The compact luxury crossover space is one of the most competitive segments out there. Every automaker needs one in order to stay in the game, and Acura is no exception. However, with so many players, there are bound to be overachievers, average players, and pretenders sitting on the sidelines. Where does the 2025 Acura RDX Platinum Elite A-Spec place?

This current-gen RDX has been around since 2019, with the last extensive refresh happening in 2022. Since then, we’ve seen minor changes — this year, the RDX receives another refresh, albeit a very subtle one — but by and large, it’s carried on mostly unchanged. In this time, the RDX has established itself as a bit of a value proposition, but in the face of newer and fresher competition, performance, interior quality, and tech seem average at best.

How does the RDX look?

The RDX sits somewhere in the middle when it comes to its overall appearance. It’s handsome enough, wearing the typical Acura bulges, curves, and character lines its customers have grown accustomed to. This A-Spec tester, being the sporty-looking one, wears more aggressive front and rear fascias, as well as the requisite badges tying it all together. This year’s refresh adds a restyled front grille, as well as new colour and wheel options, but compared to freshened-up competitors like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, the RDX comes across as a little dated.

Engine, performance, and driving impressions

Under the hood, the RDX carries over into 2025 unchanged, but I think it could’ve benefited from some extra shove. The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder continues to put out 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. That’s actually above average compared to most of its four-cylinder competitors, but most of its competitors offer a more powerful powertrain option. Considering this powerplant is similar to what’s in the Civic Type R and Integra Type S, a bump to 300-ish horsepower would’ve been nice if a different, optional powertrain is off the table. The turbo-four is still paired to a 10-speed automatic, which is smooth enough, but sometimes takes a moment to kick down.

Thankfully, the 2025 RDX’s handling is typical Acura. It’s responsive and surprisingly fun to take a corner with, but the ride quality doesn’t punish anyone inside. This is a luxury crossover that lets you have a bit of fun; Acura’s well-known SH-AWD system is on board, offering loads of grip and standard torque vectoring. Just don’t go thinking you’re behind the wheel of a jacked-up Integra Type S.

Fuel efficiency is competitive within the segment. The RDX is rated at 11 L/100 kilometres in the city, 8.6 highway, and 9.9 combined. I spent the week packing up my apartment and moving with the RDX, meaning a lot of short trips around town. Still, I averaged an impressive 10.1 L/100 km, but Acura recommends premium fuel here.

Interior comfort, styling, and tech

Inside is where the RDX really falls behind the competition. As much as we appreciate physical switchgear, the overall design is just way too busy, and the push-button shifter needs to be done-away-with sooner rather than later. Unlike the MDX, which receives a more convetional and far easier-to-use touchscreen infotainment, the RDX sticks with Acura’s frustrating, cumbersome, and impercise touchpad infotainment interface. Thankfully, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are present — hook up your phone, queue up your music and Waze, and leave the rest alone.

One thing I did miss in the MDX was Acura’s ELS Studio surround sound system. It was replaced by a Bang & Olufsen system which was pretty good, but nowhere near as impressive. Fortunately, the RDX keeps the ELS sound system, sounding every bit as immersive and crystal-clear as I remember. Materials and fit-and-finish aren’t quite up to par with competitors like the Genesis GV70 and Volvo XC60, but it feels solid and the A-Spec’s two-tone red-and-black motif looks great. If you don’t like large screens as your instrument cluster, you’ll love the RDX’s smaller display sandwiched by an analog speedomater and tach.

I took full advantage of the 2025 RDX A-Spec’s cargo area in my entire week with it. Cargo space comes in at 835 litres with the seats up, jumping to 1,668 when they’re folded. Those numbers aren’t class-leading, but it’s more than competitive. I had zero issues using the RDX to move, loading it up with boxes, totes, bins, and more boxes with ease. Passengers up front have ample legroom, but the rear seats are best left for those under six feet.

Is the 2025 RDX worth it?

The 2025 RDX’s pricing makes it easy to overlook its shortcomings. As a value leader in the segment, a base RDX starts at $53,800, undercutting its more established European competitors by a large margin. Our tester is the top-trim Platinum Elite A-Spec, sitting at the top of the lineup, at $62,930 as-tested. It’s quite a deal when you look at some competitors that easily hit above $75,000.

Is the 2025 Acura RDX Platinum Elite A-Spec the most luxurious, attractive, or dynamic option in the segment? No, but that doesn’t mean you should write it off entirely. It’s reasonably priced, punchy enough, and way better on gas than I expected. Plus, it hauled all the cargo I could pack in, and then some. It’s not the fanciest, fastest, or nicest option in the segment, but it continues to hold its own.