What You Get in Each 2025 Acura RDX Configuration

The 2025 Acura RDX comes in four main trim levels: Base, Technology, Advance, and Type S. Each step up adds features, performance upgrades, or both. The Base model starts with all-wheel drive, a 272-horsepower turbocharged engine, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. From there, the Technology trim adds a power liftgate, wireless phone charging, and an upgraded infotainment system. The Advance trim brings leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and premium audio. The Type S is the performance variant, with a more powerful 355-horsepower engine, sport-tuned suspension, and exclusive styling.

Your choice depends on what features matter most to you and your budget. If you want the essentials with modern safety tech, the Base model covers that. If you spend time on the road and want comfort upgrades, Technology or Advance makes sense. If you prioritize driving feel and performance, Type S is built for that. Acura also offers several packages within each trim that let you add specific features without jumping to the next full trim level.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2025 RDX has four trim levels (Base, Technology, Advance, Type S), each with different engine power, interior materials, and technology features.
  • Base and Technology trims use a 272-horsepower turbocharged engine, while Type S uses a 355-horsepower version with sport suspension tuning.
  • Technology trim adds wireless charging and an upgraded infotainment screen; Advance adds leather and a panoramic sunroof.
  • Optional packages let you add features like adaptive dampers, premium audio, or navigation without moving to the next full trim.

Base and Technology Trims: Core Features and Upgrades

The Base RDX includes a 10.2-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, and Acura's standard safety suite (adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation). Seats are cloth, and the interior uses soft-touch plastics but not leather. All-wheel drive is standard. The turbocharged engine produces 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.

The Technology trim keeps the same engine and adds a power liftgate, wireless phone charging, a larger 10.5-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a power driver's seat with lumbar support. The audio system upgrades to eight speakers. Wheels are 19 inches instead of 18. This trim is where most owners find the right balance between cost and convenience features.

Advance Trim: Comfort and Interior Refinement

The Advance trim steps up interior materials significantly. Seats are now leather with heating and ventilation for the front row. A panoramic sunroof comes standard. The infotainment screen grows to 10.5 inches (same as Technology), but the audio system becomes a 12-speaker Acura ELS Studio setup. Wheels are 19 inches with a different design than Technology.

The Advance also adds a power passenger seat with lumbar support, heated rear seats, and a power-adjustable steering column. Exterior trim gets chrome accents and a power tailgate (same as Technology). The engine and transmission remain unchanged from Base and Technology. This trim appeals to buyers who want a more luxurious interior without the performance focus of Type S.

Type S: Performance-Focused Engine and Suspension

The Type S is built around a more powerful engine: a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that produces 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with the same 10-speed automatic transmission but tuned for quicker shifts. The suspension is sport-tuned with adaptive dampers that adjust stiffness in real time based on driving conditions. Brakes are larger and use performance-grade pads.

Visually, the Type S stands out with a unique front grille, aggressive bumper design, 20-inch wheels, and a rear spoiler. Inside, you get leather seats with heating and ventilation, the 12-speaker audio system, and a power panoramic sunroof. The steering is also recalibrated for tighter response. Type S does not come with a manual transmission—it is automatic only. This trim is for drivers who want the RDX to feel more athletic on the road.

Optional Packages and Add-Ons Across Trims

Acura offers several packages that let you customize your RDX without jumping to the next trim. The Advance Package (available on Technology) adds leather seats, heated rear seats, and the 12-speaker audio system. The Technology Package (available on Base and Technology) adds navigation with real-time traffic, a head-up display, and a wireless charging pad. The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system is available on Advance and Type S, offering better cornering grip and traction in snow.

The Panoramic Moonroof Package adds a sunroof to Base or Technology trims if you do not want to move to Advance. Some packages are trim-specific, so check the window sticker or Acura's website to see what combinations are possible for the trim you are considering. Packages typically cost between $1,500 and $3,500 depending on what they include.

Powertrain and Transmission Across All Trims

Base, Technology, and Advance all use the same 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 272 horsepower and a 10-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard on every trim. Fuel economy is rated at approximately 21 city and 28 highway miles per gallon for these three trims, though real-world numbers vary based on driving habits and conditions.

The Type S engine is the only significant powertrain change. Its 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque deliver noticeably quicker acceleration—0 to 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds versus roughly 6.5 seconds for the base engine. Fuel economy on Type S is slightly lower at approximately 20 city and 27 highway. Both engines use premium gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended).

Safety Features and Technology Across Trims

All 2025 RDX models include Acura's AcuraWatch safety suite as standard: adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping information, road departure mitigation, and traffic sign recognition. The base infotainment system (10.2 inches on Base, 10.5 inches on Technology and above) supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly on Technology and higher trims. Base requires a wired connection.

Technology trim adds a head-up display and navigation as optional add-ons. Advance and Type S can include a surround-view camera system that shows a 360-degree view of the vehicle when parking. All trims offer a power liftgate, though it is standard on Technology and above and optional on Base. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on all trims.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Base and Technology trims?

Technology adds a power liftgate, wireless phone charging, a slightly larger touchscreen, eight-speaker audio instead of six, and a power driver's seat with lumbar support. The engine and transmission are identical. Technology costs roughly $2,500 to $3,000 more than Base.

Should I choose Advance or Type S if I want the best interior?

Advance has leather seats, heated rear seats, and a 12-speaker audio system. Type S has the same interior features but adds a sport-tuned suspension and a more powerful engine. If interior comfort is your priority and you do not care about performance, Advance is the better value. If you want both, Type S delivers both.

Can I get a manual transmission in the 2025 RDX?

No. All 2025 RDX models use a 10-speed automatic transmission. There is no manual option available on any trim, including Type S.

Does the Type S come with all the comfort features of Advance?

Yes. Type S includes leather seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, the 12-speaker audio system, and a power panoramic sunroof. It adds sport suspension, a more powerful engine, and unique exterior styling on top of those features.

What does the SH-AWD system do, and which trims offer it?

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) adjusts power distribution between the rear wheels for better cornering grip and traction in snow. It is available as an option on Advance and Type S trims. Standard all-wheel drive is included on all trims; SH-AWD is an upgrade for drivers who want enhanced handling.