2023 Acura RDX Review // Still best value premium SUV?

This is a Motormouth couple car review of the 2023 Acura RDX compact premium SUV.
The Acura RDX has a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission, 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, standard AWD in Canada. In the US, both FWD and AWD options are available.
In Canada, there are just two trims for the 2023 Acura RDX and both are A-Spec, no longer is there a base RDX offered. Standard features include, a 7” multi-information display, 10.2” centre display with True touchpad interface, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, 12-way power driver and passenger seats with lumbar support, ultra-suede and leather trimmed upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, driver seat memory, a heated steering wheel, ELS Studio 3D premium sound system, a panoramic sunroof and a hands-free power tailgate.
In the US, there are 5 trims, the base trim Acura RDX comes with quite a few of the standard features offered in Canada but it is missing ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, the ELS sound system, driver seat memory, a hands-free power tailgate and ultra-suede upholstery, leatherette is standard. One up from the base model adds the wireless charger, the stereo system and leather trimmed seats. The A-Spec model adds ventilated front seats.
In both Canada and the US, the top trim Acura RDX has a head-up display, surround view camera, 16-way power driver and passenger seats and heated rear seats.
Fuel economy, A-Spec models get 11.3L/100 km, 21 MPG city and 9.1L/100 km, 26 MPG highway. The RDX can tow 1500 pounds.
Here’s the pricing, the RDX A-Spec is $57,420 CAD and the Platinum Elite A-Spec $62,820 CAD.
Acura RDX FWD model starts at $41,550 USD, AWD $43,750 USD. Technology FWD $44,200 USD, AWD $46,400 USD. A-Spec FWD $47,200 USD, AWD $49,400 USD. Advance $51,550 USD and A-Spec Advance $53,550 USD.

[geocape]

I have a 2021 Tech and love it with zero problems and 50k miles.

[frankyang]

Glad I bought RDX Platinum Elite in 2021 after watching your reviews. It's been a very nice all around work horse and I still very much enjoy the vehicle. After a week, the track pad is really 2nd nature. Thank you for all the videos you do!

[chrislim]

I think Zack or Andrea mentioned Mercedes Benz as an alternative.
Just note while MB has been chasing lower price points with vehicles for a while, MB maintenance costs are still very much "Mercedes" priced

[bigheadrec]

As cheesy as Zack's jokes can be, the one at the end was quite funny. You guys just make a great team for vehicle reviews!

[tishcarneghi]

I currently own the 2019 Acura RDX (Tech Package). This is my second RDX in a row and I have always liked the drive and ride. It's been 4 years and I still HATE the trackpad. I never have been able to get used to it. I am using your "For Your Consideration" suggestions to finally move on from the Acura. Thank you for your honest and insightful reviews.

[reggieburris]

My wife and I have 2 x ‘23 RDX ASpec Advance Package. Love them immensely. I almost got an MDX but coming from a Palisade, I wanted something smaller. Took me a minute to adapt to the screen but overall, this is a excellent package.

[RetroFan]

My wife and I love our 2022 RDX A spec!!

[abhardwaj]

Andrea your outfit is exactly like the car! Your attention to detail is superb

[shopwithaaron]

Thanks you two! My sis was looking at least a year ago for something to replace her 2016 Forester (too loud and not too comfortable for log road trips) She sent me a pic of an RDX under consideration...I said stop! The center stack was a nightmare! Thanks Andrea for jumping into my camp! They're now the proud owners of a '22 Outback Limited! Tan leather inside and....white exterior...Looks good and quiet!

[DM]

I look forward to Acura completely redesigning their center stack/infotainment.

[comeconcon]

A very good-looking SUV looking at it from every angle.

[ianas]

This is a drivers SUV. The SHAWD makes this vehicle handle better than it really should especially noticeable in winters conditions. If you put a premium on driving dynamics you’ll love this SUV. Driving the revised 2022 it’s much quieter and the suspension and engine transmission tuning is just dialed in. This is my “if you only could have one vehicle” pick.

[RaghuBhimana-bqgy]

an awesome documentary would be about how you guys built motormouth and keep churning out such awesome content every other day..what goes on behind the scenes..how you manage your lives personal and professional..maybe i'm just a big fan too :)

[grandicornis]

I've had an RDX since January of 2019 and really like everything about it except the fuel economy. Part of that is my fault since I tend to have a heavy foot since it's so much fun to drive but the only time I get close to decent mileage is when I'm on the freeway. 

I'm always amazed that so many reviewers are baffled by the touchpad. I had that down in like the first week of having the car. The only part I don't like about it is when I'm using Carplay and then it does act like a conventional trackpad. No fingerprints all over the screen is a real bonus too.

[lawrencemitchell]

Everything lately from Acura looks great to me exterior wise. Great review as usual Y'all thank you 🤗.

[cjwestside]

I have a 2020 RDX aspec. Great SUV with some initial quality issues. Supposedly 2022/23 are much improved. I drive normally with city roads and highway combo everyday and can't get more than 500km per tank. Overall comfortable and fun to drive.

[UltraDoug]

Thing about the touchpad that I quickly realized, in my TLX, is that once your iPhone is plugged in, the trackpad is WAY more useable and enjoyable. That said, either way you get used to it easily after a few days.

[OFOFBORG]

Nice vehicle but the dashboard do need changes. Surprisingly it offer better packages than others. As you hit the gas, I can hear the a very loud engine. Great video Andrea! 👍🏻👍🏻

[arunbhaskaran]

Hey Zack n Andrea, I love your channel, kudos to the way you explain things around each cars n make it believable. I feel it saves time for people to just decide the car based on your reviews, amazing job guys.
I wanted to let you know that I got my brand new Acura RDX aspec and I feel it's simply outstanding. If anyone wants to buy a proper SUV which drives you with confidence and gives you the comfort I highly recommend buying Acura RDX. I have it for almost a month now and I love it even more.
When everyone was talking about the touchpad I was worried and skeptical but take my word guys once u get used to it, u will love it, it is much easier than leaning over n touching the screen, it's a true touchpad and it works seamlessly.
I read lot of comments saying that touchpad is the reason for not buying the car, and all I have to say is use it n you will know it is one of the easiest thing to use. And even if you dnt like it, I would say if you love driving an SUV dnt miss this car it is so much fun n peppy that you will forget everything else. I did test drive Mercedes GLC( it's nt as roomy as Acura, also merc will cost you more in terms of maintenance) I am not a fan of Genesis ( I feel they are too much bling and the dashboard I will get over it too soon) BMW was awesome( but again maintenance was the deal breaker), so with all that done I felt Acura checked all the boxes and I am absolutely happy about the decision, cheers 🤘

[LJ-wowf]

1:40 - I've got a '22 TLX with a similar array of buttons, and I totally dig it. I came from a '17 Civic hatchback and really didn't like how most of the Civic's HVAC controls were hidden in the infotainment screen. I also like Acura's pushbutton shifter controls — they're easy to use while making it difficult to choose the wrong gear. I mostly like the trackpad for how it allows the screen to stay at a comfortably high viewing distance, but yeah, it's not great for CarPlay (and terrible if you try choosing a playlist in Apple Music).