2018 Acura RDX — Full Specifications
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The 2018 Acura RDX is an SUV powered by a 3.5L 6-cyl premium gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) / 23 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 26–28 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Acura RDX workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2017 Acura RDX: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 28 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 3.5L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 28 combined / 24 urban / 34 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 23 combined / 20 city / 28 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 240 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,550 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2018 Acura RDX, all with the 3.5L 6-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 22 to 23 mpg (US), or 26 to 28 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (19/27) | 250 | $3,750 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/28) | 240 | $3,550 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2018 Acura RDX
Running Costs: 2018 Acura RDX
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2018 Acura RDX at 28 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,299 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,550 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2018 Acura RDX Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2018 Acura RDX (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Fuel system — campaign 23V858000, reported 18 December 2023. Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Acura RDX. The most-reported areas are Fuel/propulsion system (17), Fuel system (17), Power train (12). Complaints include 5 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 41 complaints across the 17 Acura RDX model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2018 Acura RDX
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Fuel system (1 recall campaign · 34 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Transmission & drivetrain (12 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Engine (11 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Acura RDX compare to similar SUVs? SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 1 mpg. Its 240 g/km CO₂ figure is 13 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
At 28 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 29 mpg average for Acura models in our database.
Of the 17 Acura RDX model years we cover, the 2018 ranks 6th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (28 mpg UK combined, against a high of 29 mpg). See every Acura RDX year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2018 Acura RDX
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Acura RDX have?
It's fitted with a 3.5L 6-cyl premium gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s6) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Acura RDX?
The most efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, or 23 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 26 to 28 mpg.
How much does the 2018 Acura RDX cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,550 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2018 Acura RDX have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2018 Acura RDX have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2018 Acura RDX (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2018 Acura RDX?
Among the 77 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Fuel/propulsion system (17 complaints), Fuel system (17 complaints), Power train (12 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Acura RDX's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.