2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline

$44,700 · Crossover

$40,595 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura RDX presents itself as the sharper, more premium suburban athlete, boasting 272 horsepower and an MSRP starting at $44,700. It appeals to drivers craving nimble handling in a stylish crossover package, offering superior fuel economy at 23 combined MPG. Conversely, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline enters the arena with a slightly higher output of 280 horsepower but requires cheaper, regular unleaded fuel and undercuts the Acura by a substantial $4,105. While the Ridgeline is significantly longer at 210.2 inches compared to the RDX's 187.4 inches, it sacrifices vast cargo space, featuring only 7.3 cu ft versus the RDX’s 29.5 cu ft. Buyers must choose between Acura’s focused refinement and Honda’s rugged utility and budget advantage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Premium driving dynamics and badge prestige are top priorities.
Maximizing fuel efficiency (23 combined MPG) over rugged utility is essential.
A shorter overall length (187.4 inches) is preferred for tight urban parking.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

Saving $4,105 upfront is a major purchasing factor.
Maximum power (280 hp) from the powertrain is desired.
The utility implied by the Ridgeline's larger exterior dimensions is necessary, despite the provided cargo figure.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Honda Ridgeline
Length	187.4"	210.2"
Width	74.8"	78.6"
Height	65.7"	70.8"
Wheelbase	108.3"	125.2"

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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Single overhead cam (SOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Honda
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Honda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	18/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	351.0/468.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	19.5 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	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Honda
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	9.0 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	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Stereo Power	—	215W

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Honda
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	62.0 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	59.1 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	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Honda
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	36.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	61.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	56.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Honda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 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 Ridgeline.

How does the required fuel type impact long-term running costs?

The 2025 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded, adding to routine fuel expenses. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline accepts regular unleaded, which typically lowers the per-fill cost, potentially offsetting the RDX's better 23 combined MPG rating.

Given both use AWD, how different is the driving experience?

The RDX utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic for potentially quicker, smoother shifts, aligning with Acura's performance focus. The Ridgeline uses a 9-speed automatic, pairing its 280 hp with a system likely tuned for utility, given its body style.

Why is the Ridgeline so much longer than the RDX?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline measures 210.2 inches in length, making it nearly 23 inches longer than the 187.4-inch RDX. This extended length points toward a more traditional truck-based architecture or larger passenger cabin volume than the Acura crossover provides.

How does the cargo space discrepancy between the two vehicles factor in?

The 2025 Acura RDX offers 29.5 cu ft of cargo space, suggesting a usable rear storage area for a crossover. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline lists a surprisingly small 7.3 cu ft; buyers must investigate if this represents only the bed capacity or a misrepresentation of its utility compared to the RDX.

Is the RDX's higher price tag justified by its efficiency?

The RDX costs $4,105 more but returns 23 combined MPG versus the Ridgeline's 21 combined MPG. This marginal efficiency gain over lower MPG figures might not justify the upfront cost difference alone.