2021-2007 Acura RDX Towing Capacity

Acura RDX is an entry-level crossover SUV with a sporty look and affordability. RDX has been in production since 2021 and its new 2007 models have interesting specs, such as a turbocharged 2.0L engine with 272 horsepower.

RDX comes up with a decent pulling capacity that we are going to discuss here. I have done my research from RDX’s owner’s manual, from 2007 to 2021, and mentioned all towing related data accurately. All data double-checked.

Some Important Points:

• Avoid towing if the car is brand new. Its recommended to start pulling after 600 miles (1000 km) drive.
• RDX doesn’t have a brake controller.
• Tongue load = 10%, approximately, of a fully-loaded trailer.
• The total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, cargo, accessories, and tongue weight must not exceed:
  Gross Vehicle Weight Rate (GVWR)
  Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

Both figures are given in these articles along with other towing related data. Both specs are also given in the certification label on the driver’s doorjamb.

Note: Most of the models share completely similar specs that’s why I grouped them accordingly.

2021-2019 RDX Models Towing Capacity

In the third and current Acura RDX’s generation, we can see new and enhanced features in engine, transmission, and body modification. In this generation, you can see a small decrease, 33 lbs, in the load limit. For the first time in the owner’s manual, Acura limits the towing load with the number of occupants in the vehicle, the chart is given below.

Image credit: Acura RDX 2021 Owner’s Manual

The weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:

• Front and back seats filled with occupants
• Each occupant weighs 150 pounds (68kg) with 17.6 pounds (8kg) cargo in the cargo area.

Any additional weight, cargo, or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight and maximum tongue load.

Read More: Acura MDX Towing Capacity (All Model Years)

2018-2013 RDX Models Towing Capacity

In 2012 Acura revealed second-generation models of RDX with different engines and transmission. In this generation, Acura sticks to 2WD and 4WD systems while completely leaving out SH-AWD. Despite all these changes, towing and load capacity remain the same. Although incremental changes can be seen in other specs.

Towing-Related Specs:

2012-2010 RDX Models Towing Capacity

During the last three years of RDX’s first-generation SUVs, Acura introduced different wheels drive options, such as 2WD, 4WD, and SH-AWD. Although, there are few incremental changes in GCWR, GVWR, and GAWR, based on wheel drive configurations. Yet the owner’s manual recommended towing and load capacity remain the same.

Towing-Related Specs:

2009-2007 RDX Models Towing Capacity

During the first three years of the RDX’s first-generation SUVs, it didn’t come up with different wheel drive configurations. It only had an SH-AWD wheel drive system. While towing capacity, like other models, remain the same.

Towing-Related Specs:

Trailer Brakes

As mentioned earlier, Acura RDX doesn’t have a brake controller for trailers. In the manual, it is recommended to use trailer brakes for trailer weight 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or higher. You can either use a Surge or Electonic braking system. Although it is a good idea to use surge brakes in wet conditions, towing boats. If you choose electric brakes, be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as it will lower braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard.

Data’s Accuracy:

I have compiled all this data from Owner’s Manuals downloaded from Acura’s official website. All the data mentioned in the article checked twice to reduce any error. Yet, I HIGHLY recommend reading the owner’s manual on your own before towing.