For every generation of Acura RDX, we ranked all models so you can avoid buying the worst Acura RDX years and purchase the best Acura RDX years.
The goal of this ultimate guide is to help you determine which Acura RDX generation is the best to buy, and which Acura RDX generation is the worst to avoid.
In my review of the Acura RDX, I’ll examine its common problems and standout features using data from reliable sources like NHTSA, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds.
Let’s begin.
Acura RDX Generations
In 2006, Acura introduced its first generation of the RDX, a luxury vehicle known for its combination of performance and opulence. The RDX built on the RDX’s reputation to pioneer the compact luxury SUV category, with features such as a turbocharged engine and an all-wheel drive system that implemented exceptional handling.
Below is a breakdown of the generational changes of the Acura RDX since its inception.
| Generation | Years |
| 1st generation (TB1/2) | 2007-2012 |
| 2nd generation (TB3/4) | 2013-2018 |
| 3rd generation (TC1/2) | 2019-Present |
To determine which model year is the best match for an individual’s preferences and needs, it is crucial to understand the nuances between generations.
Acura RDX Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
In assessing Acura RDX years that are best and worst, we rely on a variety of substantial and diverse sources of data:
Based on extensive research, the following table identifies the best, neutral, and worst Acura RDX model years.
| Generation | Best Years | Worst Years |
| 1st generation (TB1/2) | 2010 2011 2012 | 2007 2008 2009 |
| 2nd generation (TB3/4) | 2016 2017 2018 | 2013 2014 2015 |
| 3rd generation (TC1/2) | 2022 2023 | 2019 2020 2021 |
Our evaluations are heavily influenced by some factors, including NHTSA recalls, for example. Recalls and complaints associated with a specific model year indicate reliability concerns to a greater extent.
Let’s now take a look at the best, neutral, and worst years of the Acura RDX.
Best & Worst Years for Acura RDX 1st Generation (2007-2012)
The Acura RDX 1st Generation launched in 2007, marking Acura’s first entry into the compact luxury SUV market. In terms of reliability, this generation of the Acura RDX earns an average of 4.5 Edmunds and 4.4 Kelley Blue Book ratings.
From the first generation Acura RDX, early model years 2007, 2008, and 2009 are the bad years to buy, while 2010, 2011, and 2012 make for the best buys.
The Best Years: 2010, 2011, 2012
There is no doubt that the years 2010, 2011, and 2012 were the best years of the Acura RDX of the first generation.
This year’s Acura RDX is particularly noteworthy because Acura seemed to have ironed out many of its initial kinks. As a result, it earned 82 points from J.D. Power, 4.8 points from Cars.com, and 4.4 points from CarSmite.
An Acura SportShift automatic transmission delivers 240 horsepower from a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A version of Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) was featured on the first-generation RDX.
As per Consumer Reports, this vehicle achieved moderate fuel consumption of 13 mpg in cities and 25 mpg on highways.
In addition to the powertrain, the RDX’s sophisticated infotainment system, seamless smartphone integration, and upgraded sound system were hallmarks of the vehicle.
Innovative features were incorporated to enhance driver convenience as well as safety, including advanced braking systems and lane assist technologies.
The first-generation Acura RDX had its challenges in 2010, 2011, and 2012, including the continuation of some powertrain problems from earlier models.
The Worst Years: 2007, 2008, 2009
It is typically problematic for vehicles to leave their initial years on the market, and this was also the case with the RDX’s initial years of 2007, 2008, and 2009.
There were a number of electrical problems with the 2007 Acura RDX, particularly related to Bluetooth Handsfree Link (HFL), which was cited by many owners as the source of the battery drain.
It was more pressing, however, that the ignition had intermittent problems releasing keys and the Vehicle Stability Assist had frequent malfunctions.
It didn’t end there, though, as the 2007 Acura RDX had problems as well. This model year was characterized by unpredictable accelerations and decelerations, which caused more than just inconveniences but also genuine safety concerns. As with the 2007 Acura RDX, this issue plagued the 2008 model as well.
Among the new challenges facing 2009 Acura MDX has transmission problems, jerking, and shuddering. Unintended acceleration glitches were frequently complained about by owners.
It wasn’t just Edmunds that were less than forgiving, with J.D Power (77), VehicleHistory (3.75), and Edmunds (4.4) all reporting a perceptible drop in satisfaction.
The NHTSA recall and remediated Acura RDXs in 2007, 2008, and 2009.
Best & Worst Years for Acura RDX 2nd Generation (2013-2018)
2nd Generation Acura RDX redefined compact luxury SUV standards by making a radical shift from its predecessor. Like the first generation of the RDX, the early years of this generation – 2013, 2014, and 2015 – had problems with power trains and headlights, which is why they were selected as Acura RDX years to avoid.
From a reliability and value perspective, I recommend the 2016 Acura RDX.
The Best Years: 2016, 2017, 2018
During the second generation, Acura RDX’s most reliable years were the facelifted years in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
The earlier 2.3-liter turbo-four engine was replaced with a smoother and more powerful 3.5-liter SOHC V6 with 279 hp.
The AWD system has also been updated with a 6-speed automatic transmission to send up to 50% torque to the rear wheels (on wet surfaces) as opposed to up to 25% in the previous model. In addition to improving fuel efficiency, the vehicle was also more fuel efficient, achieving 14 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Cabin materials were of a higher quality, ergonomics were improved, and the infotainment system was more intuitive. In the early years, LED headlamps and LED taillamps were added to the exterior (resolved headlight problems).
In addition, the 2016 RDX comes with AcuraWatch features such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist.
There were, however, some minor complaints during these years. Despite less severity than previous years, transmission problems, including hard shifts and jerking, continued.
Despite these setbacks, Consumer Reports ratings outlined a picture of reliable performance and satisfaction, especially the 2018 Acura RDX, which was awarded the highest reliability rating.
The Worst Years: 2013, 2014, 2015
There are a number of NHTSA recalls and complaints for the pre-facelift models – 2013, 2014, and 2015. These are Acura RDX years to avoid.
With its newer V6 engine and technological advancements, the 2013 Acura RDX looked promising on paper.
Transmissions often slipped, jerked, and shuddered, causing owners to complain most about them.
Adding to the issues of the year was a recall related to the brake-shift interlock mechanism on the 2013 RDX.
A similar problem arose with headlights, as many owners complained about dimming over time, limiting visibility at night.
Best & Worst Acura MDX Years | Years To Avoid
Acura MDX 2014 carried forward some of the problems of its predecessor, despite it trying to improve on the foundation laid by its predecessor. Despite the aforementioned transmission glitches, there was no improvement.
A clunking sound in the rear was a result of defective shock absorbers, a problem known by many RDX owners. As in the previous year, there were also headlight problems.
Despite expectations that the 2015 Acura RDX would turn around, many owners were still concerned with the RDX’s dimming headlights.
The NHTSA has recalled and criticized the Acura RDX in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Best & Worst Years for Acura RDX 3rd Generation (2019-2023)
Introducing the 3rd Generation of the Acura RDX marked the beginning of a new era in the vehicle’s history that would deliver innovation, sophistication, and performance in one package.
As evidenced by Consumer Reports, Edmunds, J.D. Power, and CarSmite ratings, the 2019-2020 Acura RDXs have notable owner dissatisfaction, thus each of these years should be avoided. Acura RDX buyers are advised to buy the third generation model between 2022 and 2023.
The Best Years: 2022, 2023
As a result of these significant improvements and refinements, the Acura RDX models of 2022 and 2023 disenfranchised themselves from the challenges of their early years and earned the designation of best Acura RDX generation.
The two models were equipped with an advanced 2.0-liter 272 hp turbocharged four-cylinder K20C4 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that provided fuel efficiency of 15 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Additionally, the vehicle featured a cutting-edge infotainment system, with a touchpad interface that set a benchmark for user-friendliness.
A number of improvements were also made to the safety department, with AcuraWatch adding an extra layer of security. The Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) became standard features.
Acura’s luxury commitment was further evident in the cabin’s plush materials and ergonomic design.
A variety of accolades were awarded, including Consumer Reports’ highest reliability score, J.D Power’s highest owner satisfaction rating, and Cars.com’s highest overall purchase satisfaction rating.
The Worst Years: 2019, 2020, 2021
Due to low ratings and a high number of complaints from owners, 2019 is considered the worst Acura RDX year of this generation.
Based on its Edmunds score of 3.3, J.D Power score of 73, and Cars.com score of 4.3, 2019 is the Acura RDX year to avoid like the plague.
The promise of a smooth ride was turned into a safety concern by transmission failures that led to sudden deceleration. Check engine light illuminations accompanied by a loss of motive power are alarmingly common.
Random window shattering added to these technical difficulties, puzzling both owners and critics.
It has proved problematic for some to use the Brake Hold feature, which frequently releases when the engine is re-engaged by Auto Start-Stop.
Honda did acknowledge a few of these issues, notably issuing recalls for the 2019 and 2020 RDX models about fuel pump failures that could cause engine stalling and service bulletins.
In spite of incremental improvements, the 2020 and 2021 models continued to suffer from some of these lingering issues, particularly the Brake Hold issue.
The NHTSA has recalled and complained about Acura RDXs in 2019, 2020, and 2021. More info here about best worst vehicle models.
Conclusion
With this knowledge, you can decide which Acura RDX year is right for you. The best Acura RDX model years are the facelift years of each generation, which include 2010-2012 models, 2016-2018 models, and 2022, 2023 models.
Is there a best or worst year of the Acura RDX in your experience? What is your opinion of this vehicle? Would you recommend it to others?
Feel free to share your thoughts below!