DecodedCars2017 Acura RDX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 183.5 in
- Curb weight
- 3,856 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Acura RDX is a small SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,856 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 5% worse than the 2017 small SUV average of 24.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 RDX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 RDX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 183.5 in | 73.6 in | 66.5 in | 105.5 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 3,856 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RDX FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -5% | $3,550 | 386 |
| RDX AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -4% | $3,750 | 402 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Acura RDX SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
| 2017 Acura RDX SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |
Similar 2017 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Acura RDX (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2017 Porsche Cayenne | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2017 BMW X5 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 BMW X3 | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Porsche Macan | 22 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2017 Audi Q5 | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (1)
Equipment › Other › Labels · Apr 18, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V256000 · 1,425 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 CR-V and Acura RDX vehicles. The Certification Labels on the affected vehicles were printed with ink that may be inadvertently wiped away with an alcohol solvent. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
- Risk
- If the label information can be wiped away, the operator may not be able to refer to the information, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda and Acura will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Certification Label, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KF3 (CR-V)and KF4 (RDX).
Not every 2017 Acura RDX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Acura RDX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 23 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 17 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 11 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 13,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Acura RDX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RDX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 RDX | 23 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 RDX | 23 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 30 |
| 2024 RDX | 23 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 12 |
| 2023 RDX | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 24 |
| 2022 RDX | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 31 |
| 2021 RDX | 24 | 186.6 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 117 |
| 2020 RDX | 24 | 186.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 349 |
| 2019 RDX | 24 | 186.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 440 |
| 2018 RDX | 23 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 78 |
| 2016 RDX | 23 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 41 |
| 2015 RDX | 23 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 414 |
| 2014 RDX | 23 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 235 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →