Acura RDX

Importing a used Acura RDX from the USA

Acura is Honda's North American luxury division, and it has no dealer network in Germany at all — which makes every RDX on European roads an import. The RDX is Acura's compact premium SUV, a direct rival to the German mid-size crowd, and it carries a genuine advantage for anyone importing from the States: it is built in Ohio. That US origin matters for customs, and we will come back to it in detail below.

USCar Trader acts strictly as an independent broker for used vehicles. No margin, no manufacturer tie, no new-car sales. Here is the substance you need to judge whether a used Acura RDX from the USA is the right import for you.

From launch to today

The RDX arrived in 2007. The first generation (2007–2012) was a turbocharged four-cylinder crossover with Acura's SH-AWD. The second generation (2013–2018) switched course to a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 with 279 hp and a six-speed automatic, prioritising smoothness. The current third generation launched for 2019 on a dedicated Acura platform, returning to turbo power and bringing a far more aggressive design, a 10-speed automatic and the debut of Acura's True Touchpad Interface. A 2022 refresh sharpened the styling and improved the cabin tech. Most import candidates today are third-gen 2019–2023 cars.

Engines and drivetrain in detail

The third-generation RDX uses a single engine: the 2.0-litre VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder (K20C family), producing 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic. It is offered in front-wheel drive or with Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), a torque-vectoring system that can shuffle drive to the outside rear wheel through corners — genuinely the version to seek out for European roads. Earlier V6 cars (2013–2018) pair 279 hp with a six-speed auto and are mechanically very robust if you prefer the older layout.

Trim levels and variants

The RDX is a five-door compact luxury SUV only. US trims run Base, Technology, A-Spec and Advance, with A-Spec adding sportier styling, larger wheels and sport seats, and Advance layering in the full premium package — ELS Studio audio, ventilated seats, surround-view camera and adaptive dampers on later cars. The A-Spec is the most sought-after specification on the US used market.

Used availability in the USA

The RDX sells in strong volume in the States, so used supply is deep and varied. Clean 2019–2022 examples with 30,000–70,000 miles are easy to find, and southern-state cars come with rust-free underbodies. Because it is a popular lease vehicle, you will see plenty of well-kept, single-owner returns. As always with a mainstream premium SUV, condition ranges widely, so history and inspection do the real work.

When importing makes sense

The RDX suits a buyer who wants a distinctive premium SUV that German dealers never offered, backed by proven Honda engineering — and who wants to make the most of the US-origin customs position. If you value engaging handling, SH-AWD is the pick; if you prioritise long-term simplicity, a second-generation V6 is a durable alternative.

Facts and figures

Reliability and common problems

The third-generation RDX is generally reliable, drawing on Honda's well-developed 2.0T and 10-speed drivetrain. The most common ownership complaint is not mechanical but the True Touchpad infotainment, which many owners find unintuitive — worth testing thoroughly before you commit. Early 2019 cars saw software updates for the 10-speed's low-speed shift behaviour and for start-stop calibration; confirm these were applied. The direct-injected turbo engine can accumulate intake carbon over higher mileage, the familiar trait of the type. A number of owners have reported air-conditioning condenser failures, an inexpensive but worth-checking item. Keep to premium fuel and scheduled oil changes and the RDX ages well.

How US versions differ

US RDX cars use MPH instruments, US lighting with side-marker reflectors and no rear fog lamp, and US-band radio and navigation. The SH-AWD hardware and the drivetrain are identical to what a European buyer would want; the adaptation work is limited to lighting, instrumentation and documentation.

From US purchase to registration

Selection of a suitable car; VIN and origin verification confirming the Ohio plant; a secured escrow payment; ocean freight to a European port; customs clearance on arrival; TÜV inspection with an individual approval (§21 StVZO) where required; and finally registration at your local Zulassungsstelle.

Costs, duty and taxes at a glance

Key point: duty depends on the plant of build; only a VIN check secures the 0% rate. Import VAT of 19% applies regardless.

Two charges, always stated separately. Import duty: under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461, US-origin vehicles can qualify for the 0% EU rate, valid from 1 July 2026 until 31 December 2029, with direct transport and provable US origin from the VIN and plant code. The third-generation RDX is built in East Liberty, Ohio, so a US build very often supports the 0% position — subject always to the VIN confirming that specific plant. We never call this guaranteed or duty-free; it hinges on documented origin. Second: 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) applies on the customs value in every case, independent of origin. We add no margin to either figure.

TÜV, approval and license plates

Typical modifications are a rear fog lamp, ECE-compliant lighting adaptation, a speedometer that reads in km/h, and a complete emissions and technical file for the individual approval. The odometer is documented in kilometres. With paperwork in order, the RDX passes type approval without drama.

Pre-purchase checklist

Confirm the VIN matches the title and shows the US plant code. Obtain a full Carfax or AutoCheck report for accidents, title brands and odometer history. Inspect for corrosion, favouring southern-state cars. Verify service records and premium-fuel use. Confirm a clean, non-salvage title. Test the True Touchpad and the 10-speed at low speed. Check that all recalls are closed.

Import FAQ

Is the Acura RDX built in the USA?

Yes. The third-generation RDX is assembled in East Liberty, Ohio, which is why its US origin often supports the 0% EU duty position.

Does that mean import is duty-free?

No. Nothing is guaranteed or duty-free. The 0% rate applies only with provable US origin from the VIN, and the 19% import VAT still applies.

Was the RDX ever sold by Acura in Germany?

No. Acura has no German network, so every RDX here is imported.

FWD or SH-AWD?

SH-AWD adds torque-vectoring traction and is the enthusiast's choice for European conditions.

Is the 2.0 turbo reliable?

Yes, broadly. Watch for carbon build-up over time and keep to premium fuel and the service schedule.

What about the infotainment?

The True Touchpad divides opinion. Test it in person before buying.

What mileage is ideal?

2019-2022 cars with 30,000-70,000 miles offer strong value and condition.

How long does import take?

Typically several weeks from purchase to registration, mostly freight and customs time.

To begin, see Acura in the Carhub, compare the newer Acura ADX or the closely related Honda CR-V, or view current RDX listings.