2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Lexus RX
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Acura RDX bursts onto the scene delivering sharp agility backed by 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, all wrapped in a decidedly sporty package starting at $44,700. This contender prioritizes AWD grip and a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission for spirited drives. Meanwhile, the 2026 Lexus RX arrives with a subtle power advantage: 275 horsepower and a robust 317 lb-ft of torque, promising smoother low-end pull, although it starts $5,025 higher at $49,725 and defaults to FWD. Lexus offers better efficiency with 25 combined MPG compared to the RDX's 23. While the RX is longer at 192.5 inches versus the RDX's 187.4 inches, both offer nearly identical cargo space, 29.6 cu ft versus 29.5 cu ft respectively. The RDX excites with its lower entry point and inherent AWD focus, while the RX leans into high torque and superior fuel economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Lexus RX
The RX achieves superior fuel economy at 25 combined MPG, making daily stops to the premium unleaded pump less frequent.
2026 Lexus RX
The Lexus RX is slightly larger in overall dimensions and offers marginally more cargo capacity at 29.6 cu ft.
2025 Acura RDX
The RDX includes standard all-wheel drive and utilizes a quicker-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, suggesting sharper handling dynamics.
2025 Acura RDX
The RDX offers similar performance metrics for a significant $5,025 savings over the Lexus RX.
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- All-weather security is non-negotiable, as the RDX comes standard with AWD.
- Keeping the purchase price under $45,000 is a top priority.
- A snappy 10-speed transmission is preferred over an 8-speed unit.
Choose the Lexus RX if...
- Maximizing torque delivery (317 lb-ft) is desirable, even if it's front-wheel drive.
- Slightly better highway cruising efficiency (29 MPG) matters for long hauls.
- Desiring a larger footprint overall, being 5.1 inches longer than the RDX.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura RDX | Lexus RX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.4" | 192.5" |
| Width | 74.8" | 75.6" |
| Height | 65.7" | 67.3" |
| Wheelbase | 108.3" | 112.2" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm | 275 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 317 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | 8-speed shiftable 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 | 22/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.1/461.7 mi. | 391.6/516.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 gal. | 17.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.2 in | 9.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 9 | 12 |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.0 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 in. | 56.7 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 | 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. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.0 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.0 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | ✓ |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Painted Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
| Polished Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2026 Lexus RX.
How significant is the difference in power output between the two crossovers?
The 2026 Lexus RX generates 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, slightly edging out the 2025 Acura RDX’s 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The RX’s 37 lb-ft torque advantage should provide better responsiveness in lower-speed maneuvers.
Is the premium unleaded fuel requirement the same for both models?
Yes, both the 2025 Acura RDX and the 2026 Lexus RX recommend the use of premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance.
Which vehicle provides superior fuel economy?
The 2026 Lexus RX wins on efficiency, achieving 25 combined MPG, which is 2 MPG better than the 2025 Acura RDX’s 23 combined MPG rating.
What is the primary mechanical difference affecting dynamic feel?
The RDX comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the RX is specified with Front-Wheel Drive and an 8-speed automatic, suggesting the RDX will offer more grip.
How much smaller is the RDX's cargo area compared to the RX?
The difference is negligible; the RDX offers 29.5 cubic feet while the RX offers 29.6 cubic feet, meaning they are functionally identical for hauling gear.
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