# Acura RDX specs and mpg by year

- **Latest year:** 2026
- **MPG (combined):** 23
- **Drive:** AWD
- **Years covered:** 2015-2026

## Quick answer

The 2026 Acura RDX is a small SUV rated at 23 mpg combined. Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo.

## Every 2026 Acura RDX version

| Version | Engine | Drive | Transmission | City/Hwy | Combined | Fuel cost / year | CO2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| RDX AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | AWD | Automatic | 21/27 | 23 mpg | $3,550 | 385 g/mi |
| RDX AWD A-SPEC | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | AWD | Automatic | 21/26 | 23 mpg | $3,550 | 386 g/mi |

Each row is a version the EPA tested. Fuel cost assumes 15,000 miles a year (55% city) at national average prices; CO2 is tailpipe emissions.

## Acura RDX specs by year

| Year | Engines | Transmission | Drive | MPG (combined) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic | AWD | 23 |
| 2025 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic | AWD | 23 |
| 2024 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic | AWD | 23 |
| 2023 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic | AWD, FWD | 23-24 |
| 2022 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic | AWD, FWD | 23-24 |
| 2021 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic | AWD, FWD | 23-24 |
| 2020 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic | AWD, FWD | 23-24 |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic | 4WD, FWD | 23-24 |
| 2018 | 3.5L V6 | Automatic | AWD, FWD | 22-23 |
| 2017 | 3.5L V6 | Automatic | AWD, FWD | 22-23 |
| 2016 | 3.5L V6 | Automatic | AWD, FWD | 22-23 |
| 2015 | 3.5L V6 | Automatic | AWD, FWD | 22-23 |

EPA combined ratings. MPGe is the EPA efficiency measure for electric cars. Ranges cover every engine and drivetrain EPA tested for that year.

## How has the RDX changed over the years?

- **2024:** FWD was dropped; combined mpg went from 23-24 to 23.
- **2020:** AWD became available; 4WD was dropped.
- **2019:** added 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; dropped 3.5L V6; 4WD became available; AWD was dropped.

## What does it cost to run a RDX?

The EPA puts the 2026 Acura RDX's fuel cost at **$3,550 a year**, against about $2,182 for other current small SUVs: roughly 63% more. Over five years at 15,000 miles a year that is about $17,750 in fuel.

## RDX vs rivals

| Model | Powertrains | Fuel economy | Fuel cost / year |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Toyota RAV4](/vehicles/toyota-rav4) | Hybrid | 38-43 mpg | $1,550-$1,750 |
| [Kia Sportage](/vehicles/kia-sportage) | Gas, Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid | 24-42 mpg | $1,600-$2,800 |
| [Toyota Corolla Cross](/vehicles/toyota-corolla-cross) | Gas, Hybrid | 30-42 mpg | $1,600-$2,250 |
| [Ford Escape](/vehicles/ford-escape) | Gas, Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid | 26-40 mpg | $1,700-$2,600 |
| [Honda CR-V](/vehicles/honda-cr-v) | Gas, Hybrid, Hydrogen | 29-40 mpg | $1,700-$2,300 |
| [Lexus NX](/vehicles/lexus-nx) | Gas, Hybrid | 24-40 mpg | $2,050-$3,400 |
| [Hyundai Tucson](/vehicles/hyundai-tucson) | Gas, Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid | 26-38 mpg | $1,750-$2,600 |
| [Mazda CX-50](/vehicles/mazda-cx-50) | Gas, Hybrid | 25-38 mpg | $1,750-$2,700 |

Other current small SUVs from other makes, most efficient first.

## Frequently asked questions

### What mpg does the 2026 Acura RDX get?

The 2026 Acura RDX is EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain. Real-world mileage varies with speed, climate and load.

### What engine does the 2026 Acura RDX have?

The 2026 Acura RDX comes with: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo. It uses automatic transmission and is offered with AWD.

### Is there a hybrid Acura RDX?

No. In the EPA data from 2015-2026 the Acura RDX has no hybrid version.

### Which Acura RDX year gets the best gas mileage?

In the EPA data, the 2023 Acura RDX has the highest combined rating, up to 24 mpg. Ratings for the same model can change between years when engines or test procedures change.

### How much does it cost to fuel a 2026 Acura RDX for a year?

About $3,550 a year, using the EPA's assumptions of 15,000 miles (55% city, 45% highway) at national average fuel prices. Your cost depends on your local prices, mileage and driving style.

### What is the city and highway mpg of the 2026 Acura RDX?

The most efficient 2026 version, the RDX AWD, is rated 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (23 combined). Other engines and drivetrains are rated lower; the versions table above lists each one.

### How much CO2 does the 2026 Acura RDX emit?

EPA rates its tailpipe CO2 at 385-386 grams per mile depending on version. Lower is better; the cleanest gas cars sit under 250 g/mi and electric cars have none at the tailpipe.

### Does the 2026 Acura RDX come with all-wheel drive?

Yes. The 2026 Acura RDX is offered with AWD. All- or four-wheel drive usually costs 1-3 mpg compared with the two-wheel-drive version of the same engine, as the versions table shows.

### Is the Acura RDX cheap to run compared with other small SUVs?

No, dearer than average: its EPA annual fuel cost of $3,550 compares with about $2,182 for other current small SUV models. Fuel is only part of running costs; insurance, tires and repairs also differ.

## Sources

- [fueleconomy.gov (US DOE and EPA)](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/)

## More Acura models

- [Acura Integra](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/acura-integra)
- [Acura MDX](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/acura-mdx)
- [Acura ILX](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/acura-ilx): discontinued
- [Acura NSX](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/acura-nsx): discontinued
- [Acura TLX](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/acura-tlx): discontinued

## Other small SUVs

- [Alfa Romeo Stelvio](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/alfa-romeo-stelvio)
- [Audi Q3](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/audi-q3)
- [Audi Q5](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/audi-q5)
- [Audi SQ5](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/audi-sq5)
- [BMW X1](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/bmw-x1)
- [BMW X3](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/bmw-x3)
- [BMW X4](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/bmw-x4)
- [Buick Encore](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/buick-encore)

## Car care

- [How long do tires last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/tires)
- [How often to change oil](https://diagxcar.com/how-often/change-oil)
- [Tire size calculator](https://diagxcar.com/tools/tire-size-calculator)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/acura-rdx
Updated: 2026-11-03
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.