Acura RDX vs. BMW X3

When comparing the Acura RDX vs. BMW X3 near St. Paul, Minnesota, both luxury SUVs offer turbocharged performance, all-wheel-drive capability, premium amenities, and modern technology. The Acura RDX stands out with 272 horsepower, standard Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®), a 10-speed automatic transmission, generous cargo space, and a strong collection of driver-assistive and convenience technologies.
At White Bear Acura, we can help Twin Cities drivers experience these Acura RDX advantages firsthand. Compare the Acura RDX and BMW X3 30 xDrive below, then visit White Bear Acura near St. Paul to see how the Acura RDX fits your driving needs.
Acura RDX vs. BMW X3 Performance
The Acura RDX and BMW X3 30 xDrive both use turbocharged four-cylinder engines and come equipped with all-wheel drive, but their powertrains take different approaches to performance.
Acura RDX Performance
The Acura RDX pairs a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission and SH-AWD®. Its torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system can direct power not only between the front and rear axles but also between the rear wheels to support responsive handling.
Key Acura RDX performance specifications and features include:
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Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
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Horsepower: 272 horsepower
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Torque: 280 lb-ft
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Transmission: 10-speed automatic
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Drivetrain: SH-AWD®
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Integrated Dynamics System: Four selectable drive modes allow drivers to adjust vehicle characteristics for different conditions and preferences
BMW X3 Performance
The BMW X3 30 xDrive combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and xDrive all-wheel drive.
Key BMW X3 30 xDrive specifications include:
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Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology
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Horsepower: 255 horsepower
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Torque: 295 lb-ft
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Transmission: 8-speed automatic
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Drivetrain: xDrive all-wheel drive
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Acceleration: Manufacturer-estimated 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds
The Acura RDX delivers 272 horsepower compared with 255 horsepower from the BMW X3 30 xDrive. It also pairs its turbocharged engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission and SH-AWD®, which can distribute torque between the rear wheels to support responsive handling. Visit White Bear Acura near St. Paul to experience the performance of the Acura RDX firsthand.
Acura RDX vs. BMW X3 Technology
Both the Acura RDX and BMW X3 provide extensive connectivity and infotainment technology, but their systems take distinctly different approaches. The BMW X3 emphasizes its large digital interface, while the Acura RDX combines its center display with a collection of connectivity and convenience technologies.
Acura RDX Technology
Acura RDX technology includes or offers features such as:
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10.2-inch full-HD center display
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Wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility
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Wireless Android Auto™ compatibility
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True Touchpad Interface™
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Wireless smartphone charging
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Alexa Built-In
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AcuraLink® connected services
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Available Acura/ELS Studio 3D® premium audio system
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Available head-up display
BMW X3 Technology
BMW X3 technology includes or offers features such as:
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BMW Curved Display
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BMW Operating System
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Wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility
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Wireless Android Auto™ compatibility
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BMW Interaction Bar
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Navigation and connected features
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Available advanced parking and driver-assistance technologies
The BMW X3 places greater emphasis on its expansive digital display, while the Acura RDX provides its own combination of wireless smartphone integration, connected services, and available premium audio technology. Explore the Acura RDX technology firsthand at White Bear Acura near St. Paul to see how its features fit into your everyday drive.
Acura RDX vs. BMW X3 Driver-Assistive Technology
Driver-assistive technology is another important consideration for St. Paul drivers comparing the Acura RDX and BMW X3. Both provide technologies designed to enhance driver awareness and assist in a variety of driving situations.
The Acura RDX includes the AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, with features such as:
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Collision Mitigation Braking System
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Road Departure Mitigation System
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Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
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Lane Keeping Assist System
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Traffic Sign Recognition
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Blind Spot Information System
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Rear Cross Traffic Monitor
The BMW X3 also provides driver-assistance technology, including features designed to assist with collision warnings, blind spots, lane departures, and other driving situations. Additional BMW driver-assistance and parking technologies are available depending on configuration.
