2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Honda CR-V

$44,700 · Crossover

$30,920 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Stuck between a stylish, zippy premium crossover and a hyper-efficient, practical workhorse? That’s the core dilemma when comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and the 2026 Honda CR-V. The most striking difference is the sticker price: the RDX starts at $44,700, while the CR-V undercuts it by a massive $13,780, landing at $30,920. Power seekers will lean toward the RDX, which boasts 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, significantly besting the CR-V's 190 hp. However, that power comes at a fuel cost; the RDX manages 23 MPG combined, whereas the CR-V achieves a highly attractive 30 MPG combined, running on cheaper regular unleaded. While the RDX is slightly longer at 187.4 inches, the CR-V offers substantially more utility with 39.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the RDX's 29.5 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You prioritize sharper acceleration and prefer the driving feel of a premium powertrain.
You plan to use premium unleaded fuel and don't mind the higher running costs.
The distinct, sportier styling of the 2025 Acura RDX is a major deciding factor for you.

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

Minimizing running costs via superior efficiency (30 MPG combined) is essential.
You need maximum cargo space for hauling gear, as it offers 39.3 cu ft.
Sticking strictly to a tighter budget is necessary, given the $13,780 MSRP difference.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Honda CR-V
Length	187.4"	184.8"
Width	74.8"	73.5"
Height	65.7"	66.2"
Wheelbase	108.3"	106.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Honda
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	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	190 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	179 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Honda
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Honda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	28/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	392.0/462.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	14.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Honda
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	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Honda
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	9	4
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	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Stereo Power	—	160W

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Honda
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	55.6 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	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Honda
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	41.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	52.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Honda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	235/65R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	✓
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Honda
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.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2026 Honda CR-V.

How significant is the required fuel type difference?

The 2025 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded, which costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded used by the 2026 Honda CR-V, adding to the RDX's running costs beyond its lower MPG rating.

Is the Acura RDX much bigger than the CR-V?

Not substantially in overall footprint; the RDX is about 2.6 inches longer, but the CR-V is slightly taller by about half an inch. Their difference lies in interior layout rather than external size.

How does the standard AWD on the RDX compare to the FWD CR-V?

The RDX comes standard with all-wheel drive for better traction in slippery conditions, whereas the CR-V comes standard in front-wheel drive, which is usually adequate but less capable in severe weather.

How much more performance does the RDX actually offer?

The RDX delivers 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged engine, which is 82 horsepower more than the CR-V's 190 hp figure.

Which transmission setup is generally smoother for city driving?

The 2026 Honda CR-V uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), known for smooth, gearless acceleration, contrasting with the RDX's 10-speed shiftable automatic.