24 MPG combined won’t break any records, but it’s a practical compromise for the 2023 Acura RDX FWD. It’s not a hybrid or a hyper-efficient commuter car but is, instead, a compact luxury SUV for drivers who want a premium driving experience, a well-equipped interior, and versatility for daily life. The fuel economy is acceptable for those who value these qualities over saving money at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2023 Acura RDX FWD are 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the RDX’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The 22 MPG city figure is fine for navigating stop-and-go traffic, where the 10-speed automatic transmission performs well. The highway rating of 28 MPG allows for comfortable and relatively economical long-distance cruising, though even better efficiency would be appreciated on longer trips. These EPA figures are a useful starting point, but understanding how they translate to real-world driving is essential.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Acura RDX FWD at $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the EPA’s projected national average fuel prices for regular gasoline. This number is a useful benchmark for comparing the RDX’s running costs against others in its class. Remember that this is an average, and your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and how much you drive each year. It’s helpful for planning, but not a guarantee.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates offer a standardized benchmark, but real-world fuel economy can vary significantly based on driving style, traffic, and even weather. Drivers who accelerate quickly are likely to see numbers closer to the low end of the EPA range, while those who accelerate smoothly and maintain consistent speeds may achieve slightly better results. Short trips, cold weather, and frequent accessory use can all impact fuel consumption. The RDX’s driving dynamics encourage enthusiastic driving, which can easily lead to lower MPG numbers. Highway commutes driven carefully will often deliver figures exceeding the EPA’s 28 MPG estimate. Expect to see a range of 20-30 MPG depending on conditions.

How it compares

The Acura RDX FWD’s fuel economy is about average for a compact luxury SUV. For example, the Lexus NX 250 FWD gets a combined EPA rating of 28 MPG, making it more efficient. The BMW X3 sDrive30i also gets a comparable 25 MPG combined. These small differences probably won’t be a deciding factor for most RDX buyers, since the Acura’s mix of value, performance, and features often matters more than a few MPG. However, for buyers focused on low fuel costs, the Lexus NX’s better fuel economy might be more appealing. You can compare all Acura fuel economy data on this site to see how the RDX compares to the Acura lineup. If you want to know about older models, you can also find RDX MPG across all years here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Acura RDX’s turbocharged engine works best with smooth, gradual acceleration. Avoid quick starts and hard braking to save fuel. Stepping on the gas or brake harder requires more immediate fuel; instead, anticipate traffic flow and let the car coast when you can.

Proper tire inflation is critical for good fuel economy. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, making the engine work harder. Check your RDX’s tire pressure often and inflate them to the levels listed on the driver’s side door jamb for optimal grip, efficiency, and handling.

Remove extra weight from the vehicle. Extra cargo strains the engine, lowering fuel efficiency. Remove items from the trunk and back seat that you don’t need every day. A lighter vehicle uses less fuel to accelerate and maintain speed.

The RDX has a drive mode selector. The “Comfort” or “Normal” mode will usually give you the best fuel economy because it optimizes the engine and transmission for efficiency. “Sport” mode makes the car more responsive, but it will use more fuel. Learn and use each mode correctly. Save Sport mode for when you really want it!