The Acura RDX and MDX are the only SUVs in Acura’s lineup, with the RDX being the smaller of the two. Both are packed with luxurious design details and feature turbocharged engines for sporty handling.

If you’ve got your heart set on a small Acura SUV, you’re probably drawn to its reliable build, generous standard features, and stylish design. We’ll compare the strengths and weakness of Acura’s smaller RDX SUV with the midsize MDX. Plus, we’ll cover another Acura option—the upcoming 2023 Integra hatchback. Although it’s not a small SUV, it’s slightly smaller than the RDX and offers similar features.

Here to help is

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broker app. We’ll cover the differences between the RDX and MDX. Plus, we’ll throw in some tips for saving on

Acura insurance costs

, so let’s get started!

2022 Acura RDX ($41,600 MSRP)

Don’t let the lack of models in Acura’s SUV lineup put you off—the

Acura RDX

consistently gets enviable ratings. Edmunds gives it a 7.9/10, putting it at #3 of 13 small luxury SUVs. Kelley Blue Books gives the RDX a respectable 4.5 out of 5 stars and U.S. News also places it at #3 for luxury SUVs.

While the RDX is a smaller SUV, it makes good use of its space, offering seating for five. Front-row passengers enjoy 40 inches of headroom and 42 inches of leg room. Rear passengers get 38 inches of headroom. The total passenger volume is a spacious 104 feet.

RDX drivers enjoy the strong engine and fun handling. The ten-speed transmission gives the RDX a sporty feel, but if you’re hoping for tougher, off-road handling, super-handling all-wheel drive is available for the base RDX and technology packages. If you choose the Acura RDX PMC edition or advance package, the super-handling all-wheel drive comes standard.

In addition to its reliable Acura build and small size (the wheelbase is only 108.3 inches), the RDX comes with generous standard features, an affordable starting price point for a small luxury SUV, and great safety ratings. The Acura RDX is a solid small SUV that holds its own against other luxury SUVs like BMW and Audi.

Highlights of the Acura RDX include:

AcuraWatch safety features including forward-collision mitigation, lane-departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist

5-star safety rating from

NHTSA

IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2022

22/28 EPA-estimated mpg (city/highway)

Super-handling all-wheel drive available

Spacious cabin with noise reduction

Turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque

Weaknesses include:

Touchpad controller can be tricky to use

No choice of powertrain

Options are bundled into packages

MORE:

A complete guide to Acura safety ratings

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2022 Acura MDX ($49,050 MSRP)

The

Acura MDX

was all new for 2022, and it’s a great option for Acura lovers who want a little more room. The MDX seats seven without compromising on luxurious interior styling. The MDX also offers more in the way of the engine (290-hp or 355-hp depending on trim). This translates to more power, so driving the MDX feels more like driving a standard SUV than the RDX does.

Edmunds approved of the redesign, giving the MDX 8/10 and ranking it #2 in midsize luxury SUVs. This makes the MDX a great Acura choice if you’re planning on hauling a lot of people or things. Did we mention it’s got good cargo capacity?

If you’re hoping to save on fuel costs, though, you’re out of luck. Unlike the RDX, the MDX gets lackluster gas mileage, probably because it’s got more size and power.

Highlights of the Acura MDX include:

Spacious, elegant interior

Super-handling all-wheel drive available

5-star safety rating from NHTSA

IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2022

AcuraWatch safety features including forward-collision mitigation, lane-departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist

Weaknesses include:

Touchpad infotainment system can be hard to use

Noisy engine

Tires thump on rough freeways

16/21 EPA-estimated mpg (city/highway)

MORE:

How much does an Acura tune-up cost?

2023 Acura Integra Hatchback ($31,895 MSRP)

We know—the upcoming Acura Integra hatchback isn’t a compact SUV, but it is slightly smaller than the RDX. Plus, it offers spacious cabin room for up to five passengers, just like the RDX. Since the Integra is smaller, it gets better gas mileage and comes at a lower price point.

If the engine seems familiar, it’s because the all-new Integra hatchback borrows the 200-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine from the

Honda Civic Si

. This translates to comfortable cruising and fun around the curves. The engine can be a little noisy, but we still think you’ll enjoy driving this sporty little car.

Highlights of the Acura Integra include:

AcuraWatch safety features including forward-collision mitigation, lane-departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist

Available with manual transmission

5-star safety rating from NHTSA

Stylish but practical body

Usable hatchback cargo area

30/37 EPA-estimated mpg (city/highway)

Weaknesses include:

Unusually noisy cabin

Only available in front-wheel drive

Low engine torque

Less refined than its rivals

Acura’s premium sport sedan

If you’re not quite sold on an Acura SUV, check out the

Acura TLX

. It also seats five and has a similar price point to the RDX. Unlike Acura’s SUVs, the TLX offers powertrain options for more get up and go.

MORE: Are Acuras expensive to maintain?

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What is Acura’s smallest SUV?

The Acura RDX is smaller than the MDX, but the upcoming 2023 Integra hatchback is slightly smaller in some respects. Here are a few key measurements:

Acura RDX wheelbase: 108.3 inches

Acura Integra wheelbase: 107.7 inches

Acura RDX passenger volume: 104 cubic feet

Acura Integra passenger volume: 96 cubic feet

What is Acura’s cheapest SUV?

The RDX is also Acura’s cheapest SUV, with a starting MSRP of $41,600 to $53,000.

MORE: The best used Acura to buy

How to save on Acura insurance

Luxury vehicles typically come with bigger insurance premiums, and Acura is no exception. But, it is possible to save on Acura insurance costs with

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