2025 Acura RDX vs 2025 Honda Ridgeline

$44,700 · Crossover

$40,150 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura RDX bursts onto the scene with a sharp, urban edge, promising engaging handling in a compact 187.4-inch shell. Power delivery is robust, boasting 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, managed by a slick 10-speed automatic transmission while sipping premium fuel for a 23 MPG combined efficiency. Conversely, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline stretches out significantly longer at 210.2 inches, flaunting a 280 horsepower punch from its engine, though its thirst for regular unleaded results in a lower 21 MPG combined rating. While the Ridgeline offers undeniable utility due to its larger frame and higher stance (70.8 inches tall), the RDX maintains a $4,550 higher starting MSRP for its refinement. Drivers seeking an athletic crossover experience will gravitate toward the RDX’s slightly superior torque output, while those needing sheer size favor the Ridgeline's dominant physical footprint.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Acura RDX

The RDX offers significantly better fuel economy at 23 MPG combined and a more manageable exterior size for city maneuvering.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline's much larger exterior dimensions and greater height suggest superior cabin volume and passenger accommodation compared to the RDX.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Ridgeline

With 280 horsepower, the Ridgeline technically leads the RDX's 272 horsepower, offering a slightly stronger peak power figure.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda Ridgeline

Saving $4,550 while gaining 8 more horsepower and a much larger physical footprint provides the Ridgeline with stronger objective value.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

A premium feel and sharper, more athletic driving dynamics are paramount.
Maximizing miles per gallon efficiency (23 combined) is a high priority.
Navigating tight urban parking structures is a daily requirement.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

Utility and carrying capacity outweigh efficiency concerns.
A lower purchase price, undercutting the RDX by $4,550, is essential.
Needing a larger vehicle with 210.2 inches of length for passenger or gear hauling is necessary.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Honda Ridgeline
Length	187.4"	210.2"
Width	74.8"	78.6"
Height	65.7"	70.8"
Wheelbase	108.3"	125.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Honda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Single overhead cam (SOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Honda
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Honda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	18/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	351.0/468.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	19.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Honda
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	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Honda
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	9	7
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Stereo Power	—	215W

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Honda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Honda
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	62.0 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	59.1 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Honda
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	36.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	61.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	56.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Honda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Honda
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.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2025 Honda Ridgeline.

How significant is the size difference between these two AWD vehicles?

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline is substantially larger, measuring 210.2 inches long compared to the 2025 Acura RDX's 187.4 inches. This translates directly to a significant difference in exterior presence and potential interior space.

Which vehicle uses cheaper fuel?

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline recommends regular unleaded gasoline, whereas the 2025 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded. This impacts long-term operational costs favoring the Ridgeline.

Despite having less horsepower, why does the RDX have better fuel economy?

The RDX is significantly shorter and likely lighter than the Ridgeline, allowing its 272 hp engine to achieve better efficiency ratings of 23 MPG combined versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG combined.

How do their performance transmissions compare?

The RDX utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which typically suggests closer gear ratios for performance compared to the Ridgeline's 9-speed shiftable automatic.

Does the Ridgeline's increased size equate to vastly superior cargo space?

Interestingly, the RDX offers a massive 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, while the Ridgeline's stated cargo area is much smaller at 7.3 cu ft, suggesting the RDX's space is concentrated inside, unlike the Ridgeline's open bed area.