2025 Acura RDX vs 2025 Lexus NX

$44,700 · Crossover

$40,965 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Acura RDX and the 2025 Lexus NX rests in powertrain output, where the RDX delivers a substantial 69 horsepower advantage (272 hp versus 203 hp) and 96 lb-ft more torque (280 lb-ft versus 184 lb-ft). This power premium comes with a measurable efficiency penalty: the Lexus NX achieves 28 MPG combined, besting the RDX’s 23 MPG combined—a 5 MPG differential. Price is also a key metric, with the RDX starting at $44,700, establishing a $3,735 price premium over the NX’s $40,965 base MSRP. Dimensionally, the RDX is slightly longer at 187.4 inches compared to the NX’s 183.5 inches, translating to 6.8 cubic feet more cargo capacity (29.5 cu ft vs. 22.7 cu ft). Buyers must also note the required fuel type, as the higher-output RDX recommends premium unleaded, while the NX utilizes regular unleaded.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus NX

The NX offers superior fuel economy with 28 MPG combined and requires less expensive regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Acura RDX

The RDX provides greater utility with 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, exceeding the NX’s 22.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura RDX

The RDX offers significantly more performance capability, generating 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus NX

The NX carries a $3,735 lower starting MSRP while delivering substantially better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Maximum engine output (272 hp) is a primary purchasing criterion.
More rear cargo space (29.5 cu ft) is required for utility.
Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) operation is preferred over FWD.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Minimizing annual fuel costs via superior MPG (28 combined) is the priority.
Adhering to a stricter initial budget, given the $3,735 lower MSRP.
Operating exclusively on regular unleaded gasoline is necessary.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Lexus NX
Length	187.4"	183.5"
Width	74.8"	73.4"
Height	65.7"	66.1"
Wheelbase	108.3"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Lexus
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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Lexus
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	203 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 5000 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	Lexus
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	377.0/478.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Lexus
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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	9	10
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	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	56.3 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	56.3 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	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

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	52.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2025 Lexus NX.

What is the real-world fuel cost difference between these two crossovers?

The Lexus NX achieving 28 MPG combined versus the Acura RDX at 23 MPG indicates the NX will consume roughly 21.7% less fuel over the same distance, translating to measurable long-term savings.

Does the Acura RDX’s standard AWD offer superior capability over the Lexus NX’s FWD?

Yes, the RDX includes all-wheel drive, providing enhanced traction potential in low-grip conditions compared to the NX’s standard front-wheel-drive configuration.

How does the mandated fuel type impact running costs?

The RDX recommends premium unleaded, which typically costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded accepted by the Lexus NX, further increasing the RDX's operational expenses.