2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 GMC Acadia
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 GMC Acadia and the 2025 Acura RDX is the Acadia's 56 horsepower advantage, delivering 328 hp compared to the RDX's 272 hp. Torque figures also favor the Acadia at 326 lb-ft versus 280 lb-ft. Despite this performance deficit, the RDX undercuts the Acadia on initial purchase price by $1,000, with an MSRP of $44,700 against the Acadia's $43,700. Dimensional analysis shows the Acadia is substantially larger, extending 204.0 inches long compared to the RDX's 187.4 inches, though this size difference results in a smaller maximum cargo volume of 23 cu ft for the Acadia versus 29.5 cu ft for the RDX. Both vehicles achieve a 23 MPG combined rating, but the RDX recommends premium fuel while the Acadia operates on regular unleaded.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Acura RDX
The RDX commands a slightly better city MPG rating (21 vs. 20) and is significantly smaller overall, which aids urban maneuverability.
2026 GMC Acadia
The Acadia's substantially larger dimensions (79.6 inches wide versus 74.8 inches wide) suggest greater potential for passenger comfort and overall cabin volume.
2026 GMC Acadia
With 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, the Acadia offers superior measured output over the RDX's 272 hp and 280 lb-ft.
2026 GMC Acadia
The Acadia offers 56 more horsepower and uses less expensive regular unleaded fuel for a $1,000 lower MSRP.
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- Buyers prioritize a lower purchase price relative to maximum specified cargo volume (29.5 cu ft).
- Driving dynamics favoring a smaller footprint (187.4 inches in length) are necessary.
- Willingness exists to use premium unleaded fuel for the RDX's powertrain.
Choose the GMC Acadia if...
- Maximizing measurable engine output (328 hp) is a top priority.
- Need the operational savings associated with requiring only regular unleaded fuel.
- Require the greater physical bulk suggested by the 71.0-inch height and 204.0-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura RDX | GMC Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.4" | 204.0" |
| Width | 74.8" | 79.6" |
| Height | 65.7" | 71.0" |
| Wheelbase | 108.3" | 120.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 326 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 | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 gal. | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Acura | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
| Digital Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.2 in | 15.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 9 | 12 |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Bose |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 42.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.0 in. | 62.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 in. | 59.2 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 | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.0 in. | 62.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.0 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Acura | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Acura | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2026 GMC Acadia.
How does the required fuel type impact the long-term running costs of these two crossovers?
The 2025 Acura RDX requires premium unleaded, which carries a higher price per gallon than the regular unleaded fuel mandated by the 2026 GMC Acadia. This difference in fuel specification directly impacts variable ownership costs over the vehicle's lifespan.
Despite being physically larger, why does the 2026 GMC Acadia have less cargo capacity than the RDX?
The Acadia’s greater length (204.0 inches) and height suggest it may prioritize cabin space for passengers over sheer cargo volume behind the rear seats, yielding 23 cu ft versus the RDX's 29.5 cu ft.
Are the fuel economy ratings significantly different for highway driving?
No; both vehicles achieve an identical 27 MPG highway rating across their respective transmissions and drive configurations. Combined ratings are also matched at 23 MPG.
What is the fundamental mechanical difference in power delivery between these two AWD/FWD crossovers?
The RDX utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission coupled with all-wheel drive, while the Acadia uses an 8-speed automatic transmission paired with front-wheel drive as standard specification.
Which vehicle provides a more aggressive torque specification for acceleration?
The 2026 GMC Acadia delivers 326 lb-ft of torque, a measurable increase over the 2025 Acura RDX’s 280 lb-ft rating.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool