2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

$44,700 · Crossover

$40,075 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant quantitative divergence between the 2025 Acura RDX and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) is fuel economy, with the Tucson PHEV achieving a combined 35 MPG compared to the RDX's 23 MPG, a 12 MPG advantage. The RDX leads in raw power, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque versus the Tucson’s 268 hp and 271 lb-ft. Pricewise, the RDX commands a premium MSRP of $44,700, which is $4,625 more than the Tucson's $40,075 base price. While the RDX is slightly longer at 187.4 inches, the Tucson offers marginally superior cargo volume at 31.9 cu ft against the RDX's 29.5 cu ft. Furthermore, the Tucson PHEV incorporates 32 miles of electric-only range, a metric unavailable for the standard gasoline RDX.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Tucson PHEV wins for commuters due to its superior 35 combined MPG and 32 miles of zero-emission electric range.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson PHEV offers more usable space with 31.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the RDX's 29.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura RDX

The 2025 Acura RDX appeals more to enthusiasts with higher peak outputs of 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson PHEV offers a better financial proposition, costing $4,625 less while delivering significantly better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You prioritize the higher maximum output of 272 horsepower for spirited driving.
You prefer the RDX's slightly longer physical footprint at 187.4 inches.
You are comfortable paying the $44,700 MSRP for a premium powertrain experience.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

Fuel economy is paramount, indicated by the 35 combined MPG rating.
You can leverage the 32 miles of all-electric range for daily errands.
You require the larger cargo area of 31.9 cubic feet.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Length	187.4"	182.7"
Width	74.8"	73.4"
Height	65.7"	66.3"
Wheelbase	108.3"	108.5"

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	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	268 hp
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	271 lb-ft
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	Hyundai
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	388.5/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	80/73 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	77 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	32 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	44
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

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	✓	—
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	12.3 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	✓	—

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.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	54.5 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	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	53.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Hyundai
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	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside 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.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

What is the actual fuel economy difference between these two crossovers?

The difference is substantial; the 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV achieves a 35 combined MPG, while the 2025 Acura RDX manages only 23 combined MPG, resulting in a 12 MPG advantage for the Tucson.

How does the starting price compare for the RDX versus the Tucson PHEV?

The 2025 Acura RDX carries an MSRP of $44,700, which is $4,625 higher than the 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV's starting price of $40,075.

Which vehicle has superior power figures?

The Acura RDX technically leads in output, generating 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, marginally eclipsing the Tucson PHEV’s 268 hp and 271 lb-ft.