2025 Acura RDX vs 2025 Kia Sorento

$44,700 · Crossover

$31,990 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura RDX commands attention with its premium stance and thrilling powertrain, boasting 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, setting a clear benchmark for spirited driving. Contrast this with the sensible and efficient 2025 Kia Sorento, which offers an approachable 191 hp and sips regular unleaded while achieving a superior combined MPG of 26. The sticker shock is real: the RDX starts at a substantial $44,700, an $12,710 premium over the Sorento's $31,990 entry point. Performance junkies will revel in the RDX's 81 horsepower advantage and standard all-wheel drive system paired with a 10-speed automatic. Sorento drivers will appreciate its marginally larger footprint (189.6 inches long versus 187.4 for the Acura) and better highway mileage of 31 MPG, showcasing a trade-off between prestige performance and pocketbook practicality.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Acura RDX if...

A driver prioritizes maximum power output, evidenced by the RDX's 272 horsepower rating.
Access to premium driving dynamics and standard all-wheel drive capability is essential.
Budget allows for the $44,700 MSRP and the premium fuel recommendation.

Choose the Kia Sorento if...

Keeping upfront purchase cost down is the main priority, saving $12,710 compared to the RDX.
Maximizing fuel range is important, utilizing the 31 MPG highway rating.
A driver prefers lower running costs associated with regular unleaded fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Kia Sorento
Length	187.4"	189.6"
Width	74.8"	74.8"
Height	65.7"	66.7"
Wheelbase	108.3"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Kia
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	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	181 lb-ft @ 4000 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	Kia
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Kia
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	23/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	407.1/548.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	17.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Kia
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	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Kia
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	59.1 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	55.6 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	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	41.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	235/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Kia
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.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2025 Kia Sorento.

How significant is the performance difference between these two crossovers?

The difference is substantial; the 2025 Acura RDX delivers 81 more horsepower (272 hp vs. 191 hp) and 99 more lb-ft of torque (280 vs. 181), providing noticeably quicker acceleration.

Does the Kia Sorento offer better fuel efficiency than the Acura RDX?

Yes, the 2025 Kia Sorento is significantly more efficient, achieving a combined 26 MPG compared to the RDX's 23 MPG combined rating.

Which vehicle requires more expensive fuel?

The 2025 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance, while the 2025 Kia Sorento runs on less expensive regular unleaded.

What is the main financial trade-off buyers face?

Buyers must weigh the $12,710 initial price difference; the RDX costs substantially more but offers higher performance and a premium badge experience.

Are these vehicles similar in physical size?

They are dimensionally close, with the Sorento being slightly longer at 189.6 inches versus the RDX's 187.4 inches, though their widths are identical at 74.8 inches.