Which SUV Handles Winter Roads Better for Springfield, OH Drivers — the 2026 Acura RDX or the 2026 BMW X3?

Acura Columbus - Which SUV Handles Winter Roads Better for Springfield, OH Drivers — the 2026 Acura RDX or the 2026 BMW X3?

Winter-readiness is one of the most common questions we hear from luxury SUV shoppers comparing the 2026 Acura RDX and the 2026 BMW X3. If your daily route can swing from slushy side streets to windswept interstates, traction tech and chassis tuning matter as much as heated seats. Below, we break down how each SUV approaches foul weather, with a focus on power delivery, control systems, and the way those systems feel from behind the wheel.

At the heart of the RDX’s winter confidence is available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®). Rather than simply splitting power front to rear, SH-AWD® can actively route torque to the rear outside wheel in a turn, helping the vehicle rotate and stay planted on slick surfaces. Integrated Dynamics System adds a dedicated Snow mode that softens throttle tip-in, refines shift programming, and calms steering to reduce wheelspin and driver workload. The BMW X3’s xDrive is surefooted, and with winter tires, it is a strong partner, but it does not apply the same torque-vectoring strategy that makes the RDX feel so composed on crowned, icy back roads.

• SH-AWD® torque strategy: routes power laterally to stabilize cornering and reduce push on packed snow.
• Snow mode calibration: trims initial throttle and optimizes shifts to curb slip when pulling away on ice.
• Brake feel and control: iBooster tuning gives a firm pedal for confident modulation with gloves on.
• Camera and visibility: available Surround-View helps thread through snowbanks during tight parking.

Power delivery is the second pillar. The RDX’s 2.0-liter VTEC® Turbo pairs a broad torque curve with a 10-speed automatic that keeps revs steady. That predictability means fewer mid-corner upshifts and less disruption when traction is fragile. Meanwhile, standard AcuraWatch™ technologies—like Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Lane Keeping Assist System—add calm on messy commutes. The BMW X3 30 xDrive’s mild-hybrid four-cylinder is smooth and capable, and xDrive reacts quickly, but its Sport mode can be eager on throttle inputs in snow unless you dial it back. Both SUVs benefit from winter tires; where they diverge is how naturally their systems work together when roads are variable mile to mile.

Beyond traction, a winter-friendly cockpit helps you arrive fresher. The RDX’s standard Panoramic Moonroof keeps the cabin bright on short, gray days, and Iconic Drive™ Ambient Cabin Lighting casts a warm glow at night. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ plus Alexa Built-In streamline directions and hands-free calls when gloves make touchscreens cumbersome. BMW’s curved display and Ambient Lighting are elegant, and its voice assistant is capable. Still, Acura’s True Touchpad Interface™ remains a standout for gloved precision. For drivers who prioritize simple, coordinated controls in gloves-and-boots weather, the RDX’s ergonomics hit the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need SH-AWD® if I plan to run winter tires?

Winter tires are the first, best upgrade for any SUV in cold climates. SH-AWD® adds a layer of dynamic control you will feel on slick turns and highway merges, helping the RDX track cleanly when surfaces are uneven or slushy.

What does Snow mode change in the RDX?

Snow mode tempers throttle response, adjusts shift logic in the 10-speed automatic, and optimizes SH-AWD® torque transfer, all to reduce wheelspin and make low-speed maneuvers smoother on ice and packed snow.

Is a panoramic roof helpful in winter?

Indirectly, yes. More natural light reduces eye fatigue on dim days. The RDX’s Panoramic Moonroof includes an effective shade and an insulated cabin, so comfort stays consistent even in cold snaps.

When you are evaluating winter readiness from a whole-vehicle standpoint—traction logic, power delivery, visibility aids, and interface simplicity—the RDX builds a cohesive package for Ohio weather. Acura Columbus is here to help you test SH-AWD® in real conditions and see how the system behaves on the roads you drive most often, serving Pickerington, Springfield, and Springboro with knowledgeable guidance and well-curated test routes tailored to your questions.

Request more 2026 Acura RDX information