The 2019 Acura RDX AWD, with its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, gets a combined fuel economy rating of 23 MPG. It reflects what the RDX is designed for: sporty handling, premium features, and all-weather capability in a practical car. Buyers often want these things, accepting the fuel economy as the price for a more engaging driving experience than its competitors.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Acura RDX AWD gets 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city rating is due to stop-and-go traffic, where the RDX’s turbocharger works harder, using more fuel. The 27 MPG highway figure is better, suggesting the RDX can be driven for long distances with a steady foot. Drivers who commute in cities will see numbers closer to 21 MPG, while those with highway commutes might see averages close to or better than the EPA’s 27 MPG estimate.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Acura RDX AWD at $2,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will depend on your driving, the fuel you use (premium is recommended), and local fuel prices. $2,500 is a useful benchmark to compare the RDX’s fuel expenses to other vehicles. If you drive less, or get better MPG than the EPA figures, your annual fuel costs will be lower.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized testing method, yet real-world MPG can change a lot. Aggressive driving, short trips, cold weather, and heavy loads can hurt fuel economy. A driver who often uses the RDX’s Sport mode, accelerating hard, will see fuel economy below the EPA estimates. But a driver who accelerates smoothly, anticipates traffic, and uses the RDX’s Eco mode will get better results. Many RDX owners on forums and fuel tracking apps report combined MPG figures from the low 20s to the high 20s, proving that driving style matters.

How it compares

The Acura RDX is in a busy group of luxury compact SUVs. The Lexus NX 300 AWD, for example, gets 24 MPG combined, offering better fuel economy. The BMW X3 xDrive30i is rated at 24 MPG combined. The Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro gets the same as the RDX at 23 MPG combined. These small differences might matter to buyers who care about fuel costs, but often the decision is about styling, features, driving, reliability, and brand. The Volvo XC60 T5 AWD has an EPA rating of 24 MPG. For those wanting more efficient vehicles, hybrid versions of the NX and XC60 are available, but come with more complex powertrains and have different performance. Before buying an RDX, compare all Acura fuel economy numbers to its rivals to make sure it fits your priorities.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Don’t constantly use the turbocharger’s power. The RDX’s 2.0L engine is powerful, but hard acceleration uses gas. Smooth acceleration is key to better MPG.

Check your tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and using more fuel. Check your tire pressure and keep it at the recommended level, found on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Use the RDX’s Eco mode when you can. This mode changes the throttle and transmission to improve fuel efficiency. It might reduce the RDX’s responsiveness, but it can help MPG, especially in city driving or on flat highways.

Remove extra weight. Extra cargo adds strain on the engine, reducing fuel economy. Remove unneeded items from the trunk and rear seats. This can help MPG, especially on long drives.

Look at RDX MPG across all model years, if you can. The 2019 RDX offers a balance of features, but earlier models might have different MPG figures because of engine tuning or transmission programming. Research into previous years could find a more fuel-efficient choice.