2025 Acura RDX vs 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

$44,700 · Crossover

$39,730 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Acura RDX grabs attention with its standard performance focus, boasting 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged engine driving all four wheels through a sophisticated 10-speed automatic. This luxury contender sacrifices ultimate efficiency for spirited engagement, managing 23 MPG combined while relying on premium fuel. Conversely, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid thrills with unparalleled efficiency, achieving a remarkable 35 MPG combined and offering 32 miles of pure electric range before sipping regular unleaded. While slightly down on raw power at 268 horsepower, the Tucson offers 31.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, beating the RDX's 29.5 cu ft. Buyers face a clear choice between the RDX's potent, established driving feel and the Tucson's staggering long-term fuel savings, which are underscored by a $4,970 upfront price advantage for the Hyundai.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

Its 35 MPG combined efficiency and lower starting price of $39,730 significantly reduce running costs for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson provides slightly more usable space with 31.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura RDX

The RDX offers higher peak output with 272 horsepower and utilizes a more performance-oriented 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

Saving $4,970 upfront while achieving a 12 MPG combined efficiency advantage makes the Tucson the clear financial winner.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Maximum immediate driving engagement and responsive acceleration are top priorities.
A preference exists for the RDX's slightly wider stance (74.8 inches) and established AWD tuning.
The driver demands 280 lb-ft of torque without needing plug-in capabilities.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

Maximizing MPG, hitting 35 MPG combined, is essential for the monthly budget.
The ability to complete a 32-mile commute entirely on electric power is desirable.
The buyer seeks greater cargo volume (31.9 cu ft) from a slightly shorter vehicle package (182.7 inches long).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Length	187.4"	182.7"
Width	74.8"	73.4"
Height	65.7"	66.3"
Wheelbase	108.3"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	268 hp
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	258 lb-ft
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	Hyundai
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	388.5/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	80/73 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	77 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	32 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	44
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
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	✓	—
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	9	6
Subwoofer Count	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	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	54.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	53.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

How significant is the difference in driving dynamics between the two AWD systems?

The 2025 Acura RDX uses a 10-speed automatic geared toward performance, suggesting sharper shifts for spirited driving, whereas the Tucson’s 6-speed hybrid automatic prioritizes smooth transitions blending electric and gas power.

Is the RDX's requirement for premium fuel a major ongoing cost?

Yes, requiring premium unleaded gasoline adds noticeable cost compared to the Tucson, which runs happily on regular unleaded, compounding the RDX’s lower 23 MPG combined figure.

Does the Tucson’s smaller physical size affect passenger comfort?

While the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is 4.7 inches shorter than the RDX, both are relatively close in width and height, suggesting similar headroom, but the RDX may offer marginal extra shoulder room.

What is the benefit of the RDX's extra 4 horsepower in real-world driving?

That extra 4 horsepower, combined with a slight torque advantage (280 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft), means the RDX will likely accelerate marginally quicker when running solely on gasoline.

How quickly can I recoup the $4,970 price difference with the Tucson's efficiency?

Given the 12 MPG combined fuel economy gap (35 MPG vs 23 MPG), drivers covering high annual mileage will save significantly on fuel, quickly offsetting the initial purchase price disparity.