2026 Acura RDX | Price & Release Date

 The 2026 Acura RDX is a premium compact SUV that delivers luxury at a more affordable price than rivals like the BMW X3 and Porsche Macan. Its 272-hp turbocharged engine ensures strong acceleration, though the transmission can feel unrefined, and the brake pedal lacks firmness. Standard all-wheel drive improves stability, while advanced driver-assistance features enhance safety.

Inside, the RDX boasts a spacious cabin with premium materials, a large infotainment display, and intuitive controls. Agile handling and responsive steering make it enjoyable to drive in both city and highway settings. For those prioritizing value over a luxury badge, the RDX offers a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and technology.

What’s New for 2026?

The 2026 Acura RDX receives several upgrades to enhance both style and functionality. It now features a redesigned grille with a mesh insert, giving it a bolder and more refined look. New wheel designs and body-color lower trim add to its modern appeal, while fresh exterior color options provide more choices for buyers seeking a personalized touch.

Inside, Acura has reworked the center console to offer additional storage space, making it more practical for everyday use. The wireless charging pad has been repositioned for easier access. The infotainment system has also been improved, introducing a wide-screen Apple CarPlay mode that fully utilizes the 10.2-inch display for a more immersive experience.

Luxury and comfort are further enhanced in higher trims. The Advance and A-Spec Advance models now come with full-leather upholstery, giving the cabin a more premium feel. Additionally, Acura has upgraded the ambient interior lighting, adding illuminated speaker grilles for a more sophisticated atmosphere. These updates make the 2026 RDX more stylish, functional, and technologically advanced than before.

2026 Acura RDX Redesign

The Acura RDX 2026 is expected to receive a refreshed exterior design, featuring a bolder front grille, updated LED lighting, and sportier styling cues. Inside, Acura is likely to enhance the cabin with a more intuitive infotainment system, higher-quality materials, and improved seating comfort. 

Performance-wise, while the 272-hp turbocharged engine is expected to remain, Acura may refine its 10-speed automatic transmission for smoother shifts. The SH-AWD system and adaptive suspension could also see updates to further improve handling and ride quality.

2026 Acura RDX Price

The 2026 Acura RDX has a starting price of $46,050, with higher trims and additional features pushing the cost up to $55,800.

What Makes It Different From Its Competitors?

The Acura RDX 2026 stands out in the compact luxury SUV segment with its balance of performance, technology, and affordability. Unlike rivals like the BMW X3, Porsche Macan, and Mercedes-Benz GLC, the RDX offers a premium experience at a more accessible price point.

2026 Acura RDX Release Date

Acura has not officially announced the release date for the 2026 RDX. However, based on industry trends, it is expected to arrive in dealerships by late 2025.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Acura RDX 2026 features a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system comes standard, improving traction and stability on various road surfaces. The throttle responds quickly, providing smooth acceleration, though the transmission can be slow to downshift, even with paddle shifters.

Under acceleration, the turbo engine emits a high-pitched roar, reminiscent of the discontinued NSX, though much of this sound is artificially enhanced through the cabin speakers. The RDX we tested rode on 20-inch wheels with adaptive dampers, allowing for ride comfort adjustments. While the suspension handled most road imperfections well, harsher impacts were more noticeable, though cabin noise remained minimal.

The torque-vectoring SH-AWD system enhances agility, making the RDX feel nimble around corners. Precise steering adds to its confident handling, delivering a balanced and composed driving experience. However, the brake pedal lacks consistent firmness and responsiveness, which could affect driver confidence during sudden stops or spirited driving.

0-60-MPH Times

In our testing, the A-Spec model reached 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, putting it in the middle range among compact luxury SUVs.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Acura RDX 2026 delivers solid fuel economy for a compact luxury SUV, making it a practical choice for those seeking efficiency without compromising on performance. The standard all-wheel drive configuration earns it an EPA rating of 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. 

However, the A-Spec trim sees a small dip in highway efficiency, achieving 26 mpg. When we tested the A-Spec model on our 75-mph highway route, it performed as expected, matching its EPA rating of 26 mpg. Overall, the RDX offers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency for daily driving and longer trips.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

• The center stack includes various buttons, a touchpad, and a large rotary drive-mode selector, making it somewhat busy.
• The A-Spec trim features bold red seats and exclusive styling elements for a sportier look.
• High-quality materials are used throughout the cabin, but it leans more towards a sporty feel rather than pure luxury.
• The driving position is elevated for SUV enthusiasts but also offers a low setting for a more engaging driving experience.
• Rear seats have an easy-release handle for quick folding, accessible from the cargo area.
• Cargo space accommodates up to eight carry-on bags with seats up and expands to 22 when folded, offering great versatility.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The RDX features a 10.2-inch touchscreen mounted high on the dashboard, which can also be controlled using a touchpad on the center console. It took some time to get used to the controls. Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available Technology package enhances the setup with built-in navigation, rear-seat USB ports, and a premium 12-speaker ELS Studio audio system for an elevated multimedia experience.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2026 Acura RDX comes equipped with a range of standard driver-assistance features, with additional options available through the Technology package. These extras include front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. For details on the RDX’s crash-test performance, you can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Acura offers warranty coverage for the RDX that is on par with other luxury brands, but its complimentary maintenance plan is shorter than those of the BMW X3 and Jaguar F-Pace.

• Limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance: 2 years or 24,000 miles

FAQs

What engine powers the Acura RDX 2026?
The 2026 RDX is powered by a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It comes with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system for better traction and stability.

How fast is the 2026 Acura RDX?
The A-Spec model reaches 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, placing it in the mid-range among compact luxury SUVs.

What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Acura RDX?
The RDX gets an EPA rating of 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the standard all-wheel-drive model. The A-Spec trim achieves 26 mpg on the highway.

How spacious is the 2026 Acura RDX?
The RDX has a well-appointed cabin that offers space for eight carry-on bags with the seats up and 22 with the rear seats folded flat, making it a practical choice for road trips.

Conclusion

The 2026 Acura RDX offers an attractive mix of performance, comfort, and technology in the premium compact SUV segment. While it may not carry the same prestige as its European rivals, it delivers a solid driving experience with responsive acceleration, precise handling, and a practical interior. 

The redesigned exterior, enhanced tech features, and available luxury touches elevate its appeal, while competitive pricing ensures it remains a strong value proposition. Whether you’re seeking an agile daily driver or a road-trip-ready SUV, the Acura RDX is a well-rounded option that stands out for its blend of affordability and refinement.