Acura RDX Towing Capacity

The Acura RDX can tow a maximum of 1,500 pounds when equipped with the Acura accessory trailer hitch and hitch ball.
Written by Rob Shapiro
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The Acura RDX has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. To reach its maximum towing capabilities, you should purchase the Acura accessory trailer hitch and hitch ball. Packages available for the RDX include standard, technology, A-Spec, and Advance, each with front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD). 
Towing capacity on an SUV is essential if you want to go camping with a trailer or take your boat up to the lake in the summer. All SUVs have some towing capacity, but if you’re shopping for a new one you want to make sure it can tow the amount that you need. Remember, a vehicle’s engine power, transmission, size, in addition to other features, will ultimately determine the maximum weight an SUV can tow without any issues arising. 
If you want to learn more about the Acura RDX’s towing capabilities, including capacity, then
car insurance
super app
Jerry
is here to help. We’ll explore the RDX’s maximum towing capacity, offer some tips on how to increase towing capacity, and even help you cut down on your
Acura RDX insurance costs
icon
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now

How much can an Acura RDX tow?

Maximum towing capacity: 1,500 pounds
Engines: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
The
Acura RDX
is a sporty SUV that offers exceptional drivability, handling, and overall performance. That said, it isn’t top of its class when it comes to towing capacities. 
With the help of the accessory trailer hitch and hitch ball, the RDX’s towing capacity can reach 1,500 pounds. All packages (standard, technology package, A-Spec, advance) offer FWD and AWD with the same maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds
The RDX’s standard 272-HP 2.0L VTEC turbocharged engine can be paired with
Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive
(SH-AWD). This will increase the SUV’s towing capabilities and enhance its drivability and performance. 
Here are some other features that can improve the RDX’S towing experience
  • Blindspot sensors
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
  • Surround View camera system
  • Lane Keeping Assist System
  • Collision Mitigation Braking System™
If you intend to tow close to the max weight that an RDX allows, it would be a good idea to invest in some other features for safety and ease. 

Trailer hitches for the Acura RDX

Acura offers a trailer hitch and trailer hitch ball for its RDX models. These accessories include:  
  • A receiver-style hitch that can work with a range of trailer coupler designs
  • A wiring harness with a 4-pin flat-style connector  
  • 1 ⅞ inch or 2 inch balls 
  • A trailer hitch ball mount
You will require the Trailer Hitch Trim Cover. Before buying a trailer hitch, you should review the “Trailer Towing” section in your owner’s manual

How to calculate the towing capacity you need

If you’re unsure of how much towing capacity you will need, remember that it should be greater than the heaviest haul you intend to pull. This means that you should not expect to tow more than 1,500 pounds.
Here are a few things you can expect to successfully tow with the RDX. Keep in mind that the exact weight of a load will vary.  
With FWD or AWD: 
  • Canoe or kayak trailer (600 to 800 pounds)
  • Light boats like personal watercrafts (850 pounds)
The RDX has a low towing capacity so it will not be able to tow most trailers and boats. Even fishing boats can weigh as much as 1,700 pounds.
At the very least, you should invest in the trailer hitch to tow whatever you can up to the cottage or the campsite. 
Since every load is different, check the total weight of your trailer and hitch once it’s completely loaded. Don’t forget to include the vehicle’s weight along with the weight of passengers and cargo in your calculation.

How to increase towing capacity

There are a few things you can do to potentially increase the towing capacity of an RDX. The gains might be minimal but if you need just a bit more wiggle room then try out these ideas:
  • Reinforce the chassis.
  • Invest in upgraded brake pads and rotors geared toward heavier loads 
  • Upgrade to higher-grade axles like RV axles
  • Get a weight-distribution hitch to minimize sway and help the suspension
Ultimately, there is little you can do to significantly increase the RDX’s towing capacity. If you need a vehicle that can consistently tow heavy loads, you should get rid of the RDX and go for a full-size SUV such as the
Ford Expedition
, with an impressive maximum towing capacity of 9,300 pounds, or the
Dodge Durango SRT R/T
, and its ability to tow up to 8,700 pounds
rating reverse-full
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”

How to find affordable car insurance

It’s never a good idea to tow anything without having the right insurance coverage—at a price that won’t break your budget. Download Jerry, the #1
trustworthy insurance comparison app
, and make sure to never overpay for your coverage again.
Jerry
lets you compare insurance rates. In 45 seconds or less, Jerry pulls customized quotes from a network of 50+ top providers that are tailored to your driving needs.
If you find a policy that’s a better deal than your current one, we’ll help you through the process to make switching as easy as possible. On average, Jerry users save $887 a year on their car insurance. 
“I heard about Jerry through a podcast and decided to try it out. My 2008 Range Rover Sport was costing me $168/month before Jerry found me the exact same coverage for $84/month under Plymouth Rock. I’ll definitely keep shopping for insurance with Jerry.” —Eileen P.
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
icon4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars
icon4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers

FAQs

No, the Acura RDX can only tow 1,500 pounds. This is quite low. You should be able to tow some kayaks or canoe trailers but not much else.
Yes, the Acura RDX has a trailer hitch kit with a trailer hitch and trailer hitch ball. You can also look for an aftermarket trailer hitch that will work with the RDX.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings