2025 Cadillac XT5 vs 2026 Acura RDX

$44,295 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Cadillac XT5 and the 2026 Acura RDX often comes down to priorities: fuel efficiency versus outright power. If sipping fuel on long highway stretches is key, the XT5 holds a slight edge, achieving 24 MPG combined versus the RDX's 23 MPG combined. However, the 2026 Acura RDX offers a tangible performance boost, boasting 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, significantly ahead of the Cadillac's 235 hp and 258 lb-ft. Size-wise, they are very close, with the XT5 measuring 189.6 inches long, providing just a touch more storage space at 30 cu ft compared to the RDX's 29.5 cu ft. Pricing is nearly identical, with the XT5 starting at $44,295 and the RDX at $45,100, meaning your decision hinges on whether you value that extra 37 hp or the slightly lower running costs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Cadillac XT5

The Cadillac XT5 wins by delivering slightly better highway MPG (29 MPG) and costing $805 less upfront.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Cadillac XT5

The XT5 offers 30 cubic feet of cargo space, giving families an extra half cubic foot of room compared to the RDX.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Acura RDX

With 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, the RDX provides substantially more power for spirited driving.

💰 Best Value

2025 Cadillac XT5

The XT5 offers a $805 lower MSRP while providing comparable fuel economy and marginally better cargo utility.

Choose the Cadillac XT5 if...

Maximizing highway fuel economy (29 MPG highway) is a primary goal for long commutes.
You prefer slightly more outright cargo space (30 cu ft) behind the rear seats.
Keeping the initial purchase price under $45,000 is important.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Having an extra 37 horsepower makes a real difference to your daily driving experience.
All-wheel drive capability is essential for your driving conditions.
A smoother shifting experience from a 10-speed automatic transmission is preferred.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Cadillac XT5	Acura RDX
Length	189.6"	187.4"
Width	74.9"	74.8"
Height	66.1"	65.7"
Wheelbase	112.0"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Cadillac	Acura
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Cadillac	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	235 hp @ 5000 rpm	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1500 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Cadillac	Acura
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Cadillac	Acura
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	418.0/551.0 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.0 gal.	17.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Cadillac	Acura
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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Cadillac	Acura
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	—
Speaker System	8	9
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	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Cadillac	Acura
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.3 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	56.1 in.	55.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Cadillac	Acura
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.8 in.	50.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Cadillac	Acura
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/65R	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.0 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Cadillac	Acura
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	6 yr./ 70000 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 Cadillac XT5 and 2026 Acura RDX.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Acura RDX than the 2025 Cadillac XT5?

The 2026 Acura RDX is notably more powerful, producing 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, whereas the 2025 Cadillac XT5 delivers 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, creating a 37 hp gap.

Which crossover is slightly easier to maneuver in tight city spots?

While very similar, the 2026 Acura RDX is slightly smaller in length (187.4 inches) and height (65.7 inches) compared to the 2025 Cadillac XT5, which might offer a minor edge in parking situations.

Are premium fuels required for both models?

Yes, both the 2025 Cadillac XT5 and the 2026 Acura RDX list premium unleaded fuel as recommended for optimal performance.

Does the drive type significantly affect running costs between these two?

Yes, the XT5 comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and achieves 24 MPG combined, while the RDX includes All Wheel Drive (AWD) and achieves 23 MPG combined, suggesting the FWD XT5 will cost slightly less to fuel over time.

Is the transmission setup different between the two luxury crossovers?

The transmissions vary slightly; the 2025 Cadillac XT5 utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic, while the 2026 Acura RDX steps up to a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission.