2025 Acura RDX vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

$44,700 · Crossover

$38,045 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between premium polish and pure practicality often comes down to how much you value interior refinement versus overall size and upfront savings. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 significantly undercuts the 2025 Acura RDX, starting at $38,045 compared to the RDX's $44,700—a difference of $6,655 right off the bat. Interestingly, Mazda packs a bit more punch with 332 lb-ft of torque versus the RDX's 280 lb-ft, and manages slightly better fuel economy at 25 MPG combined using regular unleaded fuel, whereas the RDX (23 MPG combined) recommends premium. However, the RDX is noticeably smaller; its 187.4-inch length makes it nimbler than the substantially larger CX-90 at 200.8 inches. While both offer AWD, the RDX provides 29.5 cu ft of cargo space, almost double the 14.9 cu ft found in the longer CX-90, suggesting the RDX utilizes its shorter frame for more accessible storage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You prioritize a more compact footprint for easier urban parking (187.4 inches long).
You prefer the specific handling dynamics associated with Acura's chassis tuning.
Your budget allows for the higher MSRP of $44,700 and the cost of premium unleaded fuel.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Maximizing the initial purchase savings is critical, given the $6,655 price advantage.
You need the extra power delivery provided by 332 lb-ft of torque.
You are comfortable with a substantially larger vehicle at 200.8 inches long, which might impact tight maneuvers.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Mazda CX-90
Length	187.4"	200.8"
Width	74.8"	78.5"
Height	65.7"	68.2"
Wheelbase	108.3"	122.8"

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	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-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	Mazda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	24/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	444.0/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	18.5 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	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

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	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓

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.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	56.2 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	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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-90.

How significant is the fuel requirement difference between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded fuel, adding to long-term operating costs, while the 2025 Mazda CX-90 only requires regular unleaded, directly impacting weekly fuel budgets.

Which vehicle is physically larger and how does that affect space?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is significantly longer at 200.8 inches versus the RDX's 187.4 inches, yet the RDX wins handily on accessible cargo space with 29.5 cu ft available.

Does the lower horsepower in the RDX mean it feels slower?

While the RDX has 272 hp compared to the CX-90’s 280 hp, the RDX also trails in torque at 280 lb-ft versus the CX-90’s 332 lb-ft, suggesting the Mazda will feel punchier.

What is the dollar difference I save by choosing the Mazda?

Opting for the 2025 Mazda CX-90 saves $6,655 right at the start, as its $38,045 MSRP compares to the RDX’s $44,700 starting price.

How do the transmissions differ in these AWD crossovers?

The Acura RDX utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, providing more closely spaced gears than the 8-speed shiftable automatic found in the Mazda CX-90.