2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Ford Explorer

$44,700 · Crossover

$38,330 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between luxury refinement and sheer volume often boils down to the price tag, and that's a major talking point here. The 2025 Acura RDX starts at $44,700, which is a significant $6,370 more than the 2026 Ford Explorer's entry price of $38,330. Power figures look good for the Explorer too, boasting 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the RDX’s 272 hp and 280 lb-ft. However, the RDX is physically smaller (187.4 inches long versus the Explorer’s 198.8 inches) and recommends premium fuel, while the Explorer runs on regular unleaded. Despite being smaller, the RDX offers more contained cargo space at 29.5 cu ft versus the Explorer’s 16.3 cu ft. If maximizing cargo volume above all else is key, size matters, but if upfront cost and slightly better overall efficiency (24 MPG combined vs. 23 MPG) matter more, the Explorer presents a compelling entry point.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Acura RDX

The RDX's slightly better combined MPG of 23 and smaller footprint should make city navigating a touch easier for daily drives.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Ford Explorer

Despite the cargo capacity listed, the Explorer’s greater overall length (198.8 inches) and height suggest more overall cabin space for occupants.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Ford Explorer

The Explorer pulls ahead with a commanding 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, offering more immediate performance from the powertrain.

💰 Best Value

2026 Ford Explorer

Saving $6,370 upfront while gaining 28 more horsepower is a tough value proposition to beat.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You prioritize a more refined, luxury-brand experience right from the start.
You need contained, usable cargo space (29.5 cu ft) within a shorter vehicle length (187.4 inches).
You prefer the established reputation and handling characteristics associated with Acura AWD systems.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

Keeping the initial purchase price down to $38,330 is critical for your budget.
You require the extra raw power delivered by the 300 hp engine.
Using regular unleaded gasoline is a mandatory feature for your running costs.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Ford Explorer
Length	187.4"	198.8"
Width	74.8"	78.9"
Height	65.7"	69.9"
Wheelbase	108.3"	119.1"

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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber)	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
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 @ 5500 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 3500 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	10-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear 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	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	358.0/519.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	17.9 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	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Ford
Infotainment Display	10.2 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	Ford
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Ford
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	61.8 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	59.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	6-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	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Ford
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	61.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	59.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

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	P255/65R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 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 Explorer.

How does the fuel cost difference impact long-term ownership?

The 2025 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded, which generally costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded used by the 2026 Ford Explorer. This difference, combined with the RDX's slightly lower 23 MPG combined rating, suggests the Explorer will likely be cheaper at the pump.

Why is the RDX's cargo space listed as significantly higher than the Explorer's?

Despite the Explorer being over 11 inches longer overall, the RDX shows 29.5 cu ft versus the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft cargo capacity. This suggests the RDX prioritizes interior volume measurement in the way its space is configured or potentially uses a different measurement standard.

Is the RDX's All-Wheel Drive inherently better than the Explorer's Rear-Wheel Drive setup?

The RDX comes standard with all-wheel drive, great for slick surfaces, whereas the base Explorer features rear-wheel drive. For buyers in snowy climates, the RDX offers inherent traction advantages straight off the line.

Which crossover is physically bigger for maneuvering in tight parking garages?

The 2026 Ford Explorer is substantially larger across the board, measuring 198.8 inches long and 78.9 inches wide. The 2025 Acura RDX is the smaller option at 187.4 inches long, making it potentially easier to park.

Considering the horsepower difference, will I actually notice the 28 hp gap?

The Explorer’s 300 hp grants it a noticeable advantage over the RDX's 272 hp, especially given the Explorer’s torque lead of 310 lb-ft. This extra power will likely translate to slightly quicker acceleration when merging onto highways.