The Acura RDX is one of the best-selling crossovers on the market and makes up for half of the brand’s SUV offerings. With the RDX, buyers will get a lot of luxurious amenities, ample seating for five, and a bevy of tech-savvy features in its base form, but an edgy A-Spec package is also available. We spent some time with this particular model and wondered if spending the extra cash for the A-Spec was actually worth it.

What does the 2021 Acura RDX come with?

If you’re only looking to spend around $40,000 or less for a luxury crossover, then the Acura RDX poses a great value proposition as is. The base RDX comes with a lot of standard features from the factory including a powered tailgate, 19-inch wheels, a panoramic moonroof, power-adjustable front seats, heated side mirrors, and automatic high beams. As far as the technological side of the feature list, the RDX comes with a 10.2-inch infotainment display, AcuraWatch driver-assist features, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and a 350-watt sound system with nine speakers.

What is included in the A-Spec package?

If you want your RDX a little more flashy to match your fascinating personality, then you can opt for the A-Spec Package, which includes everything in the Technology Package as well. The latter includes a rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and an onboard navigation system. But if you add the A-Spec Package, then you’ll add on a host of appearance upgrades including 20-inch Shark Gray Split wheels, A-Spec front, and rear bumpers, dual exhaust outlets, and A-Spec badges.

The A-Spec treatment continues on the interior with a pair of heated/ventilated sport front seats that are adorned in suede and leather, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, sports pedals, and brushed aluminum trim. If you’re an audiophile like us, then you’ll appreciate the fact that the A-Spec package also includes an Acura/ELS Studio 3D sound system with 16 speakers. However, it doesn’t make up for the fact that the package is missing a heated steering wheel and surround-view camera, but we’ll let it slide.

Is it worth it to get the A-Spec package?

The base 2021 Acura RDX starts at around $38,000 and adds on another $2,000 if you want all four wheels to grip the road. To get to the A-Spec package, you’ll need to add about $6,000 to the bottom line, which means that mainly paying for the appearance modifications, sportier seats, and a more premium sound system.

All things considered, a lot of those features and options would easily cost $6,000 or more on any German luxury SUV, so we would consider it a good deal on a well-equipped and well-made crossover like the Acura RDX.

If a unique and almost enthusiast-like character is what you want out of a luxury crossover, then the A-Spec Package is something that you should consider when purchasing an Acura RDX. However, if you can live without a better sound system and sporty appearance, then the well-equipped base trim is not a bad choice.