2025 Acura RDX vs 2025 Lexus UX
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Acura RDX and the 2025 Lexus UX often comes down to balancing performance cravings against practical spending. That $7,960 difference in starting MSRP is significant; the RDX starts at $44,700 while the UX begins at $36,740. If straight-line gusto matters, the RDX packs a hefty 272 hp versus the UX's 196 hp—that's a 76 hp gap. However, that power comes at the pump: the RDX achieves a combined 23 MPG while the surprisingly efficient UX delivers an outstanding 43 MPG combined, a difference of 20 MPG. The RDX is also physically larger at 187.4 inches long, offering 29.5 cu ft of cargo room compared to the UX's 17.1 cu ft. Choosing effectively means weighing Acura's performance focus against Lexus's fuel economy leadership.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- You frequently drive on highways where higher horsepower (272 hp) will be appreciated.
- You prioritize maximum hauling capability, needing the 29.5 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want standard all-wheel drive capability for mixed-weather performance.
Choose the Lexus UX if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, capitalizing on the 43 MPG combined rating.
- Keeping the purchase price down below $40,000 is a hard budget limit.
- You only need front-wheel drive and prefer using regular unleaded gasoline.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura RDX | Lexus UX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.4" | 177.0" |
| Width | 74.8" | 72.4" |
| Height | 65.7" | 60.6" |
| Wheelbase | 108.3" | 103.9" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm | 196 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 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 | continuously variable-speed 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 | 45/41 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 43 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.1/461.7 mi. | 477.0/434.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 gal. | 10.6 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.2 in | 8.0 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 | 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. | 37.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.0 in. | 55.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 in. | 53.8 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 33.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.0 in. | 52.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.0 in. | 52.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 225/50R18 |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2025 Lexus UX.
How much does the fuel cost difference impact ownership between these two crossovers?
The Lexus UX achieves 20 more combined MPG (43 vs. 23), meaning the UX owner will spend significantly less annually on premium unleaded fuel, which the RDX recommends.
Is the Acura RDX noticeably larger for parking and city maneuvers?
Yes, the Acura RDX is taller (65.7 inches vs. 60.6 inches) and longer (187.4 inches vs. 177.0 inches) than the Lexus UX, which might make fitting into tight city spots slightly trickier.
Does the Lexus UX have enough power for merging onto busy highways?
While the 196 hp output is much lower than the RDX’s 272 hp, the UX’s CVT aims to keep the engine in its optimal range, but drivers seeking quick acceleration will notice the 76 hp deficit.
If I need AWD, can I get it on the cheaper Lexus UX?
Based on the specs provided, the 2025 Acura RDX comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas the 2025 Lexus UX listed utilizes front-wheel drive.
Are either of these luxury crossovers restricted to premium gasoline?
The 2025 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded, whereas the 2025 Lexus UX is designed to run efficiently on less expensive regular unleaded fuel.
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