2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$44,700 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference lies in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): the 2025 Acura RDX begins at $44,700, representing a $3,905 premium over the 2026 Subaru Ascent's starting MSRP of $40,795. Performance figures are closely matched; the RDX delivers 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, slightly exceeding the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. Fuel economy metrics show the RDX achieving a marginally better combined MPG rating of 23 versus the Ascent's 22 MPG, though both recommend premium fuel in the RDX, whereas the Ascent utilizes regular unleaded. Dimensionally, the Ascent is substantially larger, measuring 9.4 inches longer (196.8 inches vs. 187.4 inches) and significantly taller at 71.6 inches compared to the RDX’s 65.7 inches. Despite its smaller footprint, the RDX provides superior cargo utility, offering 29.5 cubic feet versus the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Acura RDX

The 2025 Acura RDX offers a slightly better combined fuel economy rating of 23 MPG, slightly mitigating operational costs over the Ascent's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Subaru Ascent's substantial size advantage, evidenced by its 71.6-inch height and 196.8-inch length, suggests greater passenger and cargo volume potential, crucial for family use.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura RDX

The 2025 Acura RDX holds a 12-horsepower and 3 lb-ft torque advantage, alongside a 10-speed automatic transmission compared to the Ascent's CVT.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Subaru Ascent undercuts the RDX by $3,905 while providing more physical dimensions, positioning it as the more accessible entry point.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Buyers prioritize peak horsepower, with the RDX offering 272 hp versus the Ascent's 260 hp.
A preference exists for a geared 10-speed automatic transmission over a continuously variable unit.
Maximizing cargo space within a smaller exterior footprint (29.5 cu ft in 187.4 inches of length) is necessary.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Achieving the lowest purchase price is paramount, with the Ascent starting $3,905 less than the RDX.
Fuel flexibility is desired, as the Ascent runs on regular unleaded while the RDX recommends premium.
A larger exterior package, including 71.6 inches in height and 196.8 inches in length, is required for utility.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Subaru Ascent
Length	187.4"	196.8"
Width	74.8"	76.0"
Height	65.7"	71.6"
Wheelbase	108.3"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Subaru
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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	277 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Subaru
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	19.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Subaru
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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	11.6 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	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	57.8 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	—
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
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2026 Subaru Ascent.

What is the primary difference in fuel requirements between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded fuel for its 272 horsepower engine. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Ascent is specified to run on regular unleaded fuel.

How does the powertrain configuration differ between the RDX and the Ascent?

The Acura RDX employs a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with its engine output. The Subaru Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) managing its power delivery.

Which vehicle offers greater interior utility based on the provided capacity figures?

The 2025 Acura RDX provides substantially more measured cargo capacity at 29.5 cubic feet. This is significantly larger than the 17.8 cubic feet offered by the 2026 Subaru Ascent.

Comparing exterior footprint, how much larger is the Subaru Ascent?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is notably larger overall; it is 9.4 inches longer (196.8 inches versus 187.4 inches) and stands 5.9 inches taller (71.6 inches versus 65.7 inches) than the Acura RDX.

Is the difference in MSRP substantial enough to impact the value proposition?

There is a direct price discrepancy of $3,905, with the Ascent being the less expensive option. Buyers must weigh this initial saving against the RDX's minor performance advantages (12 hp more) and better cargo volume.