2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$44,700 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between premium performance and pocketbook pragmatism is tough when cross-shopping crossovers. If your budget dictates your decision, the difference between the 2026 Subaru Outback and the 2025 Acura RDX is significant: the RDX commands an MSRP of $44,700 while the Outback starts at a much lower $34,995, a $9,705 savings right out of the gate. Power output is another major split; the RDX boasts 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the Outback's 180 hp. However, that extra speed comes at a cost at the pump, as the Outback nets a superior 27 MPG combined versus the RDX's 23 MPG combined. You also gain useful room, as the longer Outback (191.7 inches) offers 34.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the RDX’s 29.5 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

With $9,705 less to finance and significantly better fuel economy achieving 31 MPG highway, the Outback is easier on the wallet for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

Offering 34.6 cu ft of cargo space, the slightly larger and taller Outback provides more room for hauling gear and passengers.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura RDX

The RDX delivers a substantial advantage in acceleration with 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque over the Outback’s output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

Saving nearly $10,000 while still providing standard All-Wheel Drive makes the Outback the undisputed value champion.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You prioritize quicker acceleration and higher outright horsepower (272 hp).
You prefer the standard all-wheel drive system paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Paying a premium for refined styling and potentially better handling dynamics is worth the higher initial cost.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Keeping the purchase price below $35,000 is essential to your buying strategy.
Maximizing fuel economy, hitting 31 MPG on the highway, is a top priority.
You require maximum utility, taking advantage of 34.6 cubic feet of storage capacity.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Subaru Outback
Length	187.4"	191.7"
Width	74.8"	74.0"
Height	65.7"	67.5"
Wheelbase	108.3"	108.1"

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	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	18.0 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	12.1 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.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	55.5 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	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

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 Outback.

How much more does the Acura RDX cost upfront compared to the Subaru Outback?

The 2025 Acura RDX starts at $44,700, making it $9,705 more expensive than the base 2026 Subaru Outback MSRP of $34,995.

Is the extra power in the RDX worth the MPG penalty?

The RDX offers 92 more horsepower (272 hp vs. 180 hp), but this comes with a drop in efficiency, seeing the RDX manage 23 MPG combined versus the Outback's 27 MPG combined.

Which vehicle is physically larger for cargo loading?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 191.7 inches long and providing 34.6 cu ft of cargo space, exceeding the RDX's 29.5 cu ft.

Do both vehicles use premium fuel?

No, only the 2025 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. The 2026 Subaru Outback is designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline.