2021 Acura RDX
The 2021 Acura RDX is a compact SUV, rated at 24 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year.
- Combined MPG
- 24
- NHTSA safety
- Starting price
- $45,000
- Recalls
- 3
Watch: RDX reviews
Full specifications
Identity
SRC · NHTSA vPIC| Make | Acura |
|---|---|
| Model | RDX |
| Model year | 2021 |
| Vehicle class | Compact SUV |
Engine & drivetrain
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Displacement | 2 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Automatic (S10) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City MPG | 22 |
|---|---|
| Highway MPG | 28 |
| Combined MPG | 24 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 370 g/mi |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3200 |
Available configurations
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| RDX AWD | 23 MPG combined |
|---|---|
| RDX AWD A-SPEC | 23 MPG combined |
| RDX FWD | 24 MPG combined |
| RDX FWD A-SPEC | 24 MPG combined |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City | 22 MPG |
|---|---|
| Highway | 28 MPG |
| Combined | 24 MPG |
Efficiency vs class average
About 25% below the class average.
- Amount financed
- $40,500
- Total interest
- $7,046
Partner offers · may earn us a commission
≈ $1,675/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal
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Cost to own
Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.
Safety ratings & recalls
SRC · NHTSA vPIC- Overall
- Frontal crash
- Side crash
- Rollover
Recalls (3)
- POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT21V939000 · 2021-12-02
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Acura RDX and 2022 CR-V Hybrid vehicles. A component in the right or left front driveshaft may have been improperly heat-treated, which could result in driveshaft failure.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the right or left front driveshaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BBY, NBW, and OBX.
- AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V064000 · 2024-02-01
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
- AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER26V332000 · 2026-05-21
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Compare with rivals
All model years
Frequently asked questions
What is the MPG of the 2021 Acura RDX?
The 2021 Acura RDX is EPA-rated at 24 MPG combined (22 city / 28 highway).
Is the 2021 Acura RDX reliable?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Acura RDX. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.
How safe is the 2021 Acura RDX?
The 2021 Acura RDX earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 4 stars in the frontal crash test.
How much does it cost to fuel the 2021 Acura RDX?
At 12,000 miles per year, the 2021 Acura RDX costs roughly $1,675 per year to fuel, or about $8,375 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.
What type of vehicle is the 2021 Acura RDX?
The 2021 Acura RDX is classified as a compact suv. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.
Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC