2021 Acura RDX vs. 2021 BMW X3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Acura RDX and 2021 BMW X3 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Acura RDX and the 2021 BMW X3.
When we compare the 2021 Acura RDX's and the 2021 BMW X3's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Acura RDX has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. The 2021 BMW X3 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Acura RDX's and the 2021 BMW X3's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Acura RDX is a better car than the 2021 BMW X3.
Pricing: A used 2021 Acura RDX ranges from $27,994 to $38,494 while a used 2021 BMW X3 is priced between $26,789 to $44,499.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Acura RDX loses 46.4 percent of its value and the 2021 BMW X3 loses 48.6 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Acura RDX retains 2.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 BMW X3.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Acura RDX is 8.4 out of 10 while the BMW X3's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Acura RDX being ranked 2 out of 29 Best Luxury Small SUVs and the BMW X3 being ranked 1 out of 29. Out of 68 Best Luxury Crossover SUVs, the Acura RDX is ranked 6 and the BMW X3 is ranked 2.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Acura RDX is 8.5 out of 10. For the BMW X3 the reliability rating is 8.4 out of 10. This gives the Acura RDX a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW X3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Acura RDX’s base engine makes 272 horsepower, and the 2021 BMW X3 base engine makes 248 horsepower. The RDX is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 479 miles. The X3 is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 499 miles. This gives the 2021 BMW X3 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Acura RDX. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2021 Acura RDX has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2021 BMW X3 has the advantage in the areas of front head room and rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Acura RDX and the 2021 BMW X3 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$38,400
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$46,334
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$31,800 - $73,400
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$43,000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$46,334
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$31,800 - $73,400
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$33,232
Price Range:
$27,994 - $38,494
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$38,577
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$27,756 - $58,293
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,082
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
37,751
# Good or Great Deals:
368
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$34,552
Price Range:
$26,789 - $44,499
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$38,577
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$27,756 - $58,293
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
779
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
39,918
# Good or Great Deals:
414
Acura RDX Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
BMW X3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Acura RDX
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
9.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
7.7 - 10.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
35.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 BMW X3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
9.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
7.7 - 10.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.9%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
1.1 - 17.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
17.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
1.1 - 17.7
Acura RDX Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 68Ranking
6 out of / 68Ranking
7 out of / 68Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 27Ranking
8 out of / 68Ranking
8 out of / 29Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
14 out of / 59Ranking
18 out of / 68Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
21 out of / 68Ranking
21 out of / 29Ranking
25 out of / 68Ranking
33 out of / 68Ranking
38 out of / 68Ranking
45 out of / 68Ranking
50 out of / 68BMW X3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 68Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 68Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
10 out of / 68Ranking
10 out of / 68Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
16 out of / 27Ranking
20 out of / 68Ranking
20 out of / 68Ranking
20 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 68Ranking
23 out of / 68Ranking
23 out of / 68Ranking
25 out of / 68Ranking
26 out of / 59Ranking
43 out of / 68Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
2021 Acura RDX Trim Levels
Base, SH-AWD, SH-AWD PMC Edition, SH-AWD w/A-SPEC, SH-AWD w/Advance, SH-AWD w/Tech, w/A-SPEC, w/Advance, w/Tech
2021 BMW X3 Trim Levels
M40i, sDrive30i, xDrive30i
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
280 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.072 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
248 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1450 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
376 / 479 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 29 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
430 / 499 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
60 inches
Rear Head Room:
38 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Cargo Space:
29.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
58.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
133.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Cargo Space:
28.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
62.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
130.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3783 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
65.7 inches
Length:
186.6 inches
Wheelbase:
108.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3931 lbs
Width:
84.2 inches
Height:
66 inches
Length:
185.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/55R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Majestic Black Pearl
Blue
Fathom Blue Pearl
Gray
Gunmetal Metallic / Modern Steel Metallic
Red
Performance Red Pearl
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Carbon Black Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Phytonic Blue Metallic
Gray
Dark Graphite Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Glacier Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Parchment
Black
Ebony
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Canberra Beige/Black / Canberra Beige/Black w/ Contrast Stitching
Black
Black / Black w/ Oyster Contrast Stitching
Brown
Cognac w/ Contrast Stitching
Gray
Oyster w/ Contrast Stitching
