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The Acura RDX is the more refined, less popular cousin of the Honda CR-V. The RDX is a much more luxurious small SUV model, but it ultimately shares DNA with the CR-V. The Honda CR-V is reliable, but what about its expensive relative? Does the Acura RDX have a lot of problems?

Do Acura RDXs have a lot of problems?

A gray 2022 Acura RDX is driving down the road.
The 2022 Acura RDX | Acura

The Acura RDX might be pricier than the Honda CR-V, but that doesn’t make it better. Consumer Reports finds the CR-V to be the more reliable model. The Acura RDX has its issues, but it isn’t more problematic than the average small SUV. Its reliability is average, and that’s enough for many consumers.

Consumer Reports gave the 2022 Acura RDX a 3/5 predicted reliability score. The 2022 Honda CR-V received a 4/5 predicted reliability score. The two small SUVs got different overall scores as well. This may seem peculiar since the SUVs are so closely related, but the RDX has issues that are specific to its nameplate. The CR-V is actually the better buy in many ways. So, in short, the RDX isn’t especially problematic, but some of its past issues can raise eyebrows.

What problems does the Acura RDX have?

A blue 2022 Acura RDX small SUV is driving off-road.
The 2022 Acura RDX | Acura

The Acura RDX’s main issue has been its soy-based wiring. The wiring has attracted rodents on occasion, and the critters have chewed through the wiring, wreaking havoc on its electrical system.

CarComplaints.com also lists cracked axles and squeaky brakes as complaints that have been registered against the RDX. The 2015 model year received the most complaints about soy-based wiring. The 2012 model year experienced cracked axles, and the 2019 model year experienced squeaky brakes. The 2019 model year has the most complaints registered against it on CarComplaints.com.

If you’re looking for a deal on a used Acura RDX, the 2018 model year is a great place to start. The 2018 model year has very few complaints registered, and it received a 4/5 reliability score from Consumer Reports. Kelley Blue Book claims that a 2018 Acura RDX with under 56,000 miles has a fair purchase price of $26,092. That’s $12,000 less than the luxury SUV’s original MSRP.

Is the Acura RDX a good SUV?

The Acura RDX has its strong points, but the small SUV isn’t class-leading. It offers comfortable front seats and brakes well. The small SUV also accelerates well and reduces cabin noise.

The 2022 Acura RDX starts at $40,100. It uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine to make 272 horsepower. The small SUV achieves 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. The RDX delivers a quality driving experience and has a comfortable, quiet interior, but it isn’t the best luxury small SUV on the market. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC is a better luxury small SUV for the money.

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