Acura
RDX
Owner report available
Honda
Crosstour
Owner report available
Acura RDX vs Honda Crosstour
The short answer
The Acura RDX offers power, while the Honda Crosstour excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Acura RDX if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Honda Crosstour if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
RDX
Overall
Owners of the second-generation RDX (roughly 2013-2018) are overwhelmingly positive, repeatedly describing the V6 as smooth, potent, and long-lived, with many reporting 150,000 to nearly 300,000 miles on basic maintenance. The third-generation RDX (2019 and later) draws a split verdict: owners praise the turbocharged engine's mid-range punch, handling, and available ELS audio, but a substantial group reports infotainment problems, interior rattles, brake noise, and occasional turbo or head gasket failures. A recurring theme is that the older naturally aspirated V6 is viewed as the more trouble-free long-term choice, while the newer turbo four is seen as more fun but less proven.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a single consensus. The strongest signal favors the second-generation V6 models, with 2013-2015 and 2017-2018 examples drawing the most praise for reliability and longevity, and the 2016-2018 facelift years noted for holding up well past 100,000 miles.
Known issues
- Infotainment system freezing, slow response, and night/day mode glitches: Frequency: very frequent (concentrated in 2019-2020 model years). Panoramic sunroof rattles, popping, or leaking: Frequency: recurrent (2019-2022 model years).
Crosstour
Overall
Sentiment is predominantly positive among long-term owners, who frequently describe the vehicle as a practical, reliable, and surprisingly enjoyable "unicorn" or "perfect car" that was ahead of its time. It is praised for its versatile cargo space (capable of fitting full sheets of plywood), comfortable ride, robust V6 engine power, and the availability of AWD. Owner satisfaction is often tied to securing a well-maintained example, as the vehicle is noted to be increasingly hard to find in good condition.
Best version to buy
2013-2015 EX-L V6 AWD (Facelift Models). The facelifted models (2013-2015) are specifically sought after.
Known issues
- VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) System Problems: Causes excessive oil consumption, fouled spark plugs, oil leaks from the VCM actuator solenoid onto the alternator (leading to alternator/battery failure), and excessive vibration that we…
- Oil Consumption: Significant oil usage, particularly in earlier V6 models (e.g., 2010), often linked directly to the VCM system. Frequency: very frequent.
- Intermittent No-Start Condition: Push-button start models may fail to crank, displaying a "starter system fault" light, often related to electrical gremlins or a failing brake switch. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Honda Crosstour is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Acura RDX, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Acura RDX is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Acura RDX or the Honda Crosstour?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Acura RDX and the Honda Crosstour. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Acura RDX or the Honda Crosstour?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Acura RDX is classed as a SUV, the Honda Crosstour as a Coupe, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Acura RDX or the Honda Crosstour?
The EPA rates the 2026 Acura RDX at 23 mpg combined and the 2015 Honda Crosstour at 22–25 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Acura RDX or the Honda Crosstour?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.