How many miles will an Acura RDX go?
The typical Acura RDX can travel roughly 400 to 450 miles on a full tank, depending on model year, drivetrain, and driving conditions.
As a compact luxury SUV, the RDX uses a turbocharged gasoline engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Its driving range depends on the fuel tank size, the vehicle’s fuel economy, and how you drive. Below is a breakdown of what determines range, how to estimate it for your specific vehicle, and what to expect across common configurations.
What determines the RDX’s driving range
Several factors influence how far the RDX will go on a tank of gas. The list below outlines the most significant ones and how they interact to shape overall range.
- Fuel tank capacity, which is around 15.9 gallons for typical non-hybrid RDX models.
- EPA-rated fuel economy, which varies by model year, drivetrain (FWD vs. AWD), and trim level, and generally falls in the mid-20s miles per gallon combined for recent versions.
- Driving conditions, including city versus highway driving, climate control usage, cargo load, and terrain, all of which can raise or lower mpg.
- Tire pressure, alignment, and maintenance, which affect rolling resistance and efficiency.
- Vehicle age and condition, as engines and transmissions can become less efficient over time without maintenance.
Understanding these factors helps explain why two identical RDXs can show different range estimates in real-world driving.
Estimating your range on a full tank
To estimate range, you can multiply the approximate fuel tank size by the vehicle’s miles-per-gallon rating. The examples below illustrate typical values you might see on recent models.
- Common starting point: 15.9 gallons × roughly 25–28 mpg combined yields about 400–450 miles of range.
- If you drive mostly on highways with higher mpg, you may see upper ends near 430–450 miles.
- If you drive more city traffic with lower mpg, expect closer to 350–420 miles.
Keep in mind these figures are estimates. Your actual range will vary with driving style, load, weather, and maintenance.
Model-year and drivetrain variations
Range can shift slightly across model years and between drivetrain configurations. In general, most recent RDX models (non-hybrid) with front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) share the same basic fuel-tank size, but mpg can differ by drivetrain and tuning.
How drivetrain affects range
FWD versions often deliver better highway mpg than AWD versions due to lower drivetrain transfer losses, which can translate into a modestly higher estimated range on the same tank. The Type S, while offering higher performance, typically shares the same basic fuel system and may have similar or slightly different mpg depending on tuning and gearing.
For precise, year-by-year figures, consult the EPA window sticker for the exact trim and drivetrain you’re considering, or check the manufacturer’s official specifications.
Summary
In practical terms, a contemporary Acura RDX will typically cover about 400 to 450 miles on a full tank, with exact numbers dictated by the model year, drivetrain (FWD or AWD), and how you drive. To maximize range, keep tires inflated, drive smoothly at steady speeds, and maintain the vehicle according to the owner's manual. Always refer to your trip computer or EPA-rated figures for the most accurate, vehicle-specific estimate.
What is considered high mileage for an Acura?
High mileage for an Acura is 150,000+ miles, but they can still be reliable beyond that with regular maintenance.
How long do Acura RDX SUVs typically last?
How long do Acura RDXs last? According to motorbiscuit.com, a typical Acura RDX will last 250,000-300,000 miles. This lifespan is influenced by several factors, such as the weather and how you drive the car. Some are out of your control, but some items are under your influence.
How many miles can you get out of an Acura RDX?
Again, here's what the experts had to say: MotorAsk.com – “Acuras can last anywhere from 250,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance.
Are Acuras reliable after 100K miles?
Yes, Acuras are generally very reliable after 100k miles, especially with consistent maintenance, as they are built with quality engineering from their Honda roots. Key to this reliability is following the recommended maintenance schedule, which includes performing major services like transmission fluid changes and, for models with a timing belt, replacing it around the 100k mark.
Key factors for long-term reliability
- Follow the maintenance schedule: Regular oil changes, fluid replacements, and other services are crucial for longevity.
- Pay attention to major service intervals: At around 100,000 miles, certain components, like the timing belt in older models, need to be replaced.
- Transmission fluid is critical: Changing the transmission fluid at recommended intervals is one of the most important aspects of keeping the car running smoothly long-term.
- Consider the engine: While many Acura engines are very reliable, some J-series engines have a history of oil consumption issues, especially older ones.
- Potential for issues: As with any car, some issues can arise after 100k miles, such as air conditioning system problems or oil consumption, so it's wise to factor in potential repair costs.
What drivers say
- Many owners report driving their Acuras for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal issues if proper maintenance was performed.
- Owners of older models like the TL and MDX often report that the engines remained in good condition even after the transmission began to show wear.
