The 2025 Acura RDX Advance Package sits between the base model and the top-tier Platinum, adding technology, comfort, and safety features without the premium price of the highest trim
The Advance package builds on the RDX's standard equipment with a focus on driver information systems, interior refinement, and convenience technology. If you're comparing trims, the Advance represents the point where Acura adds features most buyers notice in daily driving — better infotainment, more safety sensors, and upgraded materials — rather than luxury-only additions.
Pricing for the 2025 Advance starts around $42,000 to $44,000 before destination charges, though this varies by region and current incentives. The exact figure depends on your location, dealer inventory, and any active manufacturer offers.
Key Takeaways
- The Advance package adds a 10.5-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a significant jump from the base 8-inch display.
- Safety features include AcuraWatch Plus, which adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and collision mitigation — standard on Advance and above.
- Interior upgrades include leather-trimmed seats, a power liftgate, and a power driver's seat with lumbar support.
- The Advance trim sits roughly $4,000 to $6,000 above the base RDX but costs less than the Platinum, making it the middle ground for most buyers.
Technology and Infotainment Upgrades
The Advance package replaces the base 8-inch touchscreen with a 10.5-inch display that supports wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is a meaningful upgrade for anyone who relies on navigation or music streaming, since wireless means you don't need to plug in a cable every time you get in the car.
The system also includes a 12-speaker ELS Studio premium audio system, up from the standard 8-speaker setup. For most listeners, this is noticeable in highway driving and longer trips, though it's not a high-end audiophile system. Acura also adds SiriusXM satellite radio with a three-month trial subscription included.
Climate control moves to a dual-zone automatic system, meaning the driver and front passenger can set different temperatures independently. The base model has single-zone climate, so this is a practical comfort feature if you and a passenger have different temperature preferences.
Safety and Driver information Systems
The Advance trim includes AcuraWatch Plus, Acura's suite of driver information technologies. This package adds adaptive cruise control (which maintains distance from the car ahead), lane-keeping information (which gently corrects if you drift out of your lane), and collision mitigation braking. The base RDX includes standard AcuraWatch, which has forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, but the Plus version adds the active steering and distance-keeping features.
You also get blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which displays warnings on the side mirrors and in the instrument cluster when vehicles are in your blind spots or approaching from the sides when backing up. This is standard on Advance; the base model does not include it.
The Advance adds a power liftgate with programmable height, so you can set it to open only as high as your garage ceiling allows. The base model has a manual liftgate, which is fine for most people but requires you to push it open and closed by hand.
Interior Materials and Comfort Features
Seating moves to leather-trimmed upholstery on the Advance, replacing the cloth seats in the base model. Acura uses a blend of leather and synthetic materials on the Advance (not full leather), which is durable and easier to clean than cloth while costing less than premium leather on higher trims.
The driver's seat gains power adjustment with lumbar support, meaning you can adjust the lower back support electronically rather than manually. The front passenger seat is also power-adjustable on the Advance. Both seats have heating, which is standard across all RDX trims.
Interior trim pieces shift from matte plastic on the base model to brushed aluminum accents on the Advance, giving the cabin a more refined appearance. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped, and the door panels have more substantial padding.
Exterior and Convenience Features
The Advance package includes a power liftgate (mentioned above for safety, but also a convenience feature), roof rails for cargo carriers, and LED headlights as standard. The base RDX has halogen headlights, so the LED upgrade improves nighttime visibility and gives the front end a more modern appearance.
You get heated side mirrors with power adjustment and folding capability, which is useful in winter climates or when parking in tight spaces. The base model has manual mirror adjustment without heating.
Keyless entry and push-button start are standard on all RDX trims, but the Advance adds a power driver's seat memory function, which stores your preferred seat, mirror, and steering wheel positions and recalls them automatically when you unlock the car with your key fob.
What the Advance Package Does Not Include
The Advance stops short of some features reserved for the Platinum trim. You do not get a panoramic sunroof (the Advance has a standard sunroof), a Bose premium audio system (you have the ELS system instead), or the upgraded leather on the Platinum. The Advance also does not include the rear seat entertainment system or the upgraded navigation with real-time traffic integration that comes on the Platinum.
Wheel size is 19 inches on the Advance, compared to 20 inches on the Platinum. Both are attractive, though the larger wheels on the Platinum give a sportier stance. Tire comfort and ride quality are slightly better with the 19-inch wheels on the Advance, since there's more sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
How the Advance Compares to Other Trims
| Feature | Base RDX | Advance | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen Size | 8 inches | 10.5 inches | 10.5 inches |
| Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto | No | Yes | Yes |
| AcuraWatch Plus | No | Yes | Yes |
| Leather Seats | No | Leather-trimmed | Premium leather |
| Power Liftgate | No | Yes | Yes |
| LED Headlights | No | Yes | Yes |
| Panoramic Sunroof | No | No | Yes |
| Bose Audio System | No | No | Yes |
| Wheel Size | 18 inches | 19 inches | 20 inches |
The base RDX is a solid entry point if you want the core RDX experience at the lowest price. Most buyers, however, find the Advance worth the step up because of the larger touchscreen, wireless phone connectivity, and AcuraWatch Plus safety features. The jump from Advance to Platinum is larger in price but smaller in practical daily-use features — the Platinum adds luxury touches like the panoramic sunroof and premium audio, but the Advance handles most driving tasks just as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Advance package come with all-wheel drive?
All-wheel drive is available on every RDX trim, including the Advance, but it is not standard. The base configuration is front-wheel drive. You can add AWD to the Advance for an additional cost, typically around $1,500 to $2,000 depending on your region.
Can you add individual features from the Advance package to the base model?
Acura does not break up packages — you cannot order just the larger touchscreen or just AcuraWatch Plus on the base model. You must move up to the Advance trim to get these features as a bundle. This is standard practice across most manufacturers.
Is the leather on the Advance real leather?
The Advance uses leather-trimmed seats, which means real leather on the seating surfaces but synthetic material on the side bolsters and back. The Platinum upgrades to premium leather with more coverage. Both are durable and easier to maintain than cloth, though the Platinum's leather is more luxurious to the touch.
What warranty comes with the 2025 Advance?
The 2025 RDX Advance includes Acura's standard warranty: three years or 36,000 miles for basic coverage, and five years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain. This is the same across all RDX trims. Extended warranties are available for purchase at the dealership.
Does the Advance have a sunroof?
Yes, the Advance includes a standard power sunroof. The Platinum upgrades to a panoramic sunroof, which is larger and extends further back over the rear seats. If a sunroof is important to you, both trims offer one — the Platinum's is just bigger.