2025 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Acura RDX

$38,495 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Dodge Durango and the 2026 Acura RDX is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), presenting a $6,605 cost differential, with the Durango starting at $38,495 against the RDX's $45,100 entry point. Power output favors the Durango, generating 295 horsepower compared to the RDX's 272 horsepower, although the RDX compensates with 20 more lb-ft of torque (280 vs. 260). Fuel economy metrics favor the Acura, achieving 23 combined MPG versus the Durango's 20 combined MPG, supported by its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) architecture compared to the Durango's Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD). Dimensionally, the Durango is substantially longer at 200.8 inches versus the RDX's 187.4 inches, but the RDX offers nearly double the standard cargo volume at 29.5 cu ft versus the Durango's 17.2 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Acura RDX

Superior fuel efficiency (23 combined MPG) and standard AWD system make the RDX slightly more practical for varied commuting conditions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Acura RDX

The RDX offers substantially greater maximum cargo capacity at 29.5 cu ft compared to the Durango’s 17.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Durango

The Durango produces higher peak horsepower (295 hp) and utilizes a regular unleaded fuel requirement, potentially reducing operational costs for performance driving.

💰 Best Value

2025 Dodge Durango

The Durango undercuts the RDX MSRP by $6,605 while delivering 23 more horsepower.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

Budget constraints necessitate an entry price below $39,000.
A rear-wheel-drive platform is preferred or acceptable for primary operation.
Maximum engine output measured in horsepower (295 hp) is a primary decision factor.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Superior fuel economy (23 MPG combined) is critical for long-term operational expenditure.
A significantly larger primary cargo area (29.5 cu ft) is required for hauling needs.
Standard All-Wheel Drive traction is mandatory, despite the premium fuel recommendation.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Durango	Acura RDX
Length	200.8"	187.4"
Width	75.8"	74.8"
Height	72.1"	65.7"
Wheelbase	119.8"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Dodge	Acura
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
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
Brake Drying	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	295 hp @ 6400 rpm	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Dodge	Acura
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.8/615.0 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	24.6 gal.	17.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Dodge	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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	Acura
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	9
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Dodge	Acura
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	57.0 in.	55.0 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Acura
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	50.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Dodge	Acura
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/60R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Durango and 2026 Acura RDX.

How does the difference in drive type affect performance between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Dodge Durango employs a standard Rear-Wheel Drive layout, often preferred for higher dynamic power delivery, whereas the 2026 Acura RDX utilizes All-Wheel Drive, typically benefiting traction in low-grip scenarios.

Is the Acura RDX's need for premium fuel worth the MPG gain over the Durango?

The RDX achieves 3 MPG better combined efficiency (23 vs. 20 MPG), but buyers must weigh this gain against the higher cost associated with purchasing premium unleaded gasoline.

What is the dimensional trade-off when comparing exterior size versus interior utility?

The Durango is significantly longer at 200.8 inches, suggesting greater exterior bulk, yet the RDX provides substantially more functional cargo capacity (29.5 cu ft vs. 17.2 cu ft).

Which vehicle uses a less complex transmission setup?

The 2025 Dodge Durango uses an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the 2026 Acura RDX features a 10-speed automatic, potentially offering more refined gear selection across its power band.

Despite having lower horsepower, why does the RDX have more torque?

Torque (280 lb-ft in the RDX) relates to twisting force, often beneficial for low-speed acceleration and hauling capability, whereas horsepower (295 hp in the Durango) better reflects ultimate top-end power output.