2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Ford Bronco
Comparison Overview
Get ready for a thrilling choice: the polished precision of the 2025 Acura RDX squares off against the rugged, untamed spirit of the 2026 Ford Bronco. Acura champions efficiency and premium on-road manners, boasting 23 MPG combined, though its 272 hp feels perfectly tailored for refined acceleration. Ford throws down the gauntlet with raw power, pumping out 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, demanding attention with its 7-speed manual gearbox. While the RDX offers a more manageable 29.5 cu ft of cargo space, the Bronco provides a palpable edge in grunt for tackling challenges, despite returning a thriftier 19 MPG combined. With the RDX starting at $44,700 and the Bronco $4,205 less at $40,495, buyers are choosing between sophisticated AWD cruising and brawny, trail-ready 4WD excitement.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Acura RDX
The 2025 Acura RDX wins easily by offering superior fuel economy at 27 MPG highway compared to the Bronco's 21 MPG highway.
2025 Acura RDX
The RDX provides 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft, suggesting better everyday practicality.
2026 Ford Bronco
The 2026 Ford Bronco excites with 300 hp, 325 lb-ft of torque, and the engagement of a 7-speed manual transmission.
2026 Ford Bronco
The 2026 Ford Bronco offers 28 more horsepower for a price point that undercuts the RDX by $4,205.
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- You prioritize a quieter, more sophisticated daily drive where fuel efficiency (23 MPG combined) is paramount.
- You value the convenience of an automatic transmission and the stability of all-wheel drive for inclement weather.
- You need maximized enclosed storage, utilizing the RDX's 29.5 cu ft cargo capacity.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- Your adventures require true off-road articulation, signaled by its 71.9-inch height and dedicated four-wheel drive.
- Manual transmission engagement and a higher power output (300 hp) are central to your driving pleasure.
- You prefer a slightly more compact footprint for navigating tight spots, measuring 173.7 inches long.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura RDX | Ford Bronco |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.4" | 173.7" |
| Width | 74.8" | 75.9" |
| Height | 65.7" | 71.9" |
| Wheelbase | 108.3" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 325 lb-ft @ 3400 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | four wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| 4WD System Type | — | Part Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | — | Electronic Hi-Lo |
| Locking Hubs | — | Automatic |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 18/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.1/461.7 mi. | 304.2/354.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 gal. | 16.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.2 in | 12.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 9 | 7 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.0 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 in. | 56.3 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 | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.0 in. | 51.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.0 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 255/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Full Size Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Outside Rear Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 16 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2026 Ford Bronco.
How significant is the performance gap between these two vehicles?
The 2026 Ford Bronco packs a noticeable advantage with 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, versus the RDX's 272 hp and 280 lb-ft, suggesting the Bronco will feel substantially more muscular.
Which vehicle is fundamentally better equipped for highway cruising efficiency?
The 2025 Acura RDX delivers superior fuel economy, achieving 27 MPG on the highway compared to the Bronco's 21 MPG highway rating, saving money over long distances.
Does the difference in drive systems (AWD vs. 4WD) matter for typical drivers?
Acura’s all-wheel drive is geared for stability and on-road performance, whereas the Bronco’s four-wheel drive is optimized for low-speed traction and challenging terrain.
How does the required fuel type impact running costs?
Both vehicles recommend premium unleaded fuel, meaning both will require higher-cost gasoline regardless of which one achieves the better MPG.
If I carry bulky equipment, which SUV offers more room?
The 2025 Acura RDX provides significantly more usable rear cargo volume, measuring 29.5 cubic feet compared to the 2026 Ford Bronco’s 20.6 cubic feet.
Is the significant price difference related only to horsepower?
The $4,205 price gap reflects more than just the 28 hp deficit; it’s likely linked to the RDX’s premium interior focus versus the Bronco's rugged, modular construction.
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