For shoppers who place a priority on driver-assistive features, the Acura RDX provides a comprehensive collection of technologies designed to support greater awareness behind the wheel. Visit White Bear Acura near St. Paul to learn more about AcuraWatch™ and experience its features in an Acura RDX.
What Sets the Acura RDX Apart?
While both models bring compelling qualities to the luxury SUV segment, the Acura RDX offers several notable advantages when compared with the BMW X3 30 xDrive.
Highlights of the Acura RDX include:
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More horsepower: The Acura RDX produces 272 horsepower compared with 255 horsepower from the BMW X3 30 xDrive.
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10-speed transmission: The Acura RDX uses a 10-speed automatic compared with the BMW X3 30 xDrive’s 8-speed automatic.
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SH-AWD®: The Acura RDX’s standard Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ adds torque-vectoring capability for responsive handling.
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More maximum cargo space: The Acura RDX provides up to 79.8 cubic feet of cargo volume compared with 67.1 cubic feet for the BMW X3.
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More front legroom: The Acura RDX provides 42.0 inches of front legroom compared with 40.2 inches in the BMW X3.
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Standard panoramic moonroof: A panoramic moonroof comes standard on the Acura RDX, while a panoramic roof requires an upgrade on the BMW X3.
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Four selectable drive modes: The Acura RDX provides four selectable drive modes for adjusting vehicle characteristics to different driving conditions.
These differences give St. Paul shoppers several factors to consider beyond performance alone, including passenger space, cargo versatility, and standard equipment. Explore the Acura RDX at White Bear Acura near St. Paul to experience its performance, versatility, and premium features firsthand.
Acura RDX vs. BMW X3 FAQs
How does the Acura RDX compare with the BMW X3?
The Acura RDX and BMW X3 are premium SUVs with turbocharged performance, all-wheel drive, smartphone connectivity, and driver-assistive technology. Compared with the BMW X3 30 xDrive, the Acura RDX provides more horsepower, a 10-speed automatic transmission, more maximum cargo volume, more front legroom, and a standard panoramic moonroof.
Which has more horsepower, the Acura RDX or BMW X3?
The Acura RDX produces 272 horsepower, compared with 255 horsepower from the BMW X3 30 xDrive.
Do the Acura RDX and BMW X3 have all-wheel drive?
Yes. The Acura RDX comes with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, or SH-AWD®, while the BMW X3 30 xDrive uses BMW xDrive all-wheel drive. Acura SH-AWD® incorporates torque vectoring to distribute power between the rear wheels and support responsive handling.
Which has more cargo space, the Acura RDX or BMW X3?
The Acura RDX provides up to 79.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, compared with 67.1 cubic feet in the BMW X3. This gives the Acura RDX an advantage for shoppers who place a priority on cargo versatility.
Which has better technology, the Acura RDX or BMW X3?
Both provide extensive technology, but their approaches differ. The BMW X3 emphasizes its large digital display, while the Acura RDX provides a 10.2-inch center display along with features such as wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, Alexa Built-In, wireless smartphone charging, and available Acura/ELS Studio 3D® premium audio.
Where can I test-drive an Acura RDX near St. Paul, MN?
You can explore available Acura RDX models and schedule a test drive at White Bear Acura. Our dealership serves drivers from St. Paul and other communities throughout the Twin Cities.
Explore the Acura RDX at White Bear Acura
The Acura RDX brings together turbocharged performance, SH-AWD® capability, premium comfort, modern technology, and generous versatility in one luxury SUV. For St. Paul drivers comparing the Acura RDX vs. BMW X3, its higher horsepower than the BMW X3 30 xDrive, 10-speed automatic transmission, spacious cargo area, and standard features give you several compelling reasons to experience the Acura RDX firsthand.
White Bear Acura proudly serves St. Paul, White Bear Lake, Maplewood, Vadnais Heights, and communities throughout the Twin Cities with new Acura vehicles, financing options, factory-trained service, and genuine Acura parts. Visit White Bear Acura near St. Paul today to test-drive an Acura RDX and find the configuration that fits your lifestyle.
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