24 MPG combined. That’s the fuel economy for the 2021 Acura RDX with front-wheel drive and its turbocharged 2.0L engine. While not the best in its class, this is an acceptable number for buyers who want premium features, sporty driving, and Acura’s reliability over maximum fuel efficiency. It’s a trade-off for the RDX’s character.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2021 Acura RDX FWD at 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the RDX’s capabilities. The city MPG shows how stop-and-go traffic affects fuel consumption, where the turbocharger and automatic transmission work harder. The highway figure indicates the RDX’s ability to maintain decent efficiency while cruising, but the lack of a hybrid system or aerodynamic design keeps it from higher numbers. Drivers who commute in cities can expect results closer to 22 MPG. Those who drive mostly on highways should expect results near 28 MPG.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Acura RDX FWD is $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and the EPA’s combined fuel economy, using national average fuel prices. Individual costs will vary based on local fuel prices and driving habits, but $2,400 is a standard for comparing costs with other vehicles. This is worth considering when budgeting for ownership.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides estimates, but real-world fuel economy varies. Driving style, loads, and weather affect MPG. Some RDX owners report fuel economy similar to the EPA’s numbers, but some report slightly lower numbers, especially in cold climates where winter blends and idling can decrease efficiency. However, careful drivers who prioritize smoothness can often meet or exceed the EPA’s highway estimate. Regular maintenance, especially tire inflation, can improve fuel economy. Check out RDX MPG across all years.

How it compares

The Acura RDX is in a competitive segment. The Lexus NX 300h hybrid gets 31 MPG combined, appealing to buyers who want to save on gas. The NX is not as engaging to drive as the RDX. The BMW X3 sDrive30i, with its 2.0L turbo and RWD, earns an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined, slightly better than the RDX. The Audi Q5 40 TFSI manages 26 MPG combined, a small improvement. For drivers who choose luxury over fuel savings, the RDX’s MPG rating is an acceptable balance, offering premium features and fun driving at a reasonable cost. Those making this choice should also browse all Acura fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate and brake smoothly. The RDX responds well to gentle inputs, the transmission upshifts efficiently, and the turbocharger doesn’t boost unnecessarily. Avoid fast acceleration and predict traffic to improve fuel consumption.

Check tire pressures regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consuming more fuel. Check your tire pressures monthly and maintain the levels on the door jamb sticker. Properly inflated tires improve fuel economy, extend tire life, and enhance handling.

Reduce weight inside the vehicle. Excess cargo adds load to the engine, requiring more fuel to accelerate. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk to minimize weight.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed on the highway optimizes fuel efficiency. Use cruise control on open roads to prevent fluctuating speeds. Be careful in changing traffic.

Consider using “Econ” mode. The RDX has a drive mode called Econ that optimizes vehicle technologies for fuel economy. Econ mode, when engaged via a button, alters the throttle and transmission mapping to encourage less aggressive driving. This changes the vehicle’s responsiveness.