Does the Acura RDX have ambient lighting?
Yes. The Acura RDX provides cabin ambient lighting, with basic lighting on entry trims and customizable multi-color lighting on higher trims in newer model years.
Ambient lighting refers to the soft LED glow that lights up areas such as the footwells, door panels, and center stack. This article explains where it appears, how to customize it, and how its availability varies across trims in the latest RDX models.
Where ambient lighting appears in the cabin
The RDX places ambient lighting in several key zones to improve nighttime visibility and mood. The exact footprint can vary by trim and model year, but the common areas are listed below.
- Door panels and door pockets
- Dash and center console accents
- Footwells (driver, passenger, and rear seating areas)
- Door sill accents (on higher trims)
In practice, the lighting is designed to be subtle, with color options that can be adjusted on supported trims via the vehicle's settings.
Trim-level availability and packages
Ambient lighting availability and capabilities vary by trim level and optional packages. Here is a general breakdown of what buyers can expect in recent RDX models.
- Base/entry trims: typically include a basic, fixed-color ambient lighting for ease of use and energy efficiency.
- Technology trim: adds additional zones and color options, enabling brighter and more varied lighting scenes.
- A-Spec trim: emphasizes sport-oriented styling, with enhanced lighting zones and more versatile color options on supported model years.
- Advance (top-line) trim: usually offers the most comprehensive ambient lighting, including multi-color options and higher brightness levels.
Note that features can change with mid-cycle updates or regional specifications. Always verify with the dealer for the exact package contents for a given model year and trim.
How to customize ambient lighting
On most current RDX models, you control ambient lighting through the infotainment system and, in some trims, via dedicated controls on the console. The typical steps are:
- Power on the vehicle and access the infotainment system.
- Navigate to Settings or Vehicle Settings, then Interior Lighting or Ambient Lighting.
- Choose color and brightness to tailor the cabin mood.
- Some trims offer quick-access color toggles on the main screen or steering wheel controls.
Following these steps will allow you to tailor the lighting to your preference, from a calm blue to a warmer hue, depending on your model year and trim.
How ambient lighting compares with rivals
Ambient lighting is a common feature among compact luxury SUVs. Acura positions it as a tasteful, adjustable benefit, though the breadth of color options and the number of illuminated zones vary by trim. Competitors in the segment offer similarly configurable lighting on higher trims and, in some cases, standard lighting on lower trims.
Summary
The Acura RDX does offer ambient lighting, with more extensive color options and lighting zones on higher trims. If ambient lighting is important to you, look at mid-to-high trims (Technology, A-Spec, Advance) or verify the exact package contents for the model year you’re considering. The system is designed to be user-friendly and adjustable through the infotainment interface, letting you customize the cabin mood for night driving.
