Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the RDX trails their 26.3 mpg average by 3.3 mpg, about $210 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2007, the 2L 4-cyl (2019–2026), does 23.6 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.3L 4-cyl (2007–2012), 20: $293 a year apart.
Every Acura RDX engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 21.6 / 27.6 | 2019–2026 | $1,627 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 20 / 28 | 2013–2018 | $1,670 | |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 18 / 23 | 2007–2012 | $1,920 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota RAV4 gets 37.5 mpg, the Jeep Wrangler 18.8 mpg and the Honda CR-V 35 mpg, next to 23 mpg for the 2026 RDX.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.139 |
| Fuel per year | $1,670 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,350 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | +$210 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,463 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Acura RDX gives up 6 mpg in town: 27 on the highway against 21 in the city, $407 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (29%) | Typical for its type |
How the RDX changed over the years
The RDX peaked in 2023 at 24 mpg (22 city, 28 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2009 at 19 — 5 mpg apart, or $421 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 23.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2025 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2024 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2023 | 22 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2022 | 22 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2021 | 22 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2020 | 22 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2019 | 22 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2018 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2017 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2016 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2015 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2014 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2013 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2012 | 19 / 24 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2011 | 19 / 24 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2010 | 19 / 24 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2009 | 17 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2008 | 17 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2007 | 17 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
- Fuel tracker: what you really spend, month by month
- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
- Compare any two cars on total cost, not sticker price
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
How we count
This page rests on 20 EPA ratings of the Acura RDX — 3 engines across 2007–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,463. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Acura RDX get?
23 mpg combined, 21 city and 27 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2007 the RDX has averaged 22.4 mpg.
Is the 2026 RDX more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 23 against 23 mpg combined.
Which RDX year has the best gas mileage?
The 2023, at 24 mpg combined (22 city, 28 highway).
Does the RDX get better gas mileage than the Toyota RAV4?
No: 23 mpg for the 2026 RDX against 37.5 for the 2026 Toyota RAV4, about $646 a year more to run.
Mark ForCar as a preferred source and our data shows up first in your Google results. One click, no account.