Look, the 2020 Acura RDX A-Spec is a weird beast. It’s loud. It’s flashy. It’s basically the automotive equivalent of wearing a leather jacket to a PTA meeting. If you’re scouring the used market right now, you’ve probably noticed they hold their value surprisingly well. There’s a reason for that, but it isn’t necessarily because it’s the "perfect" car. It’s because it hits a very specific sweet spot between luxury and "I haven't given up on life yet" sportiness.
Most people see the blacked-out trim and those massive 20-inch shark gray wheels and assume it’s a track star. It isn't. Not really. But it’s also not your grandma's crossover.
Buying a used 2020 Acura RDX A-Spec today involves navigating a minefield of quirky tech and surprisingly stiff suspension. You need to know what you’re getting into before you sign that title.
The 2020 Acura RDX A-Spec Reality Check: Performance vs. Perception
Let's get the engine talk out of the way. You’re looking at a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It pumps out 272 horsepower. On paper, that sounds great. In reality? It’s punchy, sure, but the 10-speed automatic transmission can sometimes feel like it’s overthinking its homework. It hunts. It pecks. Sometimes it hesitates just long enough to make you miss that gap in traffic.
The SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) is the real hero here. Seriously. Most crossovers in this class just send power to the back when things get slippery. Acura’s system actually pushes power to the outside rear wheel during a turn. It "torques" you around the corner. It feels like the car is actively helping you be a better driver. If you find an A-Spec with front-wheel drive, honestly, just keep walking. The SH-AWD is the entire point of owning an Acura SUV.
Why the A-Spec Trim is Basically a Costume
It’s important to understand that the A-Spec package is mostly an aesthetic flex. You aren’t getting more horsepower. You aren't getting a special exhaust that adds 20 digits to the dyno. You’re getting:
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- Bigger exhaust finishers (they look cool, though).
- A much more aggressive front fascia.
- Those 20-inch wheels that, while gorgeous, make the ride noticeably firmer than the Advance trim.
- UltraSuede inserts in the seats that keep your butt from sliding around when you’re taking a highway off-ramp too fast.
If you want the adaptive dampers—the fancy suspension that changes with the touch of a button—you won't find them here. The 2020 A-Spec is stuck with a fixed "sport-tuned" setup. It's stiff. If you live in a city with potholes the size of craters, you're going to feel every single one of them.
That Infotainment System: The Elephant in the Cabin
We have to talk about the True Touchpad Interface. Acura tried something different here. Instead of a touchscreen, which would require you to lean forward, they put a touchpad on the center console. It’s a 1-to-1 mapping. If you touch the top right of the pad, it clicks the top right of the screen.
It sounds logical. In practice? It’s polarizing. Some owners swear by it after a week. Others want to throw the whole car into a lake.
By the time 2020 rolled around, Acura had ironed out some of the software lag that plagued the 2019 launch models, but it’s still not as intuitive as a simple iPad-style screen. The 2020 Acura RDX A-Spec does support Apple CarPlay, but Android Auto was a late addition that required a software update. If you're looking at a used one, make sure the previous owner actually ran the system updates, or you'll be stuck in 2018 tech-wise.
Interior Vibes and the Red Leather Trap
You’ve seen the pictures. The red leather interior is striking. It’s the "look at me" choice. But here’s the thing about the A-Spec cabin: it’s actually a very functional space. The floating center console gives you a massive storage bin underneath for things you don’t want people to see, like your giant bag of fast food or an extra pair of shoes.
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The ELS Studio 3D premium audio system in the A-Spec is legit. It was tuned by Elliot Scheiner, a Grammy-winning producer. It has speakers in the ceiling. Most "premium" car audio is just a brand name slapped on cheap paper cones, but this system actually provides height and depth to the music. If you’re an audiophile, this might be the single best reason to pick the RDX over a Lexus NX or an Audi Q5 from the same year.
Real World Ownership: The Stuff They Don't Put in the Brochure
Let’s talk about gas. Acura says it takes Premium. You can run it on Regular, but the computer will pull timing, and you’ll lose that "Spec" in your A-Spec. Also, the fuel economy is... fine. Don't expect miracles. You'll likely see about 21-22 mpg in mixed driving. If you have a heavy foot (and you will, because the turbo makes fun noises), that number drops into the teens fast.
Reliability is generally solid because, well, it’s an Acura. But the 2020 model year did have some teething issues.
- Squeaky Brakes: A lot of owners complained about low-speed brake squeal. It’s annoying, not dangerous.
- Limp Mode: There was a known issue with the intercooler developing moisture in high-humidity areas, which could cause the car to hesitate or go into a "limp mode" during hard acceleration. Acura released a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) for this, so check the service records.
- The "Moaning" Tailgate: Sometimes the power liftgate sounds like a haunted house. A bit of grease usually fixes it.
How it Compares to the Competition
Back in 2020, the RDX A-Spec was competing with the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5. The Germans feel heavier. More "planted." But they also cost significantly more to maintain once the warranty expires. The Acura feels lighter on its feet. It feels more "tossable," if you can say that about a 4,000-pound SUV.
The Lexus NX from that era feels like a dinosaur compared to the RDX. The Lexus is quieter and softer, but the tech is even more frustrating and the cargo space is laughable. The RDX actually has a deep storage well under the rear floorboards that is a lifesaver for grocery hauls.
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Is the 2020 Acura RDX A-Spec Right For You?
If you want a "cloud on wheels," buy the RDX Advance or a Lexus. If you want a spec-sheet monster that wins drag races, buy a BMW X3 M40i.
But if you want a car that looks like it costs $10,000 more than it actually does, and you value a killer sound system and a reliable powertrain, the 2020 Acura RDX A-Spec is a strong play. It’s a "goldilocks" car. It’s just enough luxury to feel special and just enough sportiness to keep you from feeling bored.
Actionable Next Steps for Buyers
Before you drop thirty-some thousand dollars on a used A-Spec, do these three things:
- Check the Build Date: Models built later in the 2020 production run typically have fewer "first-year" bugs than the early ones.
- Test the Touchpad: Don’t just poke it for thirty seconds. Try to enter a navigation address or change a Spotify playlist while actually driving. If it makes you feel like you're going to veer into a ditch, this isn't the car for you.
- Inspect the 20-inch Wheels: These rims are magnets for curb rash. If the previous owner was careless with parallel parking, those gray wheels will show every single scratch and gouge, and they aren't cheap to refinish properly.
- Verify the Intercooler TSB: Ask the dealer or seller if the "limp mode" hesitation fix has been applied. It's a critical safety fix for rainy or humid climates.
The 2020 RDX A-Spec remains one of the sharpest-looking SUVs on the road today. As long as you can live with the firm ride and the quirky pad, it's a purchase that makes both your heart and your wallet reasonably happy.