Which Honda is the Acura RDX based on?
The Acura RDX is a compact luxury crossover SUV that is based on the Honda CR-V, a popular and well-regarded compact SUV. The RDX shares many of the same underpinnings and components with the CR-V, but it is designed and marketed as a more premium, upscale offering from Honda's luxury division, Acura.
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 the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is found in the CR-V, though it is tuned to produce more power and torque in the Acura model. 2
Design and Feature Differences
While the RDX and CR-V share a common foundation, Acura has differentiated the RDX through unique exterior styling, a more premium interior, and additional luxury features. The RDX has a more distinctive, angular design compared to the CR-V's more rounded, family-oriented look. 3 Inside, the RDX offers higher-quality materials, more advanced technology, and additional comfort and convenience features that are not found on the CR-V.
Positioning and Pricing
The Acura RDX is positioned as a more upscale and luxurious alternative to the Honda CR-V. It is priced significantly higher than the CR-V, with a starting MSRP around $40,000 compared to the CR-V's starting price of around $25,000. 4 This higher price point allows Acura to offer a more premium driving experience, better performance, and a more sophisticated, feature-rich package.
In summary, the Acura RDX is based on the Honda CR-V, sharing its underlying platform and powertrain, but Acura has differentiated the RDX through unique styling, a more premium interior, and additional luxury features to position it as a compact luxury crossover SUV.
