2024 Acura RDX vs. 2024 BMW X2 Comparison

Smaller luxury SUVs represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the automotive industry. The competition grows more fierce, and the number of vehicles available to consumers continues to expand.

The 2024 Acura RDX and 2024 BMW X2 are two of the best examples. The pair sit at the edge of two classes of vehicles, with the Acura being a bit larger while the coupe-styled BMW retains the luxurious touches it’s known for.

Let’s’ take a closer look at these two SUVs.

2024 Acura RDX

Acura SUVs enjoy an athletic, sporty-looking exterior. It resonates with buyers who want a vehicle that’s much more than basic in its appointments and provides a spirited response from behind the wheel. The 2024 Acura RDX certainly hits the mark.

Powered by a 272-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission, the RDX enjoys plenty of go, but it also gets standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

Actually, it gets Acura’s version of it, dubbed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). It’s standard on every trim, which is a new perk for 2024. Not only is power getting to the wheels, but the rubber sticks to the road, making your everyday commuter car more fun on curvy roads.

The comfort and convenience tech includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and some advanced driver safety technology. The RDX comes in trims starting with base, Technology Package, A-Spec, Advance Package, and A-Spec with the Advance Package. Pricing starts at $45,700, including a destination charge.

Acura RDX Highlights

Concert hall: If your budget allows it, spring for the ELS audio system developed with Elliot Scheiner, Grammy-winning recording engineer for Beyoncé and Fleetwood Mac. This excellent 16-speaker, 710-watt system comes in higher trim levels. A 12-speaker setup is part of the Technology package.

SH-AWD: Named Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, it distributes variable amounts of drive to individual wheels to maximize grip, stability, and efficiency. And it’s standard on all RDX models.

Sunny side up: GPS-linked climate control in the Acura RDX uses a solar sensor to get outside information to control the vehicle’s interior temperature. It’s part of the Technology package.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the RDX models for sale near you.

2024 BMW X2

The 2024 BMW X2 offers a great mix of style, performance, technology, and luxury. Perhaps most importantly, it does all that at a reasonable price for this segment.

The X2 is the coupe-style X1, but it grew 7.6 inches for the 2024 model year, so passengers in the small luxury SUV enjoy more space and the usual high-end touches for which BMWs are known. Like many luxury vehicles, it features a curved, dual-screen dash that makes everything crystal clear and easy to reach.

While the luxurious, technology-laden interior is a massive selling point, the X2 brings it when it comes to performance. Powered by a 241-hp turbo 4-cylinder and standard all-wheel drive, the X2 ensures the driver can have as much or as little fun as they want behind the wheel. Also, an upgrade to a specially tuned version of the same engine nets you 312 hp. There are two versions: the X2 xDrive28i or the X2 M35i. Pricing begins at $42,995, including destination fees.

BMW X2 Highlights

Ready, Player: The X2 can be had with built-in games in collaboration with AirConsole. The games can be played when the vehicle is stationary, using a phone as a controller. Unsurprisingly, that’s not an option on the Acura RDX.

Sport Boost: X2 models fitted with the M Sport package have a secret: The left paddle on the steering wheel can activate Sport Boost, which BMW says enables “extremely dynamic midrange sprints.”

Two choices: Putting out 241 horses, the standard engine on the X2 is a potent powerplant and will be better than fine for most drivers. However, if you are not “most drivers,” you can upgrade to the 312-horsepower version.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the X2 models for sale near you.

Similarities

If you’re in the market for a small SUV with good performance characteristics, modern technology, and head-turning style, you can’t go wrong with either the Acura RDX or BMW X2.

Conclusion

Small, cool, and lively: all great ways to describe these two vehicles. Both are good representatives of their respective brands. The Acura RDX is arguably the more practical choice with its roomier interior, better powertrain warranty, and standard AWD. However, the BMW X2 has its brand’s virtues of interior quality and engaging performance you expect from a German luxury vehicle. The right premium SUV for you depends on your priorities.