2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Acura RDX and the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport often comes down to how much you value upfront savings versus a slightly more versatile size. Right away, the RDX offers a significant financial advantage, starting at an MSRP of $44,700 compared to the Discovery Sport's $49,900—a $5,200 difference. Power delivery also favors the Acura; the RDX boasts 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, outmuscling the Discovery Sport's 246 hp output. While both offer AWD, the RDX achieves a slightly better combined 23 MPG versus the Land Rover's 20 MPG, meaning fewer trips to the pump. However, the Discovery Sport is physically smaller in length (180.9 inches vs. 187.4 inches for the Acura) but manages to offer more cargo room at 32.4 cubic feet. Buyers must weigh this 26 hp advantage and fuel economy against the Land Rover's larger cargo hold and lower fuel requirement (regular unleaded).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Acura RDX
The RDX wins for commuters thanks to its better combined 23 MPG and stronger performance metrics for highway merging.
2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport offers more utility, providing 32.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the RDX's 29.5 cu ft.
2025 Acura RDX
With 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, the RDX clearly provides a more energetic driving experience on paper.
2025 Acura RDX
Saving $5,200 upfront while gaining 26 more horsepower makes the RDX the superior financial choice here.
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- You prioritize having more horsepower, specifically the RDX's 272 hp, for daily driving dynamics.
- You want to save $5,200 immediately on the purchase price.
- You prefer the better efficiency of 21/27 MPG city/highway.
Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...
- You require the maximum usable cargo volume, as the Discovery Sport offers 32.4 cu ft.
- You prefer using regular unleaded fuel over the RDX's premium recommended fuel.
- You prefer a slightly taller vehicle (67.9 inches) compared to the RDX's height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura RDX | Land Rover Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.4" | 180.9" |
| Width | 74.8" | - |
| Height | 65.7" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 108.3" | 107.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm | 246 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 269 lb-ft @ 1300 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 | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 19/23 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.1/461.7 mi. | 336.3/407.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.2 in | 11.4 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 9 | 11 |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Meridian Speakers | — | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | — | 400W |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Antenna Type | — | Diversity |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | — |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | — |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.0 in. | — |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.0 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | N/A |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 19 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
Warranty
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport.
How significant is the difference in fuel recommendations between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded, which generally means higher running costs, whereas the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport runs on regular unleaded. This difference impacts long-term ownership costs significantly.
Which vehicle offers better performance based strictly on the horsepower numbers provided?
The 2025 Acura RDX clearly offers superior performance on paper, delivering 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque from its engine. The Discovery Sport only produces 246 hp.
Despite being physically shorter, how does the Land Rover manage to fit more cargo?
The 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport measures 180.9 inches long but provides 32.4 cu ft of cargo space, beating the Acura RDX’s 29.5 cu ft. This suggests smarter packaging or a taller overall design (67.9 inches height) for utility.
Is the $5,200 price difference between the two models worth the Acura's extra power?
For many buyers, saving $5,200 off the MSRP of the RDX provides excellent value, especially since it also boasts better fuel economy (23 MPG combined) than the Land Rover’s 20 MPG combined.
How do the transmissions compare between the RDX and Discovery Sport?
The 2025 Acura RDX uses a more modern 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission.
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