2024 Acura RDX Ditches Front-Wheel Drive and Goes AWD Only

• The 2024 Acura RDX no longer comes standard with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is now obligatory.

• Without FWD, the RDX's base price rises from $42,945 last year to $45,245. That's a $2300 price hike.

• The mid-tier Technology and A-Spec trims now cost $2700 more, while the top-spec Advance trim costs $500 more.

All-wheel drive is a popular option on new cars that offer it. However, when front-wheel drive comes standard, it usually provides a decent discount. Take, for example, the 2023 Acura RDX that started at $42,945 with FWD, which provided a $2200 savings versus opting for the brand's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Now, RDX shoppers have no choice except to accept the latter system and pay a couple thousand dollars more.

RDX Now AWD Only

With all-wheel-drive models most likely making up the vast majority of RDX sales, it makes sense for Acura to ditch the front-drive configuration. However, there's no doubt that the decision diminishes the luxury compact SUV's value proposition, which helped it stand out versus ritzier rivals such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-class.