2025 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Acura RDX
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2026 Acura RDX is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), presenting a $13,405 gap with the Bronco Sport starting at $31,695. Performance metrics strongly favor the RDX, which delivers 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, substantially outweighing the Bronco Sport's 181 hp and 190 lb-ft. Fuel economy metrics present a direct inverse relationship, with the Bronco Sport achieving 27 MPG combined on regular unleaded, compared to the RDX's 23 MPG combined, which necessitates premