2025 Acura ADX vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$35,000 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference centers on physical size and utility, with the 2026 Subaru Outback measuring 5.9 inches longer and 3.7 inches taller than the 2025 Acura ADX. Cargo capacity is substantially different, as the Outback offers 34.6 cubic feet compared to the ADX's 24.4 cubic feet. Power output is marginally superior in the Acura, with the 2025 ADX delivering 190 hp versus the Outback's 180 hp, resulting in a 10 hp advantage. Price parity exists at $35,000 for the Acura and $34,995 for the Subaru. Fuel economy is nearly identical, with the ADX achieving 28 combined MPG versus the Outback's 27 combined MPG, though the ADX requires premium unleaded while the Outback uses regular.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Acura ADX

Its lower curb weight contribution (implied by smaller dimensions) and equivalent city MPG offer slightly better urban efficiency potential, coupled with a lower entry price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback provides a substantial 10.2 cubic feet more cargo capacity (34.6 vs 24.4 cu ft) and greater exterior height (67.5 vs 63.8 inches) for bulkier cargo or headroom.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura ADX

The ADX claims a 10 horsepower and 1 lb-ft torque advantage over the Outback, suggesting marginally superior straight-line performance figures.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for the same base price, whereas the ADX lists FWD, providing superior foundational traction capability for $34,995.

Choose the Acura ADX if...

Buyers prioritize slightly more horsepower (190 hp) for a similar price point.
Urban driving situations where a smaller footprint (185.8 inches long) aids maneuverability are common.
The vehicle is expected to primarily operate on paved roads where FWD is sufficient.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximum available cargo space (34.6 cu ft) is a strict requirement for the purchase.
Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is necessary for varied or adverse weather conditions.
Owners wish to utilize less expensive regular unleaded fuel instead of premium recommended fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura ADX	Subaru Outback
Length	185.8"	191.7"
Width	72.5"	74.0"
Height	63.8"	67.5"
Wheelbase	104.5"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	190 hp @ 6000 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/31 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	364.0/434.0 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Front Head Room	38.4 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.9 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.0 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.7 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R H	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura ADX and 2026 Subaru Outback.

How does the drivetrain difference between the two crossovers affect traction?

The 2026 Subaru Outback includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), inherently providing superior traction in low-grip scenarios compared to the 2025 Acura ADX, which utilizes Front Wheel Drive (FWD).

Is the difference in fuel requirement a significant long-term cost factor?

Yes, the 2025 Acura ADX recommends premium unleaded, which typically carries a higher per-gallon cost than the regular unleaded specified for the 2026 Subaru Outback, impacting ownership expenditures.