With extremely high new and used car prices, many carbuyers are looking for "older" vehicles as a way to save some significant dollars. And, of course, this puts the spotlight on reliability and maintenance issues more than ever.
It also turns out that time has proven the 2010 Acura RDX has earned an excellent reputation for reliability. In fact, it's been rated at the top of its class of compact premium SUVs (more on this in the Reliability section below).
This doesn't mean the 2010 RDX is perfect, however. Of course, all cars have mechanical issues over time. So here, we'll review this older RDX's features as released in 2010 as well as its pros and cons, reliability, and also specific possible mechanical issues that some owners have reported so they can be checked before purchase.
But first, and very importantly, for older cars ...
Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Vehicle
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the Dealer or private seller, it's best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
2010 Acura RDX Review
At the time, the 2010 RDX was one of the most engaging compact luxury crossovers available, thanks in a large part to a segment-unique turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With its sporty style and athletic handling, the 2010 RDX stole some thunder from the BMW X3 and is worthy of serious consideration for those who value an energetic ride.
About the size of the popular Honda CR-V, this RDX also offers a generous list of standard features, a nicely designed cabin, excellent crash test scores, competitive passenger and cargo space, and Acura's sport-oriented and renowned "Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive" (SH-AWD).
And new for 2010, the Acura RDX added a base front-wheel-drive model, a backup camera, ambient footwell lighting, automatic headlights, revised exterior styling, Bluetooth streaming audio compatibility and a USB jack.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2010 Acura RDX is a compact five-passenger luxury crossover SUV offered in a single trim. The well-equipped RDX comes with such standard features as leather upholstery, full power accessories, a sunroof, power driver and passenger seats, driver memory functions, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, 18 inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, ambient interior lighting, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio connectivity, and a 7-speaker sound system with a 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, a USB connection and satellite radio.
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The optional Technology package includes a navigation system with real-time traffic, solar-sensing and GPS-linking features for the climate control and a 10-speaker Panasonic/ELS surround-sound audio system.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive forms, the 2010 RDX is powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a robust 240-horsepower and 260-lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. The very capable all-wheel-drive SH-AWD system ensures optimal traction by transfering power not only between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right wheels.
An all-wheel-drive 2010 RDX is one of the fastest in its class, going from a standstill to 60 mph in a very quick 6.8 seconds. This quickness does come at a sacrifice to some fuel efficiency, however. The EPA-estimated gas mileage for front-wheel-drive models comes in at 19 mpg city and 24 mpg on the highway, a little below average for the segment. The RDX SH-AWD is rated at 17 mpg city and 22 highway.
Safety:
Standard safety equipment on all 2010 Acura RDXs include stability control, antilock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.
This RDX also excelled in government crash tests, earning perfect five-star-ratings across the board for frontal and side-impact protection for both the driver and passengers.
Interior:
The RDX's cabin is another impressive attribute with its sleek design, standard leather and blue gauge illumination. The seating is comfortable and supportive, the instrumentation is well-placed and user-friendly, and there's a versatile deep center storage compartment between the front seats big enough for a laptop or briefcase.
The storage capacity is adequate with 28 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. This can be expanded to 61 cubic feet by folding down the 60/40-split rear seatback. While rear legroom is generally very good, the rear seats do not recline or slide forward and backward.
Drive:
The 2010 RDX's drive is another top attribute. This four-cylinder packs plenty of acceleration-power and minimal turbo lag. The transmission's gearing is also quite smooth and well timed.
The RDX is at its best taking on those curvy back roads, thanks to its firm suspension to control body roll and the impressive SH-AWD system that optimizes grip and cornering abilities. This athleticism, however, does come with some sacrifice to ride smoothness as the sport-biased suspension can make the ride quality a bit bumpy on rough pavement. But overall, most drivers will likely be pleased with the driving experience.
2010 Acura RDX Pros
Turbocharged Engine: The RDX has a potent turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides strong acceleration and good fuel efficiency for its class.
Handling: It offers nimble handling and a relatively sporty driving experience compared to other SUVs in its class.
Upscale Interior: The cabin is well-built and features high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and plenty of tech and luxury features.
Tech Features: It's equipped with a range of standard and optional tech features, including a comprehensive infotainment system and advanced safety features.
Cargo Space: The RDX has a decent amount of cargo space for its size, with rear seats that fold flat to expand the storage area.
2010 Acura RDX Cons
Ride Quality: The RDX's sporty suspension setup might translate to a stiffer ride than some competitors, which could be less comfortable, especially on rough roads.
Infotainment System: While it's feature-rich, the interface of the infotainment system might feel a bit dated compared to newer models.
Noisy Cabin: Some owners have reported that the RDX can be a bit noisy on the highway due to road and wind noise.
Rear Legroom: The rear seats might feel a bit cramped for taller passengers compared to some rivals in the same class.
Premium Fuel Requirement: It's worth noting that the RDX's turbocharged engine requires premium fuel, which can add to the overall ownership costs
2010 Acura RDX Reliability
The 2010 RDX has received very good marks for overall reliability. J.D. Power has rated them the #1 2010 compact luxury SUV for reliability, beating out the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLK. RepairPal also gives it a top 4.5/5 reliability rating. And a nationwide Cargurus search revealed there are many first-generation (2007-2012) models with 250,000 - 300,000 miles that are still going strong with proper care.
Average annual repair costs for this RDX come in at around $466, putting it among the most affordable in its clas. In addition, the 2010 RDX has only had 2 recalls, both for the driver’s side frontal airbag inflator, which have likely all been replaced by now.
Other reliability points:
Acura Reputation: Acura, Honda's luxury brand, is known for producing reliable vehicles with a strong reputation for longevity.
Engine: The turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the RDX is generally robust and well-regarded for its performance and durability.
Build Quality: Acura typically maintains a high level of build quality, contributing to the overall reliability of their vehicles.
Regular Maintenance: With proper and timely maintenance, including oil changes, fluid checks, and scheduled service intervals, the RDX can remain reliable for an extended period.
2010 Acura RDX Mechanical Problem Watchlist
While the 2010 RDX has proven to have a very good reliability record, there have been some vehicles where the owners have reported some mechanical problems. These potential problem areas should be checked before buying.
It's important to note that the prevalence of these problems can vary among individual vehicles, and prior regular maintenance as well as previous owner driving habits can significantly impact an individual car's performance and longevity.
Turbocharger Concerns: The turbocharged engine in the RDX, while providing great performance, had occasional issues with the turbo itself. Some owners experienced turbocharger failures or issues related to turbo performance. This could manifest as reduced power, excessive noise, or even complete failure, necessitating replacement.
Transmission Problems: Some owners reported transmission issues, such as harsh shifting, slipping, or premature wear in the automatic transmission. These problems could lead to drivability issues and might require transmission repairs or replacement.
Fluid Leaks: Fluid leaks have been reported including engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and a leaking torque converter seal.
Electrical System Glitches: Certain electrical components like power windows, door locks, or the infotainment system have occasionally had reported issues.
Lastly, Suggestions For Getting The Lowest RDX Price
First of all, here's a Lowest Price Used Car Buying Guide that details a very effective method.
Here's another method that identifies Price-Distressed Cars Right On Dealer Lots. These are vehicles they are so desperate to unload they would welcome your wholesale offer.
In addition, you can also try the Public Car Auctions in your own geographic area. This article reviews what to expect at open-to-the-public car auctions and how to locate them.
And for those of you who might be interested in a "brand new" RDX if the price was crazy good, here's info on exactly How To Get The Best Price On A New Car. This works just phenomenally well.