2025 Buick Enclave vs 2026 Acura RDX

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a bigger luxury cruiser and a sharper, slightly smaller premium ride can be tricky when both the 2025 Buick Enclave and the 2026 Acura RDX start at the same $45,100 MSRP. If hauling people and cargo is your top priority, the Enclave is the clear choice, offering substantial length at 207.6 inches versus the RDX’s 187.4 inches, which translates into more interior volume. Power delivery is noticeably different; the Enclave boasts 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the RDX's 272 hp and 280 lb-ft. While both share a combined 23 MPG efficiency, the Enclave runs happily on regular unleaded, whereas the RDX recommends premium fuel. The RDX offers superior maneuverability being nearly 20 inches shorter and features standard AWD, while the Enclave prioritizes sheer size and brute power.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Acura RDX

The RDX's smaller footprint (74.8 inches wide vs. 79.6 inches for the Enclave) should make daily parking and maneuvering simpler.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Buick Enclave

The Enclave offers significantly more available space, evidenced by its much larger overall length (207.6 inches) for easier third-row access or cargo loading.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Buick Enclave

With a 56 hp advantage, the Enclave's 328 hp provides substantially quicker acceleration potential compared to the RDX's 272 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura RDX

The RDX includes standard All-Wheel Drive and uses a slightly more advanced 10-speed automatic transmission, which often nets better handling precision.

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

Maximum passenger and cargo hauling capabilities are non-negotiable for your lifestyle.
You prefer running on less expensive regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium fuel.
You value outright horsepower, benefiting from the Enclave’s 328 hp output.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You frequently navigate tight city streets where overall vehicle length (187.4 inches) matters.
All-Wheel Drive capability is a must for snowy or wet conditions.
Maximizing usable cargo space behind the primary seating rows is important, as the RDX lists 29.5 cu ft compared to the Enclave's 22.9 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Enclave	Acura RDX
Length	207.6"	187.4"
Width	79.6"	74.8"
Height	71.0"	65.7"
Wheelbase	120.9"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	Acura
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	✓	✓
Third Row 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	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	Buick	Acura
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.0/523.8 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 gal.	17.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Buick	Acura
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Acura
Infotainment Display	30.0 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	—
Speaker System	12	9
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	Buick	Acura
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Acura
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.2 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	58.7 in.	55.0 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	6-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-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	Buick	Acura
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.1 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.5 in.	50.0 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Acura
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.0 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Buick	Acura
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Enclave and 2026 Acura RDX.

How significant is the difference in power between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Buick Enclave has a substantial edge, producing 328 hp versus the 2026 Acura RDX's 272 hp, representing a 56 hp difference for more effortless highway merging.

Is the smaller Acura RDX more practical for storing items?

Surprisingly, the RDX offers more usable space when comparing the listed figures, boasting 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Enclave’s 22.9 cu ft, likely due to better packaging behind the rear seats.

Does the fuel recommendation affect long-term running costs?

Yes, the Buick Enclave uses regular unleaded, which is typically cheaper per gallon than the premium fuel recommended for the Acura RDX, impacting your recurring fuel budget.

Which vehicle is easier to manage in tight parking lots?

The 2026 Acura RDX is significantly smaller overall, measuring 187.4 inches long, making it much easier to parallel park than the very long 207.6-inch 2025 Buick Enclave.

Do both vehicles offer the same level of traction in poor weather?

No, the 2026 Acura RDX comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, while the specification provided for the 2025 Buick Enclave indicates standard Front Wheel Drive.

How does the height difference impact cabin spaciousness?

The Buick Enclave is noticeably taller at 71.0 inches compared to the RDX’s 65.7 inches, suggesting more vertical headroom and a more commanding driving perch in the Buick.