2025 Acura RDX Gets Mild Update That Won’t Fix Its Biggest Problem
The current-generation Acura RDX was introduced for the 2019 model year and is due for a redesign. Unfortunately, that will not happen for 2025.
The popular compact luxury SUV soldiers on for at least one more year, although it’s getting a mild update in the process.
- Also: Acura RDX is Getting a Little Brother Called ADX With a Cheaper Price
- Also: 2025 Acura MDX Gets Google Built-in, More Tech in Mid-Cycle Update
On the outside, there’s a new frameless grille with what Acura calls a more aggressive grille mesh. Honestly, we preferred the one on the outgoing model, but maybe that’s just us. The base RDX is further distinguished with premium gloss black exterior accents, and all trim levels receive sportier wheel designs, whether it’s the new standard Berlina Black 19-inch wheels or the 20-inch alloys on A-SPEC and Platinum Elite A-SPEC models.
Moreover, customers have two new paint colours to choose from including Solar Silver Metallic and the Urban Grey Pearl that can be ordered with other Acura models.
The Same Annoying Issue
In the cabin, look for a redesigned centre console that offers increased storage, larger cupholders and easier access to the available wireless smartphone charger. In addition, the 10.2-inch centre display now features a wide-screen mode when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Alas, that doesn’t change the human-machine interface in the RDX, which lacks much simplicity and user-friendliness, mostly due to the frustrating touchpad on the console, as well as shift and drive mode buttons taking up a lot of place.
The last bit of news to report about is a top-of-the-line Platinum Elite A-SPEC model that now features full leather upholstery, additional ambient lighting on the centre console, and dramatically lit door speaker cones behind acid-etched speaker grilles.
Remember, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder under the hood is one of the most powerful standard engines in the segment with 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's excellent SH-AWD system with true torque vectoring. We wouldn’t mind a high-performance Type S model, though. Maybe with the next generation. Fingers crossed.
The refreshed 2025 Acura RDX goes on sale in Canada on September 4 and begins arriving at Acura dealers in October with an all-inclusive price ranging from $56,526 to $65,356.
In case you forgot, the RDX will soon have a little brother called ADX. A reveal is expected to take place this fall.