24 MPG combined won’t win any fuel economy awards, but it’s an acceptable figure for the 2020 Acura RDX FWD A-SPEC. This isn’t a hypermiling hybrid, it’s a stylish, sporty crossover aimed at urban professionals who prioritize looks and driving enjoyment over getting the most miles from a gallon of gas. They value the A-SPEC’s unique styling, its engaging driving, and the premium experience Acura provides, which helps them accept its respectable fuel consumption.

city and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2020 Acura RDX FWD A-SPEC are 22 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the turbocharged 2.0L engine burns more fuel. The highway number shows how the ten-speed automatic transmission lets the engine cruise at lower RPMs, improving efficiency during steady driving. The small difference between city and highway MPG suggests this RDX works well navigating cities or taking longer road trips.

annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Acura RDX FWD A-SPEC at $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, the EPA’s estimate of 24 MPG combined, and national average fuel prices. Remember this is an estimate, and the actual cost can change depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and miles driven. $2,400 is a good benchmark for budgeting and understanding the cost of RDX ownership.

real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standard, real-world MPG varies. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and heavy loads will hurt fuel economy. Gentle acceleration, anticipating traffic, and steady speeds on the highway can help drivers get close to, or exceed, the EPA’s figures. Owners of the 2020 RDX FWD A-SPEC should expect to see figures in the low 20s in mixed driving, with the chance for close to 30 MPG on long highway trips. Those reviewing RDX MPG across all years should also consider that later generation RDX models feature updated powertrains.

how it compares

The Acura RDX’s fuel economy is in the middle of its class. The Lexus NX 300 gets a similar 25 MPG combined, while the BMW X3 sDrive30i, with rear-wheel drive, gets a slightly better 28 MPG combined. The Audi Q5 40 TFSI comes in at 26 MPG combined. These differences might seem small, but they add up and influence decisions. The RDX buyer, captured by the A-SPEC’s looks and willing to pay for the Acura badge, likely considers these small MPG differences a good tradeoff for their preferred style and performance. If they are interested in efficiency, they could consider the Acura MDX, and check all Acura fuel economy data.

tips to maximize efficiency

The turbocharged 2.0L engine in the RDX responds well, but reacts to driving style. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. Smooth inputs will smooth out the ride and improve fuel consumption.

Maintaining proper tire inflation is important for fuel economy. Check your tire pressure monthly, and make sure it matches the recommended level on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and decrease MPG.

The RDX’s ten-speed automatic transmission keeps the engine in its most efficient range. Use the Drive mode selector to experiment. “Comfort” mode prioritizes fuel efficiency, while “Sport” mode favors performance, but reduces MPG. Consider using Comfort when cruising on the highway.

Excess weight hurts fuel economy. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk. Extra cargo adds load, requiring more fuel to perform.

Plan routes to avoid congestion and minimize stop-and-go traffic. Using navigation apps to identify delays can help you find alternative routes for a smoother, more fuel efficient drive.