2022 Acura RDX Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

Sometimes it is the small things that make a difference. At least, that is the approach Acura took to finessing the 2022 Acura RDX. The RDX is a go-to vehicle for luxury auto buyers who want a bit more 'oomph' from their SUVs. This subcompact SUV is made to catch the eye and dazzle the beholder with its bold front fascia and crisp, curving lines that enhance the uniquely shaped air intakes.

With a spirited performance and sharp handling capabilities, the RDX is about more than just looks. It is a well-rounded crossover with a reasonable price tag, built to match - if not exceed - some strong competitors.

Sure, the 2022 RDX looks an awful lot like the 2021 model, but it is what you don't see right away that sets these two model years apart. For this model year's line-up, Acura retuned the optional adaptive suspension to make the ride feel more comfortable while you have it set to Comfort mode. Switching over to Sport mode provides a rather straight-laced ride than what you got on the 2021 RDX. The side windows have been acoustic glass to keep the cabin even quieter, and there are thicker carpets all throughout the cabin.

Tech upgrades have been made as well. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the line-up, and Amazon Alexa capability is now included too. You can also opt for a wireless charging pad that is located below the center console.

With these changes in mind, the new RDX will probably sound pretty attractive - and it certainly is. But which package (which is just how Acura refers to the RDX's trim levels) is going to hit the sweet spot for you? Will it be the base RDX? Or will the line-topping A-Spec Advance be more your speed? Or will your needs fall somewhere in the middle with either the Technology, A-Spec, or Advance? Read on to find out.

Compare the Base Trim vs Technology. What is the difference?

First up we have the base RDX and the Technology package. Front-wheel drive is standard, while both have the option of equipping Acura's SH-AWD system. Both are powered by a mono-scroll turbocharged 2.0-L inline-4 cylinder engine that delivers 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. A 16-vale DOHC VTEC valvetrain comes with it. With FWD equipped, these trims both get 24 mpg combined (from 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway). On the SH-AWD variants, they get 23 mpg combined (21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway). With such a small drop in fuel economy, buyers who need that SH-AWD system for better traction in the winter can justify the cost to upgrade. Also, the engine is paired up with a standard 10-speed automatic transmission that is outfitted with Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters.

Unfortunately, both vehicles only have a max towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. Most rivals in this segment can manage about 3,000 pounds. The chassis is composed of a suspension with MacPherson front struts coupled with a multi-link suspension located in the rear. There are also amplitude reactive dampers, stabilizer bars for both the front and rear, Agile Handling Assist, and electric steering that is power-assisted with rack-and-pinion. You also get performance brakes equipped. The base RDX rides on 19-inch Sparkle Silver Multi-Spoke aluminum alloy wheels while the Technology has Pewter Gray Metallic Machine-Finished Multi-Spoke wheels in the same size.

On the outside, these two trim levels look fairly similar, so you need to pay close attention to the details. Both are equipped with a panoramic sunroof that has a tilt and slide function. Up front, you get Jewel Eye LED Headlights and LED daytime running lights. LED-Illuminated Dragon Tail Taillights are set into the rear. The heated side mirrors come with LED directional signals and have reverse tilt-down. You also get an acoustic glass windshield, capless fuel fill, and 8.2 inches of ground clearance.

Inside is where you will find the actual differences between the base RDX and Technology. While the base RDX has sport seats with leatherette trim, the Technology features Perforated Milano Premium Leather with Contrast Stitching on its sport seats. Both front seats are 12-way power adjustable with integrated lumbar support. Oh, and they also have a heating function that warms your spine and bum on cooler days. In the back, both have 60/40-split folding seats.

Dual-zone automatic climate control is equipped on both trims and includes air filtration and humidity control. The Technology adds GPS-linked climate control. For access, you get Keyless Access with Acura Personalized Settings and a push button start. You also get an electronic gear shifter, leather-wrapped steering wheel with the tilting and telescoping steering column, power windows with auto-reverse and auto-up/down, and active sound control. While the base RDX provides standard ambient interior lighting, the Technology switches it up to a 27-theme ambient lighting system called Iconic Drive.

The frameless rear-view mirror is auto-dimming, and there is a 12-volt power outlet up front. Brushed aluminum trim can be found throughout both cabins. The 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space can be maxed out to 58.9 cubes when you fold the rear seats down. There is also underfloor storage in the cargo area that offers extra versatility and utility.

As its name suggests, the Technology adds quite a few more features to the audio and connectivity list. The base RDX includes the 9-speaker Acura Premium Audio System, but the Technology upgrades you to the 12-speaker ELS Studio 32 Premium Audio System. Both include SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, a USB audio interface, two USB-2.5A ports up front, a MP3/auxiliary input jack, HD Radio, and Speed-sensitive Volume Compensation (SVC). The Technology, however, comes with the wireless charging pad as standard issue.

In the cockpit, you will find Acura's True Touchpad Interface, which features a mildly concave and intuitively designed touchpad surface with a padded wrist rest. A 10.2-Inch HD Dual-Content Center Display and 7-Inch Color Multi-Information Display also come equipped. Both vehicles have Wi-Fi hotspot capability, AcuraLink Connected Services, and wireless smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On the Technology, you get upgraded to the Acura Navigation System with 3D View. This adds traffic re-routing and real-time traffic with freeway conditions included. Standard for both are a digital compass, HomeLink, and voice recognition.

Both trims come with AcuraWatch Advanced Safety & Driver Assist. This bundles together a slew of driver aids such as braking mitigation for collision prevention, lane keep assist, a road departure mitigation feature, adaptive cruise control, a frontal collision warning, a warning for lane departure, and a traffic sign recognition function. To that, Acura adds a multi-angle rear-view camera that has dynamic guidelines, a blind spot information system, and a cross traffic monitor. The Technology gains a rear camera washer.

As far as driver convenience features go, these trims both have automatic high-beams, auto-on/off headlights with wiper integration, automatic brake hold with the electric parking brake, cruise control, and hill start assist. On the Technology, you get parking sensors for the front and rear. Other safety and security features include brake assist, a maintenance minder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Compare the Technology vs A-Spec Trim. What is the difference?

The A-Spec has some upgrades to the exterior worth mentioning, starting with the 20-inch Shark Gray Split 5-Spoke aluminum alloy wheels. It gains LED fog lights on the front fascia and has the Sport Appearance Exterior Package. Otherwise, that is the extent of the differences it has from the Technology on the outside.

Inside is where you will find the most upgrades. Ultrasuede and piping get added to the sport seats, and the front ones gain ventilation. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is a flat-bottom sport model. The cabin trim gets changed over to a chic Y-Pattern Dark Brushed Aluminum design, and there is an ebony headliner.

As far as tech gadgetry goes, the A-Spec benefits from a 16-speaker version of the Technology's premium sound system. Other than that, you will find no real differences. And safety features are essentially all the same.

Compare the A-Spec vs Advance Trims. What is the difference?

The Advance package goes a little further in terms of performance. To its chassis, Acura adds the adaptive damper system, which adjusts the suspension's stiffness in just the matter of a second. This smooths out the ride and enhances handling in accordance with the given driving conditions. Whenever the ignition is engaged, the system is active. Also, SH-AWD is standard on this trim; FWD is not available. This trim option rides atop 19-inch Shark Gray Machine-Finished wheels.

On the outside, you see some helpful changes that make this trim level a tad more off-road oriented. It has LED puddle lights and power-folding side mirrors. Inside, you get 16-way power adjustable front seats with built-in power lumbar support, side bolsters, and thigh extensions. The rear outboard seats gain a heating function. You also get vehicle feedback with the remote engine start, which is activated via the key fob. The steering wheel reverts back to the standard, non-sport model, but this one has a heating function. The rear cargo area gains its own 12-volt power outlet. Inside, the trim switches to genuine open-pore wood. You're also back to the standard headliner in this trim level.

Tech-wise, the Advance adds a head-up display that sizes in at 10.5 inches. This feature projects vehicle data onto the windshield in front of your eyes. A surround-view camera system also comes standard, as does a head-up warning. The windshield wipers can sense rain, and you get windshield wiper de-icer built in. A temporary spare tire is standard equipment as well.

Compare the Advance vs A-Spec Advance. What is the difference?

At the top of the line sits the A-Spec Advance. It rides on 20-inch Shark Gray Multi-Spoke wheels and looks more like the A-Spec with its Sport Appearance Exterior Package. It shares the same sport seats as the A-Spec but has the Advance's 16-way power-adjustable front seats and heated outboard seats in the rear. It also reverts to the A-Spec's flat-bottom steering wheel and ebony headliner.

Like the Advance, it has the head-up display and surround-view camera system. All in all, it basically pairs the A-Spec's sport features with the luxury found on the Advance. Nothing new is actually added; this is a mesh of two trim levels.

Final Thoughts

If you have your heart set on a 2022 Acura RDX, we recommend going with the Technology package. The base RDX is just a little too basic for most luxury drivers, but the Technology should appeal to all kinds of buyers. For a reasonable (by luxury SUV standards) price, you get treated to leather seats, a blind-spot monitor, and an upgraded premium sound system. While the Technology trim isn't exactly sporty, it provides you with a pleasant driving experience overall. And, of course, you will not be left wanting for contemporary technological features.