2024 Acura RDX vs. 2024 BMW X3 Comparison

The battle between luxury brands may be tougher in the small SUV arena. The range of offerings means that companies must put their best foot – or SUV, in this case – forward. The two cars we’re looking at – the 2024 Acura RDX and the 2024 BMW X3 – represent their brands very well. They are attractive, fun to drive, and enjoy great features, which makes choosing just one of them a tall task. Let’s examine them.

2024 Acura RDX

The 2024 Acura RDX, with its athletic exterior, appeals to buyers who want an unusual car inside while offering a great driving experience. A turbo-charged 4-horsepower 272 engine powers the RDX and uses plenty of muscle. The powerplant is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and features standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

More specifically, Acura’s Stealth All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is standard on every trim. AWD is a great feature to have in snowy weather, but it also makes driving on dry roads more enjoyable.

Comfort and convenience technology includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as advanced driver safety technology. The RDX comes in trim levels starting with the base, Technology Package, A-Spec, Advance Package, and A-Spec with Advance Package. Pricing starts at $45,700, including destination charges.

Acura RDX highlights

SH-AWD: Called Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive, it distributes different levels of drive to individual wheels to increase grip, stability and efficiency. It’s standard on the RDX, but $2K extra on the X3.

Automatic control: Using a solar sensor to get information about the outside, the SUV’s GPS-linked climate control takes that information to regulate the vehicle’s interior temperature. It is part of the Technology package.

Good sound: Scroll for the ELS sound system developed by Elliot Scheiner, Grammy-winning recording engineer for Fleetwood Mac and Beyoncé. This excellent 16-speaker, 710-watt system comes in the top trim levels. A 12-speaker setup is part of the Technology package.

Check this week Fair Purchase Price or see RDX models are for sale close to you

2024 BMW X3

The 2024 BMW X3 sets the bar for this segment with class-leading technology, impressive performance, and a five-seat cabin layout that’s second to none. The X3 is among the best of the bunch despite remaining unchanged on the outside since the current generation debuted in 2018. Fortunately, the exterior is aging well, and the X3 looks right at home with newer competitors.

Performance matches the sporty aesthetic thanks to the 248-hp 4-cylinder base engine. It sprints from 0 to 60 in just 6 seconds, faster than the Acura RDX. However, BMW fans know that they are not limited to just one choice for an electric device, and that is true for the X3. Upgrades to 382, ​​473, or 503 horsepower are possible as you move up the trim level.

While AWD is often standard in this class, it’s a $2,000 addition to the X3 for the base 30i model. The X3 is a driver’s machine, regardless of trim level. Pricing starts at $47,895, including destination charges.

Highlights of the BMW X3

Information: The X3 comes standard with voice-controlled navigation, Wi-Fi, over-the-air updates and a digital assistant. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is also available as an upgrade to the standard 10.25-inch unit.

Start: The X3 may be the ultimate driving machine in terms of powertrain options. Buyers start with a turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, putting out 248 horses. They can get a new version of the 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder, developing 382 horsepower. Need more? No problem. Order the X3 M with 473 horsepower or step up: the X3 M Racing with 503 horsepower. This is performance the Acura RDX can’t match.

Some help: Want tech support? Add the Driving Assistance Expert package which adds active steering assistance and lane changing, evasive steering assistance and Enhanced Traffic Jam Assistant.

Check this week Fair Purchase Price or see X3 models for sale close to you

Similarity

The Acura RDX and BMW X3 have good-looking exteriors matched by efficient powertrains. They are not just cars for drivers, they offer a lot of technology to make them safe and fun.

Conclusion

The Acura RDX is the value option, while the BMW X3 is the most customizable, high-performance SUV. Let’s say you don’t have a high demand for a driving experience that mimics a German sports sedan. In that case, you’ll be happy with the RDX, which is roomier, cheaper, and has a better powertrain warranty than the X3. That said, the X3 gives you more power options and a nicer interior. The right SUV for you depends on your wants and needs.