Does the Acura RDX have a 3rd row?
No—it's a five-passenger compact luxury SUV and does not offer a third row. As of the 2024 and 2025 model years, the RDX remains a two-row vehicle; Acura's three-row option is the MDX.
What the RDX offers in seating and cargo
Here's a quick look at how the RDX is configured in terms of passenger space and luggage capacity.
- Seating capacity: 5 passengers (2 in front, 3 in the rear).
- Second row: 60/40-split bench that folds to expand the cargo area, but there is no third row.
- Cargo space: about 30 cubic feet behind the second row; roughly 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.
- Comfort and practicality: a well-appointed interior with supportive seats and a quiet cabin, optimized for urban and highway driving rather than family trips that require a 3rd row.
In short, the RDX prioritizes sporty handling and a premium interior for five occupants with flexible cargo space, not a third row for additional passengers.
Direct Acura alternative for 3 rows
For buyers who must have a three-row setup, the MDX is Acura's model designed to accommodate more people.
- Acura MDX: a true three-row SUV that seats up to seven (or six with second-row captain's chairs) depending on configuration.
- Tradeoffs: generally larger overall footprint and different ride characteristics, with more interior space and cargo capacity behind the third row, but often at a higher price and with different efficiency compared with the RDX.
For 3-row seating within the Acura family, the MDX is the standard choice, while the RDX remains focused on five-seat versatility.
Additional considerations
Other factors buyers weigh include cargo practicality, ease of access to the rear seats, and overall driving dynamics. If you need seat flexibility for kids, friends, or gear, you may prefer the MDX or other brands that offer 3-row SUVs.
How this affects buyers in practice
Choosing between the RDX and a 3-row model like the MDX boils down to your seating needs, daily usage, and budget. The RDX offers sharper handling, a more premium interior, and robust features for a five-passenger layout, while the MDX prioritizes passenger capacity and longer-range versatility.
Summary
The Acura RDX does not come with an optional third row. It is a five-passenger SUV with a flexible rear cargo area. If you require a three-row configuration, consider the Acura MDX, which is designed to seat more passengers and provides different configurations to suit larger families or groups. The RDX remains a strong choice for those who value sportier driving dynamics and premium features in a compact, two-row package.
