How much is the 2021 Acura RDX?

The 2021 Acura RDX is a popular luxury compact SUV that offers a compelling blend of performance, technology, and premium features. With a starting MSRP of $38,400, the 2021 RDX provides an excellent value proposition in the crowded luxury SUV market.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The 2021 Acura RDX is available in several trim levels, each with its own set of features and pricing:

• Base RDX: $38,400 MSRP


• Technology Package: $41,400 MSRP


• A-Spec Package: $44,500 MSRP


• Advance Package: $46,400 MSRP

The base RDX model comes well-equipped with features like a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, and a panoramic moonroof. The higher trim levels add features like a premium audio system, navigation, leather upholstery, and advanced safety technologies.

Key Features and Specifications

The 2021 Acura RDX offers a range of features and specifications that make it a compelling choice in the luxury compact SUV segment:

• Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 272 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque


• Transmission: 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters


• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive standard, available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)


• Fuel Economy: Up to 22 city/28 highway/24 combined mpg


• Cargo Space: 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded


• Technology: 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available head-up display


• Safety: Standard AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance featuresli>
  

The 2021 Acura RDX offers a compelling blend of performance, technology, and premium features, making it a top contender in the luxury compact SUV segment.

What should I pay for a 2021 Acura RDX?

2021 Acura RDX Pricing

	Original MSRP	KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.)
Sport Utility 4D	$39,445	$24,560
SH-AWD Sport Utility 4D	$41,445	$26,579
FWD w/Technology Pkg Sport Utility 4D	$42,345	$25,944
SH-AWD w/Technology Pkg Sport Utility 4D	$44,345	$27,112

Is 2021 a good year for an Acura RDX?

Yes, 2021 is considered a good year for the Acura RDX, praised for its value, practicality, safety features, and strong performance from its turbocharged engine. Downsides noted by some owners and reviewers include a sometimes-frustrating True Touchpad Interface, some cost-cutting features, and potentially poor fuel economy.
 
Pros of the 2021 Acura RDX

• Value and standard features: It offers a lot of standard features for its price point, making it a great value in the luxury compact SUV segment. 
• Performance: The 2.0L turbocharged engine provides surprising power, and available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive enhances its sporty handling. 
• Space and practicality: It has a spacious interior with plenty of rear legroom and a roomy cargo area with subfloor storage. 
• Safety: The RDX comes standard with a strong set of safety features. 
• Comfort: Many reviewers and owners highlight its comfortable and quiet ride. 

Cons of the 2021 Acura RDX

• Infotainment system: The True Touchpad Interface can be difficult to use and is not as intuitive as a touchscreen for some drivers. 
• Fuel economy: Some owners report that the fuel economy is lower than expected for its class. 
• Cost-cutting features: Some reviewers point out minor cost-cutting measures, such as the lack of LED rear turn signals on some trims or the absence of a remote start feature on the app for certain models. 
• Other issues: Some owners have reported issues like squeaking brakes, especially in cold weather, and the potential for the infotainment system to freeze. 

What year of Acura RDX to stay away from?

The 2019 Acura RDX is the model year most frequently cited to avoid due to a high number of owner complaints, especially concerning engine stalling/power loss and infotainment system issues. Other model years to approach with caution are the 2015 and 2018 due to transmission problems, and the 2014 for various electrical and transmission issues. Some owners also reported shattering rear glass on 2019-2022 models, though this seems to be random.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the potential problems with the Acura RDX: 52sHey, ask your dadYouTube · May 24, 2025
Years to avoid

• 2019: This model year had the most complaints and was the first year of a new generation, resulting in significant teething issues. 
  • Engine stalling: A major problem reported was the engine stalling at highway speeds or entering "limp mode". 
  • Infotainment system: The infotainment system was prone to freezing and laggy performance. 
  • Other issues: Some owners reported issues with squealing brakes, sunroof leaks, and shattering rear glass. 
• 2015: This model year continued to have problems from previous years and is associated with transmission issues. 
  • Transmission problems: Issues include rough shifting, slipping, and other gear-related failures. 
  • Infotainment system: The infotainment system was also problematic, with freezes and lag. 
  • Electrical and other issues: Owners reported persistent headlight dimming and electrical system glitches. 
• 2018: This model year had some recalls and reported issues, particularly with the transmission. 
  • Transmission problems: Similar to the 2015, issues with rough shifting and slipping were reported. 
  • Engine problems: There were reports of potential engine issues, though they may be less common. 
• 2014: Some owners reported transmission issues and other electrical problems with this model year. 
  • Transmission problems: Rough shifting was a common complaint. 
  • Electrical problems: Issues with malfunctioning dashboard lights and sensors were reported. 
  • Other issues: Sunroof leaks were also an issue in this model year. 

Other considerations

• 2020-2022: While generally more reliable than the 2019, some owners of these models reported issues with the engine's intercooler, which could cause power loss or stalling. This was often covered by a service bulletin and warranty. Shattering rear glass was also randomly reported in this range of years. 
• Takata airbags: Many Acura RDX models, particularly older ones, were subject to a massive recall for faulty Takata airbags. Be sure to check if a specific vehicle's recall has been addressed. 

What is the lawsuit against the Acura RDX?

There are several lawsuits against the Acura RDX, with the most prominent being related to the infotainment system for 2019-2020 models, which resulted in a class-action settlement. Other active lawsuits and investigations concern a potential defect causing rear windshields to spontaneously shatter in 2019-2023 models and alleged transmission problems in various Acura models, including the RDX. There have also been claims and investigations regarding unintended deceleration and stalling issues in some 2019-2020 models.
 
Infotainment System (2019-2020 models)

• Lawsuit: A class-action lawsuit alleged that the infotainment systems in 2019-2020 RDX vehicles were defective, frequently freezing, crashing, or failing to connect devices. 
• Settlement: A nationwide settlement was reached, providing benefits such as a warranty extension, a dealership assistance program, and compensation for inconvenience and out-of-pocket expenses for affected owners. 

Shattering Rear Windshields (2019-2023 models) 

• Lawsuit/Investigation: A class-action lawsuit was filed alleging that the rear windshields on 2019-2023 models can spontaneously shatter or break without impact, potentially due to the rear defroster. 
• Safety concerns: The lawsuit states this poses a safety risk, as it can startle drivers and cause them to swerve. 
• Current status: This lawsuit is ongoing, with investigations into the issue and potential class-action status. 

Transmission and Deceleration Problems (2019-2020 models)

• Lawsuit/Investigation: Lawsuits have been filed alleging a dangerous defect where vehicles may decelerate unexpectedly or stall when the driver presses the gas pedal.
• Symptoms: Drivers have reported jerking, hesitation, stalling, and abrupt shutdowns.
• Allegation: It is alleged that Honda failed to disclose these defects and the associated safety risks. 

How to take action

• If you own or lease an affected vehicle, contact the law firms handling these cases to see if you qualify for any ongoing settlements or to join a class-action lawsuit.
• For specific details about each case, visit the websites linked in the search results.