The last complete generation of the Acura RDX was offered from model-years 2013-2018 inclusive. This luxury SUV took a place beneath the larger three-row MDX in Acura’s lineup, and was a machine bought largely by a shopper after an attainable luxury SUV.
Many luxury shoppers gravitate to the Acura brand because of a strong reputation for safety, residual value, and owner satisfaction. From that basis, a used RDX from this generation will provide shoppers with a powerful LED lighting system, an updated V6 engine, standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and a tidy cabin with plenty of at-hand storage and space.
On board, expect generous space for four adults and a full complement of cargo, as well as up-level features like climate-controlled leather, a 410-watt ELS stereo system, automatic lights and brights, radar cruise, and more.
Under the hood, this generation of RDX got a 3.5 litre V6 good for over 270 horsepower, depending on the year in question. The RDX is highly rated for ride comfort, efficient performance, and a quality-built feel, though some owners wish for more excitement from its styling both inside and out.
Check out the related links and stories for more reviews, news, specs, and other Acura RDX related information, and read on for 5 tips to help make sure you find the best used Acura RDX you can for the dollar.
Tip 1: Consider a 2016
Three years into its life, this generation RDX underwent an update for the 2016 model year to help it connect more readily with new shoppers. The engine was retuned for a slight boost in power, while an updated AWD system improved performance and traction with a 40 per cent bump in power available to the rear axle, on demand.
Active engine mounts and reinforced suspension mounting points helped further fine-tune the updated RDX’s drive. Updated exterior styling and an interior refresh, complete with new infotainment system, rounded out the upgrades.
2016 Acura RDX Elite Photo by Greg Williams
Tip 2: Driveline Vibration
One of the most commonly reported gripes from owners of this generation Acura RDX has to do with unwanted vibrations that tend to appear at certain vehicle or engine speeds, often be 1,500 to 2,000 RPM.
Many problems can cause symptoms like this, and in the Acura RDX the likely culprit is the engine’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which turns engine cylinders on and off as needed to optimize fuel economy and performance.
On your test drive, get up to highway cruising speed on a flat surface, and ensure your engine revs are somewhere around 1,500 RPM. Apply very light throttle pressure to increase the vehicle’s speed slowly by a few km/h. Release the throttle to slow back down, and repeat.
An unwelcome vibration in this situation is a sign of potential trouble that could cost you time and money, so you’ll want to have a technician investigate before you buy.
Vibrations are inherent when the VCM system is working, though the RDX has various means of making sure you don’t notice them. One of these is an isolator in the vehicle’s drive shaft, which absorbs these vibrations so you don’t feel them. Many owners have reported that dealers can quickly replace affected drive shafts under warranty to correct this problem, which may be most apparent in cold temperatures. With a new and updated shaft installed, the RDX ‘feels like a brand new vehicle’ according to one owner.
Buying a used vehicle with an undiagnosed vibration is a bad idea. If in doubt, get the used RDX you’re considering checked out by a professional as a final step before you sign the cheque.
2017 Acura RDX Photo by Brian Harper
Tip 3: Suspension Test
Numerous RDX owners from this generation have reported disappointing performance and lifespan of the vehicle’s shocks, especially in the rear.
To protect yourself from potentially expensive repairs, be sure to visit a rough stretch of road on your test-drive, and use it to help coax telltale trouble sounds from the rear suspension.
Quiet the RDX’s cabin, then travel at a reasonable speed over a rough road road surface, speed bump, or railway crossing. Listen closely for a sound that virtually all affected owners refer to as a ‘clunk’, likely from the rear of the vehicle.
Numerous owners have reported the need for low-mileage rear shock replacement on their RDX’s, with this clunking sound typically reported as a warning sign.
A suspension that clunks on rough roads may be concealing one or more pricey problems that the vehicle’s seller would rather you (not they) foot the bill for. Proceed with caution and seek a professional inspection before you buy — it could save you a lot of money.
Numerous owners suggest switching over from factory shocks to a compatible KYB replacement shock absorber, for a smoother and quieter ride.
2017 Acura RDX Photo by Brian Harper
Tip 4: Transmission Issues
Some RDX owners have reported a ‘judder’ from the transmission, especially apparent when it shifts from third to fourth gear. One owner describes the transmission judder as an intense sensation of driving over graded pavement.
Though the majority of RDX owners do not report transmission trouble, unwanted feedback like this can be a sign or one or more potential pain points that could cost you time and money. Typical fixes include a fluid change and software update, though some owners have had torque converters replaced under warranty.
Pay attention to the quality of each gear change from the RDX’s transmission, especially the upshift from 3 to 4. If you detect any unwanted sensations here or elsewhere, proceed with caution.
Bad CV joints may cause similar sensations from the RDX’s driveline as well.
2017 Acura RDX Photo by Brian Harper
Tip 5: Avoid Safety System Trouble
The Acura RDX you’re considering is likely equipped with an array of advanced safety features, including radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure alert, a parking radar system, and more.
There are two easy ways to avoid problems and headaches caused by malfunctions of these systems, for a more enjoyable ownership experience.
First, carefully check the RDX you’re considering for signs of damage to its front and rear bumpers, as well as the windshield. Current or former damage to the vehicle’s bumpers can cause problems with sensors mounted inside, causing safety system issues. A cracked or weathered windshield may negatively affect the operation of various safety systems, too.
Second, ensure that the battery in the RDX you’re considering is fresh and healthy. Some owners report that the lifespan of a factory battery may be just three years, and that weakening batteries are often associated with malfunctioning electronics.
So, to minimize likelihood of safety system trouble, ensure that the RDX you’re considering doesn’t have any current or prior damage, and that its battery is fresh and healthy.
Final Thought
These tips are designed to help test-driving shoppers more easily identify possible trouble areas reported by some owners. An attentive test drive and shopping process that focuses on the areas above can help you find a first-class example of a second-hand Acura RDX.
Keyword: Used Guide: 2013-2018 Acura RDX