The best Acura RDX years were ranked for every generation of Acura RDX so you could avoid purchasing the worst Acura RDX years.
Its purpose is to help you choose the best Acura RDX generation to buy, and the worst Acura RDX generation to stay away from.
Based on data from reliable sources like the NHTSA, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds, I will examine the Acura RDX’s common problems and standout features.
Here we go.
Acura RDX Generations
The Acura RDX was introduced in 2006 as a luxury vehicle that combines performance and opulence. A turbocharged engine and an all-wheel drive system made the RDX an exceptional handling compact luxury SUV, building on the RDX’s reputation.
The Acura RDX has gone through several generations since it was introduced in 1997.
| Generation | Years |
| 1st generation (TB1/2) | 2007-2012 |
| 2nd generation (TB3/4) | 2013-2018 |
| 3rd generation (TC1/2) | 2019-Present |
It is critical to understand the nuances between generations in order to determine which model year will best match an individual’s needs and preferences.
Acura RDX Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
To determine which Acura RDX years are the best and the worst, we use a variety of substantial and diverse sources of information:
Here you will find a table identifying Acura RDX model years that have been the best, neutral, and the worst based on extensive research.
| 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 |
We heavily rely on some factors in our evaluations, including NHTSA recalls. A model year’s recalls and complaints indicate a greater level of reliability concerns.
Take a look at the best years, neutral years, and worst years for the Acura RDX.
Best & Worst Years for Acura RDX 1st Generation (2007-2012)
Acura’s first entry into the compact luxury SUV market was the Acura RDX 1st Generation. Based on Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book ratings, this generation of the Acura RDX earns an average reliability rating of 4.5.
For the first generation Acura RDX, early model years 2007, 2008, and 2009 are the worst years to purchase, while 2010, 2011, and 2012 are the best years.
The Best Years: 2010, 2011, 2012
The first generation Acura RDX’s best years were 2010, 2011, and 2012.
There were a number of issues that Acura had initially, but with this year’s Acura RDX, Acura seemed to have ironed them out. Therefore, it earned 82 points from J.D. Wespower, 4.8 points from Cars.com, and 4.4 points from CarSmite.
An Acura SportShift automatic transmission mated to a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 240 horsepower. RDX’s first generation featured Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).
In cities, this vehicle achieves 13 mpg, while on highways, it achieves 25 mpg, according to Consumer Reports.
As well as the powertrain, the RDX boasted an upgraded sound system and a sophisticated infotainment system.
Innovative features such as advanced braking systems and lane assistance technologies were incorporated to enhance driver convenience as well as safety.
Acura’s first-generation RDX had its challenges in 2010, 2011, and 2012, including some powertrain issues that continued from earlier models.
The Worst Years: 2007, 2008, 2009
Initial years on the market are usually problematic for vehicles, and this was also the case with the RDX in 2007, 2008, and 2009.
Most owners cited Bluetooth Handsfree Link (HFL) as the cause of battery drain with the 2007 Acura RDX, which had a number of electrical problems.
But the ignition and Vehicle Stability Assist often malfunctioned, which was more pressing.
The problems didn’t end there, however, since the 2007 Acura RDX also had issues. Unpredictable accelerations and decelerations characterized this model year, causing more than just inconveniences, but also genuine safety concerns. Similarly to the 2007 Acura RDX, the 2008 model suffered from the same issue.
Acura MDX 2009 has transmission problems, jerking, and shuddering. A frequent complaint from owners was that their cars would accelerate unexpectedly.
Edmunds wasn’t the only one reporting a drop in customer satisfaction. J.D Power (77), VehicleHistory (3.75), and Edmunds (4.4) all reported a decline in satisfaction.
There were three recalls and remediations of Acura RDXs in 2007-2009 by the NHTSA.
Best & Worst Years for Acura RDX 2nd Generation (2013-2018)
The 2nd Generation Acura RDX redefined compact luxury SUV standards by taking a radical departure from its predecessor. It was decided to avoid those years of Acura RDX production because they had power train problems, as well as problems with headlights, like the first generation.
In terms of reliability and value, the 2016 Acura RDX is a great choice.
The Best Years: 2016, 2017, 2018
A facelifted Acura RDX in 2016, 2017, and 2018 was the most reliable year for the second generation.
