2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade

$44,700 · Crossover

$39,435 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between premium feel and sheer practicality often boils down to budget, and that’s exactly where the 2025 Acura RDX and 2026 Hyundai Palisade diverge. If smooth, efficient pavement cruising is your priority, the RDX leads with 23 combined MPG compared to the Palisade’s 21. Acura also packs a punch with 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, slightly eclipsing the Palisade's 287 hp (note: the RDX has better torque numbers here). However, that premium feel comes at a cost: the RDX starts at $44,700, a $5,265 premium over the Palisade’s $39,435 base price. While the RDX is physically shorter at 187.4 inches, the larger Palisade sacrifices some fuel economy for significant size. You are paying more for the RDX’s AWD setup and premium feel, whereas the Palisade offers more space initially.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Acura RDX

The RDX provides better fuel economy (23 combined MPG) and standard all-wheel drive, making it slightly cheaper to run daily.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade is significantly longer at 199.2 inches and wider, suggesting a more accommodating cabin for passengers and cargo despite its lower stated cargo volume number (19.1 cu ft vs 29.5 cu ft in the RDX—though the RDX cargo number is likely measured differently).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura RDX

The RDX boasts higher torque (280 lb-ft) paired with a 10-speed transmission, promising a slightly sportier powertrain feel.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Palisade

Starting at $39,435, the Palisade undercuts the RDX by $5,265 while offering standard front-wheel drive and higher horsepower.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You prioritize a more efficient combined fuel economy rating of 23 MPG.
You prefer the responsiveness of a 10-speed automatic transmission.
You value the traction and security of standard all-wheel drive.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

Saving $5,265 in initial purchase price is a major deciding factor.
You require maximum interior and exterior size (199.2 inches long).
You prefer fueling up with regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium recommended fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Hyundai Palisade
Length	187.4"	199.2"
Width	74.8"	78.0"
Height	65.7"	69.5"
Wheelbase	108.3"	116.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
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	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
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	287 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
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	Hyundai
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	361.0/475.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	19.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
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 Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	9	—
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	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	41.5 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	44.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	61.4 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	58.8 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	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	43.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	61.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	56.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	18 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	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.

How much more spacious is the Palisade compared to the RDX based on exterior dimensions?

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is notably larger, measuring 199.2 inches long, 78.0 inches wide, and 69.5 inches high, compared to the RDX’s smaller footprint.

Is the Acura RDX’s fuel requirement a significant extra cost?

Yes, the Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded fuel while the Palisade accepts regular unleaded. This difference impacts long-term running costs, especially since the RDX only achieves 23 combined MPG versus the Palisade's 21.

Which crossover offers better acceleration capability given the specs?

While the Palisade has slightly more peak horsepower at 287 hp, the 2025 Acura RDX produces more torque at 280 lb-ft, which often translates to better on-the-road responsiveness.