2017 Acura RDX FWD Advance

The Engine:  American Honda first introduced the Acura RDX in 2007, with a 4 cylinder, turbo charged engine. In 2019, American Honda again, went back to the 4 cylinder, turbo charged engine. But, from 2013 thru 2018, the Acura RDX is equipped with a V6, normally aspirated engine (non-turbo charged)  that does not require premium gasoline. The V6 engine is an excellent power-to-weight fit for this 5 passenger vehicle, providing fuel efficiency in the 27 to 30 MPG range on the highway. 

The Transmission:   In many newer vehicles, including the Honda CRV - the 'little sister' of the Acura RDX; car manufacturers have started using a CVT transmission. The CVT is lighter, cheaper to manufacture but also less durable. On the other end of the 'transmission spectrum'; the heavier SUVs - such as the Honda Pilot and the Acura MDX, are using 9 speed automatic transmissions, which take a very expensive synthetic automatic transmission fluid. Cost comparison - the red automatic transmission fluid (Honda part #08200-9008) costs under $10 per quart. The automatic transmission fluid that is used in the 9 speed transmissions (Honda part# 08200-9017) currently costs just under $50 per quart. The 2013 - 2018 Acura RDX uses the red transmission fluid. The cost of the fluid results in a red fluid transmission service costing around $125 vs. a 9 speed transmission service currently costing around $285.

Electric Power Steering:  The first Honda car (intended for U.S consumers) that had electric power steering was the 1991 Acura NSX. Since that time, American Honda has gradually phased out hydraulic power steering in most of their Honda and Acura badged vehicles.  Starting with the 2013 year model; the Acura RDX is equipped with electric power steering. With no fluid, no pump, no fluid lines; electric power steering is a much better power steering system when compared to the hydraulic systems from previous year models.

R134A Air Conditioning System:  In automotive use; 30 years ago, R12 (commonly referred to as freon) was phased out for environmental concerns of the chlorine in it. R12 was replaced with R134A refrigerant around 1993. Starting around 2014, car manufacturers were offered EPA credits if they changed their A/C refrigerant to 1234YF. In price comparison, a 30LB cylinder of R134A currently costs about $300. A 10LB cylinder of 1234YF currently costs about $600. This results in the newer 1234YF equipped A/C systems being significantly more expensive to maintain, when compared to the R134A A/C systems. Any vehicle originally designed to use 1234YF cannot legally be converted to R134A usage. While American Honda has started incorporating 1234YF refrigerant into their automotive air conditioning systems; the 2013 thru 2018 Acura RDX is a R134A air conditioning system.

Conclusion:  The 2013 thru 2018 Acura RDX is a really good choice in a 5 passenger SUV – especially if you are considering the Honda CRV, or Toyota RAV 4. The Acura RDX is no more expensive to operate, maintain or repair and has been found to be very durable. In addition, even the base models of the Acura RDX are going to be equipped with leather seats, sunroof and keyless entry. The amenities American Honda automatically associates with their Acura line, coupled with the above engine, transmission, power steering system and AC refrigerant are not the only reasons the 2013 thru 2018 Acura RDX is a best buy - but it's a great start to the conversation and why we highly recommend them to our used car shoppers.