22 MPG combined is what you get with the 2016 Acura RDX 4WD. It’s adequate, but not class-leading. Acura doesn’t market the RDX as a fuel-sipping choice. Instead, the RDX tries to offer practicality, comfort, and good performance in a compact luxury vehicle. Owners of the 2013-2018 RDX generally accept the EPA number as the cost of a powerful V6, smooth transmission, and Acura’s reliable reputation. It’s for buyers who prioritize a reliable, no-fuss vehicle with enough power for merging and passing on the highway more than getting every last MPG.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Acura RDX 4WD 3.5L V6 are 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the engine spends time idling or accelerating. The highway figure is more achievable because the six-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine at its most efficient at cruising speeds. If you mostly drive in the city, expect to see about 19 MPG consistently.

If your commute is mostly highway miles, you can expect to see numbers approaching or slightly exceeding 27 MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Acura RDX 4WD 3.5L V6 at $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is only an estimate, though. Factors like driving style, local fuel prices, and the ratio of city to highway driving affect your actual fuel expenses. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and extended idling will all increase your fuel bill.

The EPA figure provides a baseline, but consider your personal driving habits and local conditions for a more accurate prediction of your annual fuel costs.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized testing procedure, but real-world numbers can change depending on many factors. Using the RDX’s available all-wheel-drive system often, especially in snow or ice, reduces fuel economy compared to the EPA estimates. Carrying heavy loads of passengers or cargo will also lower your MPG. Many owners report numbers close to the EPA estimates during mixed driving, but some see lower numbers if they drive aggressively or mainly in congested city areas. Keep this in mind when browsing RDX MPG across all years, especially concerning owner-reported data.

How it compares

The 2016 Acura RDX 4WD’s fuel economy places it among its competitors. The front-wheel-drive version gets slightly better gas mileage, rated at 20 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. The Lexus NX 200t has a more modern interior and a turbocharged engine, but its fuel economy is similar, around 22 MPG combined. The Buick Enclave, a larger three-row SUV, struggles to reach even the RDX’s numbers, averaging about 17 MPG combined in its 4WD version.

A similarly sized vehicle like the BMW X3 xDrive28i, with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, gets a slightly better 24 MPG combined. This matters to buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency, while the RDX’s V6 is for those who want responsive acceleration and a more traditional luxury experience. Always view all Acura fuel economy data when assessing longer-term trends.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The RDX has plenty of power thanks to its V6, but using it unnecessarily uses more fuel. Accelerating gently and watching traffic can improve your MPG.

A smooth-shifting six-speed automatic is reliable, but responsive driving keeps it from downshifting without reason.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and make the engine work harder, consuming more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep it at the recommended level on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel and creates emissions. If you expect to stop for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Restarting uses less fuel than letting the engine idle for a long time.

Use cruise control on the highway. Keeping a consistent speed improves fuel efficiency, especially on long highway drives. Cruise control reduces speed changes that can waste fuel.

Keep up with regular maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements, to ensure the best performance and fuel economy.