The Acura RDX was introduced into Acura’s lineup as a compact luxury crossover SUV in 2007 and remains available through today. The RDX is known for its unique styling and for having the features consumers expect from SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of an Acura RDX?
The Acura RDX has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds no matter what year it is.
There’s a bit more to know about Acura RDX towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2023 Acura RDX Towing Capacity
The 2023 Acura RDX can tow 1,500 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2023 Acura RDX can tow.
Acura RDX Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
Base | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
Technology | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
A-Spec | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
Advance | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
A-Spec Advance | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
SX | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
SX Prestige | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
X-Line SX Prestige AWD | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Here’s a video showing the Acura RDX being put to a real-world road test:
Acura RDX Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Acura RDX Braked Tow Capacity: up to 1,500 lbs.
Acura RDX Unbraked Tow Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Acura RDX Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Acura RDX tow capacity.
Model Year
The RDX’s tow capability stayed steady across all model years, topping out at 1,500 pounds.
Number of Passengers
A big factor in calculating your vehicle’s towing capacity is how many passengers you’re carrying, which directly calculates into the vehicle’s GCWR.
This is true of all vehicles, not just the Acura RDX, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.
Now Acura went the extra mile and calculated how the number of passengers directly affects the RDX tow capability, which you can refer to in the chart below:
Number of Occupants | 2WD or AWD | Acura RDX Towing Capacity |
2 | All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
3 | 2WD | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
3 | AWD | 1,350 lbs / 612 kg |
4 | 2WD | 1,400 lbs / 635 kg |
4 | AWD | 1,150 lbs / 522 kg |
5 | All | 600 lbs / 272 kg |
Acura RDX Tow Package Info
Does The Acura RDX Have A Tow Package?
Acura offers a RDX towing package which includes the following:
- Class II Hitch Receiver
- Trailer Hitch Ball
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On An Acura RDX?
If you plan on towing anything with your Acura RDX, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Acura RDX Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Acura RDX uses a Class 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III Acura RDX trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 2 hitch package is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 350 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- HIGHLY VERSATILE. Add useful, versatile towing options to your vehicle with this class 2 trailer hitch. It provides a standard 1-1/4-inch x 1-1/4-inch receiver hitch, allowing you to tow a small trailer or mount a cargo carrier or bike rack
- DUAL-COAT FINISH. For industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance inside and out, this automotive tow hitch is submersed in a liquid A-coat and co-cured with a durable black powder coat finish
- EASY INSTALLATION. This class 2 hitch fits select model years of the Acura RDX
- TESTED FOR SAFETY. Each CURT class 2 trailer hitch design is thoroughly tested at our Detroit facility, using real vehicles in real-world conditions. Our hitches are tested to SAE J684 specs to give you confidence and safety on the road ahead
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your RDX:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Acura RDX Trailer Hitch Installation
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on an Acura RDX trailer hitch installation:
Acura RDX Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your RDX, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With An Acura RDX?
The Acura RDX stock bumper is not rated for bumper towing, so you’ll need to install a frame-mounted hitch like the one we listed earlier in this guide or an aftermarket bumper with a hitch ball on it.
How Do I Know If My Acura RDX Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your RDX to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your RDX.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2022 Acura RDX Towing Capacity
The 2022 Acura RDX can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2022 Acura RDX can tow.
Acura RDX Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
Base | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
Technology | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
A-Spec | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
Advance | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
A-Spec Advance | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
SX | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
SX Prestige | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
X-Line SX Prestige AWD | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2021 Acura RDX Tow Capacity
The 2021 Acura RDX can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Acura RDX Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2020 Acura RDX Tow Capacity
The 2020 Acura RDX can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Acura RDX Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2019 Acura RDX Tow Capacity
The 2019 Acura RDX can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Acura RDX Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2018 Acura RDX Tow Capacity
The 2018 Acura RDX can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Acura RDX Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2017 Acura RDX Tow Capacity
The 2017 Acura RDX can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Acura RDX Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2016 Acura RDX Tow Capacity
The 2016 Acura RDX can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Acura RDX Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2015 Acura RDX Tow Capacity
The 2015 Acura RDX can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Acura RDX Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2014 Acura RDX Tow Capacity
The 2014 Acura RDX can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Acura RDX Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2013 Acura RDX Tow Capacity
The 2013 Acura RDX can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Acura RDX Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2012 Acura RDX Tow Capacity
The 2012 Acura RDX can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Acura RDX Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2011 Acura RDX Tow Capacity
The 2011 Acura RDX can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Acura RDX Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2010 Acura RDX Tow Capacity
The 2010 Acura RDX can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Acura RDX Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2009 Acura RDX Tow Capacity
The 2009 Acura RDX can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Acura RDX Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2008 Acura RDX Tow Capacity
The 2008 Acura RDX can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Acura RDX Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2007 Acura RDX Tow Capacity
The 2007 Acura RDX can tow 1,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Acura RDX Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official Acura RDX Owner’s Manuals on Acura’s website and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.
Having said that, we still recommend you refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual yourself before towing with your Acura RDX.