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What Honda is the Acura RDX based on?

The Acura RDX is a luxury compact crossover SUV produced by Honda's premium Acura brand. While the RDX is a distinct model from Acura, it is actually based on the Honda CR-V, a popular compact SUV. The RDX shares many of the same underlying components and engineering with the CR-V, but features a more premium design, additional luxury features, and a more powerful engine.


Shared Platform and Powertrain


The Acura RDX is built on the same platform as the Honda CR-V. This means the two vehicles share the same basic chassis, suspension, and other core structural components. 1 The RDX also uses a version of the CR-V's 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, though it is tuned to produce more horsepower and torque. 2


Distinct Luxury Features


While the RDX and CR-V share a common foundation, the Acura model is distinguished by its more premium interior materials, additional technology features, and more sophisticated styling. Some key luxury upgrades on the RDX include:



  • Leather upholstery

  • Heated and ventilated front seats

  • Upgraded audio system

  • Larger infotainment display

  • Distinctive Acura design cues


These enhancements help position the RDX as a more premium and luxurious alternative to the mainstream Honda CR-V. 3


Journalistic Writing Style


The news-style format used in this response aims to provide a concise, informative, and engaging overview of the relationship between the Acura RDX and Honda CR-V. By using clear subheadings, explanatory paragraphs, and bulleted lists, the key details are presented in a structured, easy-to-follow manner. 10 This style is designed to quickly answer the original question while also offering additional context and details for the reader.

Is the Acura RDX the same as the Honda CR-V?


While both the Honda CR-V and the Acura RDX offer seating for five passengers, you'll have a bit more room to stretch out in the RDX. It offers 42 inches of legroom up front, while the CR-V only has 41.3 inches. The Acura RDX also has more room for your cargo.



What platform is the Acura RDX built on?


As the luxury division of Honda, Acura creates some models that are built upon Honda's platforms. That's the case for the RDX, which shares the same platform as the CR-V.



What is the life expectancy of an Acura RDX?


250,000 to 300,000 miles
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.



What platform is the Acura RDX on?


Third generation (TC1/2; 2019)

Third generation
DesignerRandall Smock
Body and chassis
LayoutFront engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive (SH-AWD)
PlatformHonda Architecture (HA)



What SUV is comparable to the Acura RDX?


Cars similar to 2025 Acura RDX

  • 2025 Acura RDX. #24 in Luxury Mid-Size SUVs.
  • 2025 BMW X3. #18 in Luxury Mid-Size SUVs. Get Your Price.
  • 2025 Volvo XC60. #10 in Luxury Mid-Size SUVs. Get Your Price.
  • 2025 Genesis GV70. #12 in Luxury Mid-Size SUVs. Get Your Price.
  • 2024 Audi Q5.
  • 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class.



Which car is better, Honda or Acura?


Honda vehicles are very similar because they share core values. However, with the Acura brand being the luxury and performance-focused sibling to Honda, an Acura vehicle lets you get a better luxury experience while retaining top-notch reliability.



Which is better RAV4 or RDX?


With its standard 272-hp turbocharged engine and available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, the RDX outperforms the Toyota RAV4 by a wide margin in both power and handling. Being a premium luxury vehicle, the new Acura RDX boasts a higher starting MSRP than the value-priced Toyota RAV4.



Is Acura higher quality than Honda?


Acura, on the other hand, is Honda's luxury division. Launched in 1986, Acura was the first Japanese premium car brand. The vehicles under this marque are designed with a greater emphasis on performance, luxury features, and a higher level of craftsmanship.



What is RDX based on?


RDX stands for Royal Demolition eXplosive. It is also known as cyclonite or hexogen. The chemical name for RDX is hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine. It is a white powder and is very explosive.



What Honda is equivalent to the RDX?


2021 Honda CR-V
The 2021 Honda CR-V Near Philadelphia, PA. Motorists continue to gravitate toward compact SUVs, thanks to these vehicles' brilliant balance of versatility and efficiency. Two popular options among new 5-passenger crossover SUVs for sale are the 2021 Acura RDX and its competitor from Honda, the 2021 CR-V.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.