The 2023 Acura RDX AWD 2.0L 4-cyl gets 23 MPG combined. It’s not a hybrid, and it doesn’t try to be. It is a luxury compact SUV focused on a premium driving experience with plenty of technology and a well-designed interior. Fuel economy, while important, is secondary to those core aspects, something Acura RDX buyers understand.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2023 Acura RDX AWD are 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. These figures are what you can expect from a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine working with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The city number reflects stop-and-go traffic where the turbocharger is often engaged, while the highway number shows how the transmission’s tall overdrive gears help. The 10-speed transmission keeps the engine in its best power range, helping with responsive acceleration and good efficiency. However, the RDX’s powertrain prioritizes readily available torque and confident passing power over the best fuel economy in its class.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Acura RDX AWD at $2,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price for regular unleaded gasoline. Your fuel costs will change based on how you drive, local fuel prices, and the amount of city versus highway driving you do. Still, the $2,500 gives you a standard to compare the RDX to other vehicles. You can see all Acura fuel economy data to look at other Acura models.

Real-world expectations

The EPA uses a standard testing process, but real-world fuel economy can change a lot. Driving hard, short trips often, carrying heavy things, and extreme weather can all hurt fuel efficiency. But if you accelerate smoothly, watch traffic, and keep your tires inflated, you might get numbers close to or even better than the EPA estimates. The RDX’s trip computer provides data on fuel consumption, so drivers can watch their driving and make changes to use less gas. Watch how you drive in different situations and adjust as needed.

How it compares

The Acura RDX is in a very competitive group. The Lexus NX 350 AWD, for example, gets a slightly better 25 MPG combined, but doesn’t have the same sporty feel. The BMW X3 xDrive30i is rated at 24 MPG combined, offering similar performance, but usually costs more. The Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro also gets 25 MPG combined, about the same as the Lexus. These small differences in mileage are often less important to RDX buyers than the Acura’s good value, its fun driving, and its history of reliability. Owners looking at RDX MPG across all years will find similar results.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The RDX’s turbocharged engine works best with smooth acceleration. Don’t push the throttle hard, especially when starting, as this makes the turbocharger work harder and use more fuel. Instead, look ahead and speed up slowly to keep moving.

Correct tire inflation is critical for good fuel economy. Check your tire pressures often and keep them at the recommended levels, which you can find on the driver’s side doorjamb. Tires with not enough air increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel efficiency. The RDX’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) shows tire pressures and warns you if they get too low.

The Acura RDX’s SH-AWD system gives you good traction, but it also adds weight. The system sends torque to the rear wheels only when needed. Avoid hard acceleration when you don’t need more traction, as this will engage the SH-AWD system more and reduce fuel economy.

Don’t sit idle. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling uses fuel without moving. This is especially important in city driving, where you often idle at lights and in traffic.

Take extra weight out of the car. Every extra pound makes the engine work harder and reduces fuel efficiency. Remove anything you don’t need from the trunk and inside the car to make it lighter. While this helps a little, it adds up to more savings over time.