Last Chance for the Current-Generation Acura RDX: What Tampa Shoppers Should Know

The 2025 Acura RDX remains a compelling choice for buyers who want proven performance, standard all-wheel drive, and a well-equipped luxury interior before the model’s next redesign. Its 272-horsepower 2.0-liter VTEC turbocharged engine and standard Super Handling All-Wheel Drive deliver a confident, engaging driving experience, while the established current-generation platform offers the benefit of years of engineering refinement. For shoppers who prefer a proven vehicle without the higher pricing or limited availability that can accompany a newly redesigned model, the 2025 RDX offers a strong balance of performance, luxury, and value.

Selecting an established generation offers distinct advantages for luxury crossover shoppers. The current RDX platform has undergone years of continuous engineering refinements, culminating in updated exterior styling, enhanced center console storage, and expanded smartphone projection capabilities for the 2025 model year. Under the hood, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers immediate throttle response without relying on complex hybrid battery architecture, making it a predictable long-term performer.

For buyers comparing luxury crossovers in the market today, the 2025 model year offers one of the last opportunities to secure this specific mechanical configuration. Remaining new vehicle inventory features standard SH-AWD across all trim tiers, ensuring drivers do not have to pay extra for all-weather traction and dynamic cornering stability. Shopping the outgoing generation also allows buyers to take advantage of well-stocked trim packages and straightforward transaction pricing across the entire lineup.

To explore remaining trim availability or speak with our sales team about current vehicle offers, visit our North Tampa showroom or give our team a call directly at (813) 535-6287.

Is the 2025 Acura RDX Considered a Luxury SUV With Sporty Performance?

Acura’s 2025 RDX stands out in the luxury SUV segment with its blend of performance and refinement, featuring a turbocharged engine that delivers 272 horsepower. This high-output powertrain delivers energetic acceleration, reaching 60 mph in roughly seven seconds while maintaining smooth power delivery across the entire powerband.

Engineers paired this turbocharged powerplant with a responsive automatic 10-speed transmission equipped with Sequential SportShift paddle shifters. Drivers can manually select gears for spirited backroad driving or allow the transmission to optimize shift points for effortless highway merging. Unlike many competing crossover models that make all-wheel drive an expensive add-on, every 2025 RDX comes standard with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive ( SH-AWD). This mechanical torque-vectoring system actively sends up to 70 percent of engine torque to the rear axle and can distribute 100 percent of that rear torque to either the left or right wheel, dramatically reducing understeer during sharp turns.

Performance extends to chassis tuning and suspension design. The RDX features a four-wheel independent suspension with front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link setup. Upgrading to the A-Spec Package SH-AWD or A-Spec w/ Advance Package SH-AWD adds adaptive damper systems that adjust suspension firmness based on the selected Integrated Dynamics System drive mode. Drivers can instantly toggle between Comfort, Normal, and Sport modes to tailor ride compliance to road conditions.

Despite its performance credentials, the 2025 RDX preserves efficient daily operation. The EPA rates the 2025 RDX at 21 city / 27 hwy MPG with a combined rating of 23 MPG, backed by a 17-gallon fuel tank that provides substantial driving range between fill-ups.

Engine & Performance

Powertrain specs by trim

​

How Roomy Is the 2025 Acura RDX Compared to the Lexus NX and Acura ADX?

The 2025 Acura RDX provides exceptional interior space for its class, offering about 104 cubic feet of total passenger volume and about 30 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second-row seats. Folding the 60/40 split rear seatbacks flat expands utility significantly, creating a level cargo floor capable of swallowing luggage, golf bags, or large home improvement purchases.

Rear passenger comfort stands out as a major strength. The cabin supplies 38 inches of rear legroom and 42 inches of front legroom, giving tall adults plenty of room to stretch out without feeling cramped. When compared directly to the Lexus NX, the RDX delivers a noticeable space advantage. The Lexus NX provides approximately 99 cubic feet of interior passenger space, resulting in tighter shoulder room and less rear legroom for back-seat occupants.

Comparing the RDX to the subcompact Acura ADX highlights key differences in sizing and capability. While the ADX operates as an entry-level luxury crossover with a smaller 1.5-liter engine, the RDX occupies a larger footprint that yields greater interior elbow room, wider seating surfaces, and a standard 1,500-lb towing capacity when properly equipped.

When buyers visit our showroom to evaluate seating space, they typically test how easily rear-facing child safety seats latch into the outboard anchors before checking rear legroom figures. The wide-opening rear doors and accessible lower LATCH anchors make installing child seats straightforward without forcing front passengers to slide their seats excessively forward.

​

How Advanced Is the 2025 Acura RDX Infotainment System and Safety Suite?

The 2025 Acura RDX incorporates an advanced cabin technology suite anchored by a 10.2-inch full-color HD display and the True Touchpad Interface. Positioned comfortably within the driver’s reach on the center console, the touchpad uses absolute positioning to mirror finger inputs precisely on the dashboard screen, eliminating the need to lean forward to touch a display while driving.

Connectivity features are comprehensive across the entire lineup. Standard equipment includes wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto integration, both of which display on a wide aspect ratio for improved map visibility. Built-in Amazon Alexa capability allows drivers to control cabin temperature, check news updates, or add items to shopping lists using natural voice commands. Audiophiles opting for the Technology Package SH-AWD or A-Spec Package SH-AWD gain the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, engineered by a Grammy-winning producer to deliver studio-quality sound through 16 strategically placed speakers.

Safety engineering remains a core pillar of the RDX platform. Every model includes the AcuraWatch suite of active safety technologies as standard equipment. Key features within this suite include:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System with forward collision warning
• Lane Keeping Assist System and Road Departure Mitigation
• Blind Spot Information System with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow

Structural protection is equally robust. The NHTSA awarded the current-generation RDX a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating, highlighted by top 5-star scores in side barrier and combined side crash evaluations. Furthermore, the IIHS awarded the RDX a Top Safety Pick designation, recording “Good” ratings across driver-side small overlap, passenger-side small overlap, and side impact crash tests.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety and driver-assistance features by trim

All trims, including A-Spec Package SH-AWD, A-Spec w/ Advance Package SH-AWD, Advance Package SH-AWD, SH-AWD, and Technology Package SH-AWD, come standard with ABS, telematics, advanced auto collision notification, Isofix preparation, and active head restraints for the front seats that are height adjustable and fore & aft adjustable, with two front head restraints and three rear. Front and rear seat belts feature standard pre-tensioners and height adjustability where applicable, with three-point center rear seat belts across all trims.

Emergency call systems and accident data recorders are standard on every trim, as are anti collision systems that activate brake lights and feature automatic emergency braking. The manufacturer’s anti collision system, Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), activates at a minimum speed of 3 mph on all trims.

Most trims except SH-AWD include anti collision system braking at low speed front and rear, designated by “D” in the specifications, indicating this feature is added on all trims except SH-AWD. This difference highlights the distinction of brake assistance at low speeds between SH-AWD and the other variants.

​

Why Might a Tampa Shopper Choose a 2025 Acura RDX Over a Newer Model Year?

Choosing a 2025 Acura RDX over an upcoming model year provides Tampa buyers with established pricing value, proven mechanical reliability, and immediate inventory selection. Purchasing the final year of a proven generation allows shoppers to negotiate from a position of strength while avoiding early-adoption price markups and potential order delays common with newly redesigned models.

Starting MSRP figures across the 2025 lineup reflect a clear value structure relative to competing European and Japanese luxury crossovers:

• SH-AWD: $44,700 MSRP (plus $1,350 destination charge)
• Technology Package SH-AWD: $47,300 MSRP (plus $1,350 destination charge)
• A-Spec Package SH-AWD: $50,300 MSRP (plus $1,350 destination charge)
• Advance Package SH-AWD: $52,450 MSRP (plus $1,350 destination charge)
• A-Spec w/ Advance Package SH-AWD: $54,450 MSRP (plus $1,350 destination charge)

Beyond initial transaction pricing, long-term ownership costs remain highly predictable. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine relies on standard mechanical components rather than specialized hybrid batteries that may carry long-term replacement costs down the road. Maintenance schedules are straightforward, centered around regular oil changes, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections.

Factory warranty protection adds further peace of mind. Every new 2025 RDX includes a 4-year / 50,000-mile basic warranty alongside a 6-year / 70,000-mile powertrain warranty. Should an unexpected issue arise on the road, owner coverage includes 4-year / 50,000-mile Acura Roadside Assistance, providing 24/7 towing, battery jump-starts, flat tire changes, and emergency fuel delivery backed directly by factory-trained technicians and genuine parts.

Pricing

Pricing by trim

​

Common Questions From Tampa Shoppers About the 2025 Acura RDX

Q: Does the 2025 Acura RDX require premium fuel for daily driving?

Premium unleaded fuel with a 91-octane rating or higher is recommended to achieve the full rated 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The engine’s electronic control unit can adapt to regular unleaded gasoline if necessary without damaging the powertrain, though drivers may notice a minor reduction in ultimate throttle responsiveness and peak horsepower output during hard acceleration.

Q: What warranty coverage comes standard with a new 2025 Acura RDX?

Every 2025 Acura RDX comes backed by a 4-year / 50,000-mile basic limited warranty and a 6-year / 70,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, Acura includes a 5-year / unlimited-mile outer body rust-through warranty and 4-year / 50,000-mile Acura Roadside Assistance, which offers emergency towing, lockout assistance, and tire service across the country.

Q: How does Super Handling All-Wheel Drive perform during heavy Florida rainstorms?

Standard SH-AWD continuously monitors wheel speed, steering angle, and yaw rate to distribute torque dynamically between the front and rear axles. During sudden summer downpours, the system shifts power to the wheels with the most grip and actively vector torque side-to-side between the rear wheels to prevent hydroplaning and maintain directional stability on standing water.

Q: Is the True Touchpad Interface difficult to learn for first-time owners?

The True Touchpad Interface utilizes absolute positioning rather than relative tracking like a laptop mouse. Pressing the top-right corner of the touchpad corresponds directly to the top-right corner of the 10.2-inch center screen. Most drivers acclimate to the system within a few days, and frequently used functions can also be operated via physical steering wheel controls or hands-free voice commands through Amazon Alexa.

Q: What is the maximum towing capacity for the 2025 Acura RDX?

The 2025 Acura RDX features a maximum 1,500-lb towing capacity when equipped with the factory-approved trailer hitch and harness accessory. This rating allows owners to haul light utility trailers, small pop-up campers, or a pair of personal watercraft for weekend recreation.

Prices and MSRP referenced in this article are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell. Please contact Maus Acura North Tampa for current pricing and availability.  Fuel economy estimates shown may differ from official EPA ratings and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of actual vehicle performance.