2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Comparison Overview
Deciding between polished luxury and rugged value often boils down to your budget and performance expectations. The 2025 Acura RDX starts at a steep $44,700, significantly higher than the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport's $31,845 entry price—a $12,855 gap to consider immediately. Performance junkies will favor the RDX, boasting 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, blowing past the Bronco Sport’s 181 hp. However, that power costs fuel; the RDX nets a combined 23 MPG using premium fuel, while the Bronco Sport achieves a thriftier 27 MPG combined running on regular. While the RDX is longer at 187.4 inches, the Bronco Sport actually offers slightly more space for your gear, measuring 32.5 cu ft versus the RDX's 29.5 cu ft. This comparison truly pits accessible efficiency against upscale power.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Its lower MSRP of $31,845 and better 27 MPG combined efficiency make daily driving significantly less expensive.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
It offers more accessible cargo volume at 32.5 cu ft and is much less expensive upfront.
2025 Acura RDX
With 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, the RDX offers a notably more engaging and powerful driving experience.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Saving $12,855 upfront while achieving 4 MPG better fuel economy delivers superior immediate value.
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- Your budget easily accommodates the $44,700 starting price for a luxury experience.
- You prioritize smooth acceleration from the 272 hp engine and 10-speed transmission.
- Premium fuel costs are not a major concern when factoring in the power upgrade.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- Keeping the purchase price near $32,000 is critical for your financial plan.
- Maximizing fuel economy (27 MPG combined) on your drives is a high priority.
- You need slightly more outright utility, given its 32.5 cu ft of cargo space.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura RDX | Ford Bronco Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.4" | 172.7" |
| Width | 74.8" | 74.3" |
| Height | 65.7" | 70.2" |
| Wheelbase | 108.3" | 105.1" |
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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 25/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.1/461.7 mi. | 400.0/480.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 gal. | 16.0 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 | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.0 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 in. | 55.2 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: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.0 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.0 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 225/65R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Acura | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 Sport.
How much more expensive is the RDX compared to the Bronco Sport?
The 2025 Acura RDX has an MSRP starting at $44,700, making it exactly $12,855 more costly than the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, which begins at $31,845.
Does the Bronco Sport save me money on fuel stops?
Yes, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is significantly more efficient, achieving 27 MPG combined versus the RDX's 23 MPG combined, and it uses regular unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle handles poor weather better, considering both have AWD?
Both vehicles are equipped with all-wheel drive, providing capability in various conditions. However, the Bronco Sport’s higher stance (70.2 inches vs 65.7 inches for the RDX) suggests potentially better ground clearance for mild off-road or deeper snow situations.
Is the RDX’s extra power noticeable for highway merging?
Absolutely; the RDX produces 91 more horsepower (272 hp) and 90 more lb-ft of torque (280 lb-ft) than the Bronco Sport, making highway merging and overtaking much quicker.
Does the smaller Bronco Sport sacrifice much cargo space?
Surprisingly, no; the physically smaller Bronco Sport (172.7 inches long) actually offers slightly more cargo room at 32.5 cu ft compared to the larger RDX at 29.5 cu ft.
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