2025 Acura RDX vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

$44,700 · Crossover

$36,400 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura RDX screams precision and premium performance, instantly grabbing attention with its sharp handling promise wrapped in a dynamic package starting at $44,700. Its 272 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive suggest a more engaging drive, though it demands premium unleaded fuel. Conversely, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder brings raw power to the forefront, boasting a higher 284 horsepower figure, while leaning toward mainstream utility starting at a compelling $36,400. The Pathfinder is significantly larger, measuring 197.7 inches long compared to the RDX's 187.4 inches, hinting at greater interior volume, despite having less listed cargo capacity at 16.6 cu ft versus the RDX's 29.5 cu ft. Both crossovers achieve a shared 23 MPG combined, yet the RDX utilizes a sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission to manage its 280 lb-ft of torque, standing out as the driver's choice despite the $8,300 cost disparity.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Driving dynamics and a premium cabin experience are top priorities, justifying the higher entry price.
Owners prefer the refined performance characteristics of a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Standard all-wheel drive traction is non-negotiable for handling inclement weather.

Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...

Budget consciousness is paramount, saving $8,300 upfront compared to the Acura.
Need the higher sheer bulk provided by the Pathfinder's 197.7-inch length.
Desire the highest peak horsepower rating (284 hp) available using regular unleaded fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Nissan Pathfinder
Length	187.4"	197.7"
Width	74.8"	77.9"
Height	65.7"	70.9"
Wheelbase	108.3"	114.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Nissan
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	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	284 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	259 lb-ft @ 4800 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	Nissan
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Nissan
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	370.0/499.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Nissan
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	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Nissan
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	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Nissan
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	42.3 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	60.8 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	58.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Manual
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	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Nissan
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	35.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	59.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	56.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	255/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Nissan
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.	2 yr./ 24000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2025 Nissan Pathfinder.

Does the performance difference between 272 hp (RDX) and 284 hp (Pathfinder) feel significant on the road?

While the Pathfinder technically has 12 more horsepower, the RDX benefits from superior torque management (280 lb-ft vs 259 lb-ft) routed through a more advanced 10-speed transmission and standard AWD, likely making the RDX feel quicker and more responsive dynamically.

How does the difference in required fuel affect long-term ownership costs?

The 2025 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded, which costs more per gallon than the Pathfinder’s regular unleaded requirement, impacting annual running expenses despite similar 23 MPG combined ratings.

Given the size difference, why does the Pathfinder list less cargo space than the RDX?

The Pathfinder is significantly larger externally (197.7 inches long versus 187.4 inches), suggesting the bulk is dedicated more to passenger comfort and third-row space, while the RDX maximizes its smaller footprint for usable rear cargo volume (29.5 cu ft vs 16.6 cu ft).

Which crossover is fundamentally geared toward a sportier driving experience?

The 2025 Acura RDX is engineered with enthusiast driving in mind, evidenced by its sportier dimensions, standard AWD, and premium mechanical setup, contrasting with the Pathfinder’s more traditional front-wheel-drive based platform.

Is the Pathfinder's lower starting price negotiable given the two vehicles share the same combined MPG?

The $8,300 MSRP gap positions the Pathfinder as the clear value leader based on sticker price alone; savings achieved by using regular unleaded fuel further increase its financial advantage over the RDX.