Shopping for a used luxury compact SUV for under $25K in 2023 presents numerous options. With 10 model years to choose from, Acura’s small SUV is one of the best examples in that price range. However, for the sake of simplicity, we’ll examine the top five Acura RDX model years from a list of 81 luxury compact SUVs under $25K.

The best used RDX model years

U.S. News ranked 81 luxury compact SUV model years with used prices under $25K going back to 2009. As each model received a score based on the U.S. News scoring system when reviewed initially, there are several ties for some positions. 

For example, the 2013 Acura RDX tied with the 2019 Infiniti QX50 for No. 72, RDX models from 2014, 2015, and 2016 finished in a seven-way tie for No. 34, and the 2018 RDX shares No. 20 with four others in the class. However, the 2010 RDX stands alone at the top of the list. 

2010 Acura RDX

For the 2010 model year, U.S. News named the Acura RDX the best luxury compact SUV of 2010. The original MSRP ranged from $35,520 to $37,620 but 2023 used prices average between $9,329 and $10,286. The review lists sporty handling, good fuel economy, a spacious cabin, and excellent standard features among the 2010 RDX’s most robust features. However, for a luxury compact SUV, some felt the interior used inferior materials, and the 240-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine left them wishing for smoother power delivery. 

2011 Acura RDX

The 2011 Acura RDX’s U.S. News score landed it in a tie for No. 4 with the 2013 BMW X3, but it topped the list of 2011 Luxury Compact SUVs as a new model. Today’s used prices average between $9,480 and $10,264, down from the original MSRP range of $32,895 to $37,995. Reviewers enjoyed its “agile handling,” spacious cargo area, and standard features list but again found the cabin’s fit and finish lacking for its luxury status.

2012 Acura RDX

The 2012 Acura RDX placed at No. 8 with five other models, and average 2023 used prices start at around $12,000 compared to the original $32,895 starting MSRP. While the 2012 RDX continued to impress reviewers with its handling, an “overly firm ride” added to the recurring turbo lag and subpar interior finish complaints. 

2009 Acura RDX

Going back a few model years to the 2009 Acura RDX finds it involved in that six-way tie for No. 8. The original MSRP started at $33,895, and today’s used prices start at around $8,300. The U.S. News review calls it a “well-rounded” luxury compact SUV with “comfortable seating and sporty handling” but reports “lackluster interior quality.”

2017 Acura RDX

The 2017 Acura RDX placed at No. 20 on the list and features a 279-hp 3.5-liter V6 backed by a six-speed automatic transmission. The more powerful engine impressed reviewers, as did the refined handling, relatively low cost-of-ownership, and comfortable, quiet interior. A used 2016 RDX starts at around $25,000 compared to its original MSRP, starting at $35,670.