Recently, I had the chance to get behind the wheel of the 2025 Acura RDX A-Spec, the sportiest and most aggressively styled trim in Acura’s premium compact SUV lineup. With its bold exterior design, handling, and tech-packed interior, the RDX A-Spec is aimed at drivers who want luxury and performance without jumping into the higher price tiers of German rivals. It’s Acura’s take on blending everyday practicality with a more dynamic, driver-focused edge.
In this review, I’ll walk through the PROs and CONs of the 2025 Acura RDX A-Spec to help you decide if this performance-inspired SUV fits your lifestyle and expectations.
PRO: Performance
The 2025 Acura RDX A-Spec delivers sharp, confident handling thanks to its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and sport-tuned suspension, making it one of the more engaging compact SUVs to drive. With a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.2 seconds which is more than enough to keep things exciting on the road.
PRO: Driver-Focused
The 2025 RDX A-Spec feels intentionally built around the driver, from the flat-bottom steering wheel to the snug sport seats that hold you in place during spirited drives. Every detail from the red contrast stitching to the paddle shifters and intuitive gauge layout adds to the sense that you’re behind the wheel of something designed to be driven, not just ridden in.
PRO: Exterior Styling
Standing out with its bold, aggressive design, featuring darkened accents, a gloss black grille, and sleek 20-inch wheels gives the 2025 RDX A-Spec a commanding presence on the road. Its sculpted lines and low-slung stance make it look more like a performance SUV than a typical luxury crossover.
PRO: Solid Rear Space
The rear seats in the 2025 Acura RDX A-Spec offer impressive legroom and headroom, making it comfortable even for taller passengers on long drives. With wide door openings and a nearly flat floor, getting in and out is easy, and rear passengers won’t feel like an afterthought.
CON: Touchpad
The touchpad in the 2025 Acura RDX A-Spec feels overly complicated and makes simple tasks like changing the radio station or selecting apps is way more distracting than they should be. The lack of a touchscreen only adds to the frustration, especially when you’re trying to quickly interact with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or navigation while on the move.
CON: Gauge Cluster Dated
The gauge cluster in the 2025 Acura RDX A-Spec looks stuck in the past, with analog dials and a small central screen that feel out of place in a modern luxury SUV. It lacks the customization and visual flair offered by fully digital displays in many of its competitors, making the driver interface feel a step behind.
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