2025 Acura RDX vs 2025 Mazda CX-50

$44,700 · Crossover

$30,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Acura RDX and the 2025 Mazda CX-50 is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the RDX starting at $44,700 compared to the CX-50's $30,500—a difference of $14,200. Performance metrics strongly favor the RDX, offering 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque against the CX-50's 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, representing an 85 hp deficit for the Mazda. Fuel economy calculations reveal the CX-50 is more efficient, achieving a combined 28 MPG versus the RDX's 23 MPG, a 5 MPG advantage, aided by its recommendation of regular unleaded fuel versus the RDX's premium requirement. Dimensionally, the RDX is slightly longer at 187.4 inches, while the CX-50 provides marginally more utility with 31.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the RDX's 29.5 cu ft. The RDX utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission, whereas the CX-50 employs a 6-speed automatic.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Maximum on-road performance and higher horsepower output (272 hp) are primary purchasing factors.
A preference exists for a 10-speed automatic transmission over a 6-speed unit.
Budget constraints allow for the $44,700 MSRP and the consistent use of premium unleaded fuel.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

Achieving the highest fuel economy (28 combined MPG) is a top priority for cost savings.
A lower purchase price point of $30,500 is required.
Utility space needs are best met by the CX-50's 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Mazda CX-50
Length	187.4"	185.8"
Width	74.8"	75.6"
Height	65.7"	63.5"
Wheelbase	108.3"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Mazda
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	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Mazda
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	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	185 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	397.5/492.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Mazda
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	Mazda
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	9	8
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	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	53.6 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	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	52.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	P225/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Mazda
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.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2025 Mazda CX-50.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Acura RDX compared to the 2025 Mazda CX-50?

The 2025 Acura RDX produces 272 horsepower, exceeding the 2025 Mazda CX-50's 187 horsepower output by 85 hp. This performance gap also extends to torque, where the RDX offers 280 lb-ft against the CX-50's 185 lb-ft.

What is the financial impact of the fuel requirement difference?

The RDX requires premium unleaded fuel, likely increasing running costs compared to the CX-50, which runs on less expensive regular unleaded. This cost difference compounds the $14,200 initial MSRP discrepancy.

Is the cargo space significantly different between the two crossovers?

Cargo capacity varies modestly; the Mazda CX-50 offers 31.4 cubic feet, slightly surpassing the Acura RDX's 29.5 cubic feet. Both vehicles feature standard all-wheel drive architecture.

Which vehicle has a more complex transmission setup?

The Acura RDX utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering more potential gear ratios than the Mazda CX-50’s 6-speed shiftable automatic.

How do the exterior dimensions compare, specifically width?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is fractionally wider at 75.6 inches than the 2025 Acura RDX, which measures 74.8 inches across. Conversely, the RDX is slightly longer in overall vehicle length (187.4 inches vs. 185.8 inches).