Following 2019’s complete redesign of the model, it’s time for the 2020 Acura RDX to begin making its way toward the consumer market. Although relatively little is set to change between the 2019 and 2020 RDX models, the next year in this series promises to offer all of the great features that drivers came to know and love about the redesigned RDX during the 2019 model year. A final MSRP isn’t yet available for the 2020 RDX, but it will likely be similar to the 2019’s starting price of $37,400.

If you’re in the market for a luxury crossover, the upcoming 2020 Acura RDX can meet your needs.

Performance Specs

Like the model from the 2019 year, the 2020 RDX will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out a reasonably impressive 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. To transfer power to the wheels, the RDX is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission for smooth, easy shifting. The 2020 model, like its 2019 counterpart, is expected to be equipped with optional paddle shifting. Thanks to the RDX’s relatively low weight and robust power, the crossover can accelerate from zero to 60 in only about 5.7 seconds. Plus, the RDX is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive formats.

Fuel Efficiency

While precise fuel efficiency ratings for the 2020 Acura RDX have not yet been made available, it is almost certain that they will be very similar to the 2019 model’s ratings, given that the two share the same engine and basic design.

For the 2019 year, the base model Acura RDX got 22 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive version had a slightly lower fuel economy at 21 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway.

Safety and Entertainment Features

Like most models from Acura, the 2020 RDX is expected to come with a wide array of standard safety and entertainment features geared toward driver convenience. Given that the RDX was completely refreshed in 2019, it’s likely that the interior of the 2020 model will see only minor changes and possibly some new color or material options. Fortunately, the entertainment features that will be available on the 2020 RDX should closely mirror those that were part of the 2019 RDX package. Some of those features include:

  • Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay connectivity
  • Built-in USB inputs
  • Satellite radio connectivity
  • Premium 16-speaker sound system
  • Heads-up display

In addition to these infotainment features, the new RDX will also have a variety of interior comfort features that will help ensure that your drive is as enjoyable as possible. These features include standard heated front seats, available rear seat heating, and a panoramic sunroof for use in good weather. While not the most crucial features in the world, these added comforts are among the nice touches that Acura includes in its vehicles to give drivers a bit of added luxury.

Naturally, Acura has also included several excellent safety features in the redesigned RDX that will help you and your passengers stay safe on both daily commutes and long trips. Some of the most prominent safety features you’ll find on the 2020 Acura RDX include:

  • Lane departure warnings
  • Lane keeping assistance
  • ABS system with brake assist
  • Traction control
  • Electronic stability control
  • Standard LED headlights with available LED fog lights
  • Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers

Overall, the safety features of the 2020 Acura RDX are fairly comprehensive. However, it should be noted that the lack of adaptive cruise control puts it at a slight disadvantage to some of the more technologically sophisticated luxury vehicles on the market today.

How it Stacks up Against the Competition

Given its power, features, and high value, the 2020 Acura RDX seems set to perform quite well against its competition. Although 272 horsepower doesn’t give it the most powerful engine on the market, it is quite good for a luxury crossover in its price range. Likewise, the slew of infotainment and safety features that the RDX is equipped with make it a strong competitor. While other luxury crossovers may have more features or more power, few if any compete well with the RDX while matching its general price range.

Since it will be so similar to the 2019 model, it’s also reasonable to assume that the 2020 Acura RDX’s performance against the competition will probably be similar. The 2019 RDX was rated in second place among luxury compact SUVs by U.S. News and World Report, coming in behind the Jaguar I-Pace.

One of the reasons that the vehicle stacks up so well against its close competition is its sheer value. In the aforementioned 2019 luxury compact SUV rating, the RDX had by far the lowest starting MSRP among the top five finishers. While MSRPs for the 2020 model year haven’t yet been released, it is very likely that a similarly high-value proposition will apply to the 2020 RDX as well.

Pros and Cons

At the end of the day, the biggest advantage of the Acura RDX is its value. Relative to its price point, it offers the best features, power, and overall styling of any vehicle in its class. The team at Acura has also done an excellent job of incorporating driver convenience and comfort into its design decisions, making the RDX a good choice if you want a ride that feels very high-end at a price that most people can reasonably afford.

Though there aren’t many cons to the 2020 RDX, it should be noted that the lack of change from the 2019 to 2020 models could be seen as a downside. While other luxury crossovers will roll out many new features for the 2020 model year, the RDX is currently expected to remain virtually unchanged. Even though this is understandable given the fact that Acura gave the vehicle a complete overhaul and top-down redesign in the prior model year, the lack of innovation may be less than optimal if you’re a buyer who wants the latest and greatest features in every car you purchase.

Ultimately, the 2020 Acura RDX will be another excellent member of Acura’s line of high-value luxury vehicles. If you’re looking for a crossover that will deliver excellent power, features, and quality at an affordable price point, the 2020 Acura RDX may be the vehicle for you. As always, it’s important to do your own research and evaluate the RDX for yourself. For the price, though, it’s tough to beat the 2020 Acura RDX as a high-end compact SUV.

Autoversed

This article was worked on by a variety of people from the Autoversed team, including freelancers, editors, and/or other full-time employees.