2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Lexus NX

$44,700 · Crossover

$44,175 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Torn between choosing spirited performance and unbeatable fuel economy in a premium compact crossover? That's the core battle facing shoppers comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and the 2026 Lexus NX. Acura is clearly playing the power card, boasting 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque paired with standard all-wheel drive. However, this muscle comes at a cost, reflected in the RDX's 23 combined MPG rating, which necessitates premium fuel. Lexus flips the script entirely with efficiency, achieving a spectacular 40 combined MPG from the 2026 NX, though it offers only 240 hp. Furthermore, the RDX offers slightly more room inside, measuring 187.4 inches long with 29.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the NX's 22.7 cu ft. The Lexus undercuts the Acura on price too, starting at $44,175 versus the RDX's $44,700.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus NX

Achieving 40 combined MPG makes the 2026 Lexus NX dramatically cheaper to run daily than the 2025 Acura RDX.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Acura RDX

With 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, the 2025 Acura RDX offers significantly more room for strollers and weekend gear than the NX.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura RDX

The 2025 Acura RDX provides 32 more horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, promising a more engaging drive experience.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX starts lower at $44,175 and delivers an enormous 17 MPG advantage, maximizing utility per dollar spent.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You prioritize dynamic performance, wanting the 272 hp and 280 lb-ft delivered by the 10-speed automatic transmission.
You need the extra space provided by the RDX's larger 29.5 cu ft maximum cargo volume.
You prefer a standard all-wheel drive setup for varying road conditions, regardless of lower fuel economy.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Minimizing trips to the pump is your top concern, thanks to the spectacular 40 combined MPG rating.
You want the slightly lower entry price point of $44,175 for this premium segment vehicle.
Your driving environment requires the slightly taller stature provided by the NX's 66.1 inches height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Lexus NX
Length	187.4"	183.5"
Width	74.8"	73.4"
Height	65.7"	66.1"
Wheelbase	108.3"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Lexus
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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	240 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 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	Lexus
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	42/38 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	40 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	609.0/551.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Lexus
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	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	9	10
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	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	56.3 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	56.3 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	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

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	52.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	235/55R19	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	1 yr./ 10000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2026 Lexus NX.

How much more does the RDX cost to run annually based on fuel savings?

Considering the 17 MPG difference (40 vs 23), the 2026 Lexus NX will save substantial amounts over a year of driving, even though both recommend premium fuel.

Is the Acura RDX noticeably bigger than the Lexus NX?

Yes, the 2025 Acura RDX is physically longer at 187.4 inches compared to the NX's 183.5 inches, translating directly to the extra 6.8 cubic feet of cargo space advantage.

Which vehicle has the more traditional transmission?

The 2025 Acura RDX utilizes a conventional 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the 2026 Lexus NX employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).

Does the standard drive type matter between these two models?

The Acura RDX comes standard with all-wheel drive, offering better traction capability out of the box, while the listed 2026 Lexus NX is front-wheel drive.