In this comprehensive guide, I’ll dive deep into all Acura RDX generations, highlighting the best Acura RDX years to buy and the worst Acura RDX years to steer clear of.
Drawing from first-rate sources like NHTSA, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds, I’ll uncover the Acura RDX’s common issues and standout features across all model years. No stone left unturned, no year skipped.
Ready to find your perfect RDX?
Let’s jump right in.
Table of ContentsShow
Acura RDX Generations
The Acura RDX burst onto the scene in 2006, carving out its niche in the compact luxury SUV market. This trailblazer came packed with cutting-edge features like a turbocharged engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, setting a new standard for performance and luxury.
This table’s your handy guide for understanding how this compact luxury SUV has evolved over the years:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (TB1/2) | 2007-2012 |
| 2nd generation (TB3/4) | 2013-2018 |
| 3rd generation (TC1/2) | 2019-Present |
Understanding the nuances between generations isn’t just nice-to-know info – it’s crucial when you’re hunting for the RDX that fits you like a glove.
Let’s break it down.
Acura RDX Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
When it comes to ranking the best and worst Acura RDX years, I don’t just pull opinions out of thin air. My rankings are built on a mountain of solid data:
- Owner-reported reliability (surveys)
- Annual maintenance costs
- Safety ratings
- Consumer Reports reliability scores
- Consumer Reports owner satisfaction scores
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints
- Edmunds owner ratings
- JD Power owner ratings
- Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings
- VehicleHistory owner ratings
- Cars.com owner ratings
Take a look at this graph – it’s a visual feast of combined ratings from all these sources.
Now, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of the Acura RDX’s best and worst years:
| Generation | Best Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|
| 1st generation (TB1/2) | 2010 2011 2012 | 2007 2008 2009 |
| 2nd generation (TB3/4) | 2016 2017 2018 | 2013 2014 2015 |
| 3rd generation (TC1/2) | 2022 2023 | 2019 2020 2021 |
Here’s the scoop: NHTSA recalls and complaints are our reliability radar. More issues? More red flags.
Now, let’s cut to the chase and dive into the Acura RDX’s best and worst years. We’re talking top picks and total skips – no middle ground here.
Ready to find out which RDX models are worth your hard-earned cash?
Best & Worst Years for Acura RDX 1st Generation (2007-2012)
The 1st Generation Acura RDX hit the streets in 2007, marking Acura’s first foray into the compact luxury SUV arena. With Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book scores averaging 4.5 and 4.4 respectively, this generation proved its mettle in terms of reliability.
But not all years are created equal. In my book, the early birds – 2007, 2008, and 2009 – are the Acura RDX years to dodge. On the flip side, 2010, 2011, and 2012 shine as the best Acura RDX years to snag from this first generation.
The Best Years: 2010, 2011, 2012
If you’re eyeing the first generation RDX, 2010, 2011, and 2012 are your golden tickets.
The 2010 Acura RDX deserves a special shoutout. It seems Acura ironed out the kinks from the early years, and the ratings prove it: 82 from J.D. Power, 4.8 from Cars.com, and 4.4 from CarSmite. Not too shabby, right?
Under the hood, you’ll find a refined 2.3-liter 240 hp turbocharged four-cylinder K23A1 engine, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission featuring Acura’s SportShift sequential shift capability. And let’s not forget the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) – a hallmark of the first-generation RDX.
Fuel economy? According to Consumer Reports, you’re looking at 13 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Not exactly Prius territory, but respectable for its class.
These years also saw upgrades in infotainment, smartphone integration, and audio systems. Safety features got a boost too, with sophisticated braking systems and lane assist technologies joining the party.
Sure, these years weren’t perfect – some power train problems from earlier models lingered. But the overall package of performance and comfort upgrades make 2010, 2011, and 2012 the cream of the crop for the first-generation Acura RDX.
The Worst Years: 2007, 2008, 2009
As with many initial attempts, the RDX’s first years – 2007, 2008, and 2009 – hit some bumps in the road. These are the Acura RDX years you’ll want to steer clear of.
The 2007 Acura RDX was plagued by electrical gremlins, particularly with the Bluetooth Handsfree Link (HFL). Many owners found their batteries draining faster than a smartphone at a music festival.
But that’s not all. The ignition sometimes played keep-away with the keys, and the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) had a tendency to go on strike. Not exactly what you want in a luxury SUV, right?
The 2007 model also developed a dreadful habit of unintended accelerations and decelerations. Talk about a rollercoaster ride you didn’t sign up for. These issues seemed to stick around for the 2008 model too.
Come 2009, a new challenger appeared: transmission troubles. Owners reported jerking and shuddering that would make even a learner driver blush. And those pesky unintended acceleration glitches? Still hanging around like an uninvited guest.
The critics weren’t impressed either. Edmunds (4.4), J.D. Power (77), and VehicleHistory (3.75) scores reflected a noticeable dip in satisfaction.
Want to see the full picture?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Acura RDX. It’s quite the read.
Best & Worst Years for Acura RDX 2nd Generation (2013-2018)
The 2nd Generation Acura RDX rolled in with big promises, aiming to redefine what a compact luxury SUV could be. But just like its older sibling, the early years of this generation – 2013, 2014, and 2015 – stumbled with power train and headlight issues. That’s why they’ve earned a spot on my “Acura RDX years to avoid” list.
Looking for the best bang for your buck in this generation? My money’s on the 2016 RDX. It’s the sweet spot of reliability and value in this lineup.
The Best Years: 2016, 2017, 2018
As the second generation hit its stride, the facelifted years – 2016, 2017, and 2018 – really came into their own. These are the most reliable Acura RDX years of this generation.
The engine got a significant upgrade, swapping the earlier 2.3-liter turbo-four for a smoother, more powerful 3.5-liter 279 hp SOHC V6. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the AWD system also got a boost, now capable of sending up to 50% torque to the rear wheels on slippery surfaces (up from 25% in the previous model).
Fuel economy improved too, with city driving now at 14 mpg and highway cruising at 31 mpg. Not bad for a bulkier engine, right?
Step inside, and you’ll find premium materials, ergonomic designs, and a more intuitive infotainment system. The exterior got a facelift too, with LED headlamps (finally solving those pesky headlight problems from the early years) and LED taillamps.
The 2016 RDX also introduced the AcuraWatch package, bringing treats like Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist System to the festivity.
Now, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Some transmission issues, like hard shifts and jerking, still popped up, but they were far less common than in previous years.
Despite these slight hiccups, the ratings tell a story of reliability and satisfaction. The 2018 Acura RDX even snagged Consumer Reports’ top reliability score. Now that’s what I call going out with a bang!
The Worst Years: 2013, 2014, 2015
The pre-facelift models – 2013, 2014, and 2015 – racked up a substantial number of NHTSA recalls and grievances. These are the Acura RDX years you’d be wise to avoid.
The 2013 Acura RDX looked promising on paper with its new V6 engine and tech upgrades. But in practice? It hit some serious snags.
The largest headache for owners? Transmission troubles. We’re talking slipping, jerking, and shuddering – not exactly the smooth ride you’d expect from a luxury SUV. To add insult to injury, a recall specific to the 2013 RDX’s brake-shift interlock mechanism didn’t help its reputation.
But wait, there’s more! Headlight issues became a common complaint, with many owners reporting dimming over time. Driving at night became a game of squint-and-hope.
The 2014 Acura RDX attempted to build on its predecessor but ended up carrying forward many of its issues. Those annoying transmission glitches? Still there. And now, faulty shock absorbers joined the party, treating owners to an unsettling clunking noise from the rear. Oh, and those headlight problems? They stuck around too.
By 2015, many hoped for a turnaround. But the Acura RDX was still grappling with its dimming headlight issues, which remained the main thorn in many owners’ sides.
Want the full scoop?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2013, 2014, and 2015 Acura RDX. It’s quite the revealing experience.
Best & Worst Years for Acura RDX 3rd Generation (2019-2023)
The Acura RDX’s 3rd Generation rolled in with grand promises of innovation, refinement, and performance all wrapped up in one sleek package.
But here’s the kicker: Consumer Reports, Edmunds, J.D. Power, and CarSmite ratings paint a vivid picture of owner dissatisfaction with the 2019, 2020, and 2021 RDXs. That’s why these are the Acura RDX years to steer clear of. On the flip side, 2022 and 2023 models shine as the finest Acura RDX years to buy in this generation.
The Best Years: 2022, 2023
The 2022 and 2023 Acura RDX models came out swinging, with notable advancements that set them apart from the early years of this generation. These are the cream of the crop, earning the best Acura RDX years tag.
Under the hood, you’ll find an advanced 2.0-liter 272 hp turbocharged four-cylinder K20C4 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combo delivers a decent 15 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Not too shabby, right?
But the real showstopper? The state-of-the-art infotainment system with its True Touchpad Interface. It sets a new benchmark for user-friendly experiences in the luxury SUV world.
Safety got a serious upgrade too. The AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver assistance systems comes standard, featuring goodies like Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM). It’s like having a guardian angel riding shotgun.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by an upscale cabin that screams luxury, with plush materials and ergonomic designs that make every drive feel like a treat.
All these improvements didn’t go unnoticed. Consumer Reports awarded the 2022 model its highest reliability score, while J.D. Power and Cars.com ratings showed a consistent uptick in owner satisfaction.
The Worst Years: 2019, 2020, 2021
Now, let’s talk about the black sheep of this generation – the 2019, 2020, and 2021 models. These are the Acura RDX years to avoid, thanks to low ratings and a chorus of complaints from owners.
The 2019 model? It’s the Acura RDX year to “avoid like the plague.” With scores of 3.3 from Edmunds, 73 from J.D. Power, and 4.3 from Cars.com, it’s evident this model year missed the mark.
Owners frequently reported transmission failures leading to sudden deceleration – turning a smooth ride into a potential safety hazard. And it gets worse: instances of the check engine light illuminating paired with a loss of power were alarmingly common.
As if that wasn’t enough, some owners experienced sudden window shattering. Talk about a drive-thru catastrophe waiting to happen!
The Brake Hold feature, while innovative on paper, proved problematic in practice. Some owners reported it releasing when the Auto Start-Stop re-engaged the engine, causing unexpected forward movement. Not exactly the kind of surprise you want in traffic.
Honda did acknowledge some of these issues, issuing recalls for the 2019 and 2020 RDX models related to fuel pump failures that could cause engine stalling. They also released service bulletins to address some concerns.
While the 2020 and 2021 models showed some improvements, they still carried the burden of lingering issues. The Brake Hold problem, for instance, stubbornly persisted into the 2021 model.
Want the full story?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2019, 2020, and 2021 Acura RDX. It’s quite the read.
Acura RDX Average Resale Values
Curious about how the Acura RDX holds its value over time? Take a look at this graph. It shows the trends in average resale values of the Acura RDX over the years, giving you a clear picture of its market performance and demand:
Conclusion
There you have it – a deep dive into which Acura RDX year to buy. The facelift years of each generation stand out as the best picks: 2010-2012 models, 2016-2018 models, and 2022-2023 models. These are the Acura RDX model years that’ll give you the most bang for your buck.
Now, I’m curious – have you had any encounters with the best or worst years of the Acura RDX?
Would you recommend this vehicle to others?
Don’t be shy – drop your thoughts in the comments below! Your experiences could be the game-changer for someone on the fence about their next car purchase.