It was replaced by a smoother, more powerful 3.5-liter SOHC V6 with 279 horsepower instead of the earlier 2.3-liter turbo-four.
It also features a 6-speed automatic transmission that sends up to 50% torque to the rear wheels (on wet surfaces), rather than 25% in the previous model. The vehicle also achieved 14 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, in addition to improving fuel efficiency.
It had higher-quality cabin materials, improved ergonomics, and an easier-to-use infotainment system. The exterior was first equipped with LED headlamps and LED taillamps (resolving headlight problems).
Aside from AcuraWatch features, the 2016 RDX has Lane Keeping Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control.
During these years, however, there were a few minor complaints. Even though transmission problems were less severe than previous years, they continued to occur.
Consumer Reports ratings showed reliable performance and satisfaction despite these setbacks, particularly with the 2018 Acura RDX, which received the highest reliability rating.
The Worst Years: 2013, 2014, 2015
The pre-facelift models – 2013, 2014, and 2015 – have a number of recalls and complaints. It is best to avoid these years for Acura RDX.
On paper, the 2013 Acura RDX looked promising thanks to its newer V6 engine and technological advances.
Many owners complained about slipping, jerking, and shuddering transmissions.
The 2013 RDX has been recalled due to a problem with its brake-shift interlock mechanism.
It was a similar issue with headlights, with many owners complaining about dimming over time.
Despite trying to improve on the foundation laid by its predecessor, the Acura MDX 2014 continued some of its predecessor’s problems. There was no improvement in transmission quality despite the aforementioned glitches.
The RDX’s rear shock absorbers were defective, causing a clunking sound. Similarly to the previous year, there were also problems with the headlights.
Many owners still expressed concern about the RDX’s dimming headlights despite expectations that the car would turn around.
A recall and criticism were issued by the NHTSA for the Acura RDX in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Best & Worst Years for Acura RDX 3rd Generation (2019-2023)
A new era in Acura RDX history began with the introduction of the 3rd Generation, which delivers innovation, sophistication, and performance all together.
The 2019-2020 Acura RDXs have notable owner dissatisfaction as evidenced by Consumer Reports, Edmunds, J.D. Power, and CarSmite ratings. A third generation Acura RDX is recommended for buyers between 2022 and 2023.
The Best Years: 2022, 2023
By overcoming these challenges and refining their design, the Acura RDX model lines of 2022 and 2023 earned the designation of best Acura RDX generation.
It was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder K20C4 engine with 272 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that provided 15 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
A cutting-edge infotainment system was also integrated into the vehicle, featuring a touchpad interface that set a benchmark for user-friendliness.
Several improvements were also made to the safety department, with AcuraWatch adding an additional layer of security. RDM (Road Departure Mitigation System) and CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System) became standard equipment.
Plush materials and ergonomic design further demonstrate Acura’s commitment to luxury.
The car received awards from Consumer Reports, J.D Power, and Cars.com, including Consumer Reports’ highest reliability score.
The Worst Years: 2019, 2020, 2021
The 2019 Acura RDX is considered the worst year of this generation due to low ratings and high owner complaints.
2019 is the Acura RDX year to avoid like the plague based on its Edmunds score of 3.3, J.D Power score of 73, and Cars.com score of 4.3.
Transmission failures that resulted in sudden deceleration turned a smooth ride into a safety concern. It is alarmingly common to experience check engine light illuminations along with a loss of motive power.
The random shattering of windows added to these technical difficulties, confusing both owners and critics.
Auto Start-Stop’s Brake Hold feature often releases when the engine is reengaged, which has been a problem for some.
A few of these issues were acknowledged by Honda, notably recalls and service bulletins for 2019 and 2020 RDX models related to fuel pump failures.
Some of these lingering issues continued to plague the 2020 and 2021 models despite incremental improvements.
In 2019, 2020, and 2021, the NHTSA recalled and complained about Acura RDX models. You can read more about the best and worst models of vehicles here.
Conclusion
Based on this information, you can decide which Acura RDX year is best for you. In addition to the facelift years of each generation, the best Acura RDX model years are 2010-2012, 2016-2018, and 2022, 2023.
Do you have a favorite or least favorite year of the Acura RDX? How do you feel about this vehicle? Is it something that would be beneficial to others?
Let us know what you think in the comments below!