2021 Acura RDX  RealSafeCars88Safety Rating

#17 of 2021 SUVs

#25 of all 2021 vehicles


Pictured: 2019 Acura RDX
The RDX, a mainstay of Acura's lineup since 2007, is a midsize SUV with seating up to 5. The Acura RDX has some real zest, surpassing typical horsepower for its class. Exceeding the average MPG (miles per gallon) for its class, it reduces fuel costs and the carbon footprint. It has technology that is now expected: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It handles mud, snow, and sand with ease with optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Acura offers a 4-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty, and a 6-year, 70,000-mile powertrain warranty on its lineup.


The 2021 Acura RDX is safe compared to all vehicles.

Comparison to all vehicles.  This plot shows RSC safety scores on the horizontal axis vs. the number of vehicles with each safety score (depicted by bar height and percentages at the bottom). Colors reflect vehicle safety, ranging from red (not that safe) to green (safer). For reference, a score of 0 implies a 0.15% chance of driver death (13% chance of driver injury) over 15 years, and a score of 100 reflects a 0.016% chance (1.4% chance of driver injury). The 2021 Acura RDX has a score of 88, implying a 0.031% chance of driver death (2.8% chance of injury).

We estimate that the 2021 Acura RDX has a vehicle lifetime fatality chance of 0.0313% and a vehicle lifetime injury chance of 3.5715%, meaning the average driver has a 0.0313% chance of dying in an accident if they drive the car under regular conditions for fifteen years, and a 3.5715% chance of being injured.

Compared to the average vehicle, the 2021 Acura RDX is 33% less likely to result in a fatal accident. Compared to other suvs, the 2021 Acura RDX is 23% less likely to result in a fatal accident.

Acura's AcuraWatch active safety features can protect loved ones by reducing accident severity and preventing accidents. All trims and versions of the 2021 Acura RDX include the following active safety system: Collision Mitigation Braking System. Optional safety features on the 2021 Acura RDX which we recommend include Lane Departure Warning System and Blind Spot Assist.

Another safety feature seems simpler but should still be considered. Standard side mirror turn signals can help when you don't see a vehicle in your blind spot, by alerting them to your intention to switch lanes, which allows the other driver to avoid an accident with you.


But it is about as safe as many comparable models.

9874Lexus NXNissan MuranoLincoln CorsairCadillac XT5BMW X3Ford EdgeVolvo XC60Audi Q5Lexus RXM.-B. GLC-ClassAcura RDXLincoln NautilusComparison to similar models.  This plot compares the RSC rating of the 2021 Acura RDX with its main competition. Models are plotted on a scale from 74 to 98. The 2021 Acura RDX is safer than the 2021 Lexus NX, the 2021 Nissan Murano, the 2021 Lincoln Corsair, and the 2021 Cadillac XT5 and less safe than the 2021 Volvo XC60. It is about as safe as the 2021 Ford Edge, the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

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