Acura RDX vs. Acura MDX Feature Comparison

Features Comparison: Acura RDX vs. Acura MDX

Show all  Hide all

Model Year	2016	2016--2012-2013-2017	2016--2012-2013-2017	2016--2012-2013-2017
Model	RDX	MDX	MDX	MDX
Trim	Base	Base	Technology	Advance
Engines (hide)
3.5L V6 OHC-4v 279 hp@6200 252 lb-ft@4900
3.5L V6 OHC-4v 290 hp@6200 267 lb-ft@4500
Transmissions (hide)
6-speed manually-shiftable automatic
9-speed manually-shiftable automatic
Drivetrains (hide)
FWD
AWD
Tires (hide)
235/60VR18 tires
245/60HR18 tires
245/55HR19 tires
Audio Systems (hide)
Unbranded, 360W, 7 speakers (with subwoofer)
ELS, 410W, 10 speakers (with subwoofer)
Unbranded, 432W, 8 speakers (with subwoofer)
ELS, 501W, 10 speakers (with subwoofer)
ELS, 529W, 11 speakers (with subwoofer)
ELS, 546W, 12 speakers (with subwoofer)
Accessories (hide)
AC power outletPowers devices with a regular home electrical outlet. Limited wattage: forget about using it to power a blow drier.   [?]
Powers devices with a regular home electrical outlet. Limited wattage: forget about using it to power a blow drier.
Active noise reductionCancels out interior noise by playing the opposite noise through the vehicle's speakers.   [?]
Cancels out interior noise by playing the opposite noise through the vehicle's speakers.
Adaptive cruise control, all-speedAutomatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Can bring vehicle to a complete stop then accelerate back up to set speed. Replaces regular adaptive cruise control, and includes its value.   [?]
Automatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Can bring vehicle to a complete stop then accelerate back up to set speed. Replaces regular adaptive cruise control, and includes its value.
Cruise control
Display keyRemotely view the car's status on the key fob.   [?]
Remotely view the car's status on the key fob.
Power front side windowsOften must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.   [?]
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.
Power liftgateLiftgate can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob.   [?]
Liftgate can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob.
Power locks
Power rear side windows
Proximity keyEnter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.   [?]
Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.
Remote keyless entryUnlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.
Remote startStart the car using a button on the keyfob. Interior can be a comfortable temperature as soon as you get in.   [?]
Start the car using a button on the keyfob. Interior can be a comfortable temperature as soon as you get in.
Remote window/roof operationOperate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Operate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob.
Sound insulation, additionalOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Sunshades, second rowGreatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the rear side windows. Retract into rear doors.   [?]
Greatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the rear side windows. Retract into rear doors.
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, manual
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power
Universal garage door openerHomelink.   [?]
Homelink.
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety (hide)
4-wheel disc brakesRear disc brakes.   [?]
Rear disc brakes.
Active or whiplash-reducing head restraints, front seatsIf active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.   [?]
If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.
AlarmOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Antilock brakes (ABS)Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.   [?]
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.
Automatic braking, high-speed or partialIf collision detection system senses imminent collision, applies moderate braking.   [?]
If collision detection system senses imminent collision, applies moderate braking.
Automatic braking, low-speedAutomatically brakes car to avoid low-speed collisions.   [?]
Automatically brakes car to avoid low-speed collisions.
Blind spot warning systemMirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot.   [?]
Mirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot.
Brake assistWhen a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.   [?]
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
Cross-traffic warning, rearWarns of traffic coming from either direction when vehicle is in reverse, to prevent accidents when backing out of parking spaces.   [?]
Warns of traffic coming from either direction when vehicle is in reverse, to prevent accidents when backing out of parking spaces.
Daytime running lights (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Forward collision warningAlerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly.   [?]
Alerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly.
Front airbagsMandatory, in all cars.   [?]
Mandatory, in all cars.
Hill start assistApplies the brakes to hold the vehicle in place on an incline. Incomplete data, so only displayed when pricing a single vehicle.   [?]
Applies the brakes to hold the vehicle in place on an incline. Incomplete data, so only displayed when pricing a single vehicle.
Knee airbag, driver
Lane departure warningAlerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane.   [?]
Alerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane.
Lane keeping assistProactively helps keep the car centered inside a detected lane via steering assistance.   [?]
Proactively helps keep the car centered inside a detected lane via steering assistance.
Obstacle detection, frontBeeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid.
Obstacle detection, rearBeeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.
Pedestrian detectionWarns driver of pedestrians in path of car.   [?]
Warns driver of pedestrians in path of car.
Radar- or camera-based collision preparation systemPrepares brakes (and sometimes also seat belts) for use when radar detects an imminent collision. Might also move seats and close windows. Early Lexus system used laser. Since automatic braking became common it has been unclear which models have this feat   [?]
Prepares brakes (and sometimes also seat belts) for use when radar detects an imminent collision. Might also move seats and close windows. Early Lexus system used laser. Since automatic braking became common it has been unclear which models have this feat
Rearview cameraRearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system.   [?]
Rearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system.
Rollover sensorDeploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others.   [?]
Deploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others.
Side curtain airbagsAirbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.   [?]
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.
Side curtain airbags, three rowsAirbags contained just above the window level. Cover all three rows.   [?]
Airbags contained just above the window level. Cover all three rows.
Stability controlSelectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).   [?]
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).
Temporary spare tire
Tire-pressure monitorTwo types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.   [?]
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.
Torque vectoring, brake-basedUses the brakes to channel torque to the outside wheels and counteract understeer. Similar to stability control, but proactive, and acting to improve cornering performance rather than prevent loss of control.   [?]
Uses the brakes to channel torque to the outside wheels and counteract understeer. Similar to stability control, but proactive, and acting to improve cornering performance rather than prevent loss of control.
Traction controlWhen a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.   [?]
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.
Trailer sway controlAutomatically applies a front brake to counteract sway induced by a trailer.   [?]
Automatically applies a front brake to counteract sway induced by a trailer.
Wide-view rear cameraWide angle camera allows the driver to see well to each side from the very rear of the car when pulling out of parking spaces or side streets. A second selectable view.   [?]
Wide angle camera allows the driver to see well to each side from the very rear of the car when pulling out of parking spaces or side streets. A second selectable view.
Cargo Management (hide)
Cargo cover
Console with shifter
Console without shifter
Overhead sunglass holderUsually part of an overhead console.   [?]
Usually part of an overhead console.
Roof railsNo crossbars.   [?]
No crossbars.
Storage beneath cargo floorLarge storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized.   [?]
Large storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized.
Climate Control (hide)
Air conditioning
Automatic climate control, frontMaintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Dual-zone climate controlTemperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Interior air filterFilters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.   [?]
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.
Rain-sensing wipersWipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.   [?]
Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.
Rear air ventsVents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling.   [?]
Vents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling.
Rear air vents with automatic controlsMaintains set temperature in rear passenger area by providing heated or cooled air through vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Replaces and includes value of rear air vents with manual controls.   [?]
Maintains set temperature in rear passenger area by providing heated or cooled air through vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Replaces and includes value of rear air vents with manual controls.
Rear defrost
Rear heat ductsDucts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.   [?]
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.
Rear HVAC unitA second evaporator provides cool air to rear vents. Does not include the value of these vents. Includes rear heater.   [?]
A second evaporator provides cool air to rear vents. Does not include the value of these vents. Includes rear heater.
Rear wiper
Speed-sensitive wipersOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Variable intermittent wipersTime between wipes can be precisely adjusted.   [?]
Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted.
Drivetrain (hide)
Active rear differentialActively splits power between the left and right rear wheels, which generally yields sportier handling.   [?]
Actively splits power between the left and right rear wheels, which generally yields sportier handling.
Engine / Motor (hide)
Automatic start / stopAutomatically cuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts it when the driver lifts off the brake pedal. Not listed for hybrids, where it is generally part of the powertrain system.   [?]
Automatically cuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts it when the driver lifts off the brake pedal. Not listed for hybrids, where it is generally part of the powertrain system.
Exterior (hide)
Bodyside claddingProtective cladding extending partly onto the doors.   [?]
Protective cladding extending partly onto the doors.
Bright-finished exhaust tip(s)Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.   [?]
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.
Deep-tinted rear windows
Laminated front side windowsReduces interior noise, prevents side windows from shattering.   [?]
Reduces interior noise, prevents side windows from shattering.
Rear spoilerCan be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.   [?]
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.
Sunroof
Infotainment (hide)
Additional screen for entertainment systemAn additional ceiling-mounted screen for third-row passengers.   [?]
An additional ceiling-mounted screen for third-row passengers.
App supportTouchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years.    [?]
Touchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years.
Audio controls on steering wheel
Aux inputJack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.   [?]
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.
Bluetooth audio streamingUses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone.   [?]
Uses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone.
Bluetooth cell phone linkEnables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.   [?]
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.
CD player
DVD-Audio-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing DVD-Audio discs.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing DVD-Audio discs.
Entertainment system, ceiling-mountedA DVD player and ceiling-mounted screen. Often includes a pair of wireless headphones.   [?]
A DVD player and ceiling-mounted screen. Often includes a pair of wireless headphones.
HD radioHigh-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.   [?]
High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.
HDMI portEnables input of HD video.   [?]
Enables input of HD video.
Media driveBuilt-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files.   [?]
Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files.
MP3-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.
Navigation systemScreen-based navigation system.   [?]
Screen-based navigation system.
Satellite radioXM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.   [?]
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.
Siri Eyes Free supportActivate Siri using button on steering wheel. Make calls, hear and dictate texts and email, manage calendar, turn-by-turn nav. Requires iPhone 4S or higher.    [?]
Activate Siri using button on steering wheel. Make calls, hear and dictate texts and email, manage calendar, turn-by-turn nav. Requires iPhone 4S or higher.
SMS text-to-speech readerConverts text messages to speech.   [?]
Converts text messages to speech.
Surround sound
Telematics service, such as OnStarIn-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.   [?]
In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.
Traffic + travel informationInformation about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.   [?]
Information about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.
USB portOften permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls.   [?]
Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls.
Voice control for nav and audioSometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.   [?]
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors (hide)
Auto-dimming driver-side mirrorDriver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming passenger-side mirrorPassenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Passenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming rearview mirrorInterior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Automatic headlightsHeadlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.   [?]
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.
CompassWe haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.   [?]
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.
Fog lightsLight wide area close in front of the vehicle.   [?]
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle.
Heated mirrorsClears ice and fog from mirrors.   [?]
Clears ice and fog from mirrors.
Illuminated visor mirror, driverIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Illuminated visor mirror, passengerIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Interior ambient lightingLEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.   [?]
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.
LED headlightsLED headlights last longer and use less energy than other types.   [?]
LED headlights last longer and use less energy than other types.
LED tail lightsOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Map lightsFront row reading lights.   [?]
Front row reading lights.
Mirror tilt-down in reverseOne or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.   [?]
One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.
Outside temperature display
Perimeter approach lightingArea around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.   [?]
Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.
Power mirrorsIncludes value of manual remote mirrors.   [?]
Includes value of manual remote mirrors.
Spotter mirror(s)Auxiliary convex lens in the corner of the outside mirror that improves view of the driver's blind spot.   [?]
Auxiliary convex lens in the corner of the outside mirror that improves view of the driver's blind spot.
TachometerReports engine speed.   [?]
Reports engine speed.
Trip computerReports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.   [?]
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.
Turn signals on or near mirrors
Seats and Interior Trim (hide)
Front buckets
Second-row 2-section 3-person split bench
Third-row 2-section 2-person split bench
Center armrest(s), front row
Center armrest(s), second row
Cooled or ventilated front seats
Coordinated climate control, front seatsCoordinates seat heaters (and ventilated seats and/or heated steering wheel, if present) with climate control system.    [?]
Coordinates seat heaters (and ventilated seats and/or heated steering wheel, if present) with climate control system.
Door sill trim plates
Floor mats
Folding second row seatsSeat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.   [?]
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Folding third row seatsSeat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.   [?]
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Heated front seats
Heated second row seats
Leather door panel trim
Leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.   [?]
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Manual fore-aft adjuster, second row seatsSeat adjusts back and forth to vary the split between the second row and the third row or cargo area.   [?]
Seat adjusts back and forth to vary the split between the second row and the third row or cargo area.
Manual recliner, second row seats
Memory system, driver seat
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat
Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat
Power height adjuster, driver seat
Power height adjuster, passenger seat
Power lumbar adjuster, driver seatPower-adjustable lower back support.   [?]
Power-adjustable lower back support.
Power lumbar adjuster, passenger seatPower-adjustable lower back support.   [?]
Power-adjustable lower back support.
Power recliner, driver seat
Power recliner, passenger seat
Power release, second row seatsSeats tumble forward at the press of a button. Must be returned to upright position manually.   [?]
Seats tumble forward at the press of a button. Must be returned to upright position manually.
Power tilt adjuster, driver seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power tilt adjuster, passenger seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Synthetic leather seating surfacesA.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe.   [?]
A.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe.
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires (hide)
Adaptive dampers - mechanicalShocks mechanically adjust firmness based on direct road inputs. Not driver adjustable.   [?]
Shocks mechanically adjust firmness based on direct road inputs. Not driver adjustable.
All-season tires
Alloy wheels
Electronic systems calibration selectorVaries throttle, steering, ABS, and/or stability control calibration.   [?]
Varies throttle, steering, ABS, and/or stability control calibration.
Machined alloy wheelsOuter surface of alloy wheels machines to yield a bright finish. Replace and include value of reqular alloy wheels.   [?]
Outer surface of alloy wheels machines to yield a bright finish. Replace and include value of reqular alloy wheels.
Transmission (hide)
Steering-wheel-mounted transmission controlsPaddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission.   [?]
Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission.

Return to top

Option Package Contents

What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2016 Acura RDX

None of our members have yet commented on the available features of the 2016 Acura RDX.

Be the first!

What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2016--2012-2013-2017 Acura MDX

None of our members have yet commented on the available features of the 2016--2012-2013-2017 Acura MDX.

Be the first!