 is no different either. The XC 60 comes loaded with futuristic tech, luxury laden interiors and offers spurry performance as well. However, the Acura is well equipped as well, has significantly better build the Volvo and feels a notch higher in terms of the premium feel on offer. What swings the ball in the Acura's favor even more is it's lower starting price and the Japanese reliability, associated with it. Out of the 2, we feel that the Acura marches ahead of the Volvo in almost most aspects.
2020 Volvo XC60 SUV
Acura RDX vs. Lincoln MKC
Lincoln had no plans for any major change for the MKC, hence, the reason only the front grill was altered this year, the rest remained unchanged. Compared with the newly crafted Acura, the MKC seems a little dull. The major difference comes with the engine's power, Lincoln packs lesser horses than the RDX, results of which are clearly visible on its sloppy acceleration. Then comes the cabin which features some cheap plastics, on top of that there is low cargo volume and packed rear seats.
2020 Lincoln MKC SUV
Though the RDX is a few dollars higher than the Lincoln MKC that explains the additional horsepower, cargo volume, and better interior quality.
2020 Acura RDX Final Verdict
8.0/10
The 2020 Acura RDX ushered a big change when it's face-lifted version came in 2019. In 2020, Acura is not fiddling with the same and is a good thing in many ways. The Acura RDX offers a ton of fun in terms of handling, is good to look at and feels premium on the inside. It tops out with a long list of standard driver assistance and Safety features and unmatched Japanese Reliability. If you are wiling to look past the Acura badge, the RDX will be a complete joy to own and live with on a daily basis, as compared to its other Expensive German adversaries.
Cons - Subpar towing specs, doesn't have the best exhaust note, prominent turbo lag
Overall Review
9 /10 Overall Rating
10 speed transmission, helps with the top end as well as mileage on this thing. The gear shifts are very nimble and the acceleration is also impressive however isn't free from the turbo lag. The power obtained is always delayed because of the turbo but that's okay. Nothing major. Towing capacity could have been a little better than what it is (1500lbs) as well as the exhaust note. Sounds like a small car even after flooring the pedal.
9/10
Features
8/10
Interior
9/10
Design
9/10
Safety
9/10
Reliability
8/10
Deal Value
10/10
Dealer Review
MB
Martin J. Benz
2020 Acura RDX
4dr SUV w/Advance Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
10
User Overall Rating
Posted On: August 10, 2020
No shortcomings here
Pros - Refined engine, noisefree drive quality, good visibility
Cons - Nothing as such
Overall Review
10 /10 Overall Rating
More money actually can buy you better vehicles sort of suv that stows stuff without running out of space and also helps while driving. The engine is so refined that one barely feels anything even on the most pathetic roads out there.
10/10
Features
10/10
Interior
10/10
Design
10/10
Safety
10/10
Reliability
10/10
Deal Value
10/10
Dealer Review
MB
Mabel C. Busch
2020 Acura RDX
4dr SUV w/Technology Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
9
User Overall Rating
Posted On: August 10, 2020
rdx 2020 review
Pros - Track pad, cargo space, day time running lights
Cons - Underneath storage in cargo area should be lockable
Overall Review
9 /10 Overall Rating
Great I must say. Buttery smooth ride quality and easy handling.
10 speed transmission, helps with the top end as well as mileage on this thing. The gear shifts are very nimble and the acceleration is also impressive however isn't free from the turbo lag. The power obtained is always delayed because of the turbo but that's okay. Nothing major. Towing capacity could have been a little better than what it is (1500lbs) as well as the exhaust note. Sounds like a sm...
by Laverne M. Norman
10
User Overall Rating
No shortcomings here
More money actually can buy you better vehicles sort of suv that stows stuff without running out of space and also helps while driving. The engine is so refined that one barely feels anything even on the most pathetic roads out there.
by Martin J. Benz
9
User Overall Rating
rdx 2020 review
Great I must say. Buttery smooth ride quality and easy handling.
by Mabel C. Busch
9
User Overall Rating
RDX, a controversial name
It takes care of fun driving, safety, entertainment and mood as well. Not able to do the same with the fuel efficiency although especially for city.
by John M. Thompson
9
User Overall Rating
Acura's intriguing mein
RDX is not about how it drives which it pretty much nails bang on but the way it looks. Well about driving, I'm sure it will continue to do what it has been doing on the road since day one, i.e, keep everyone inside happy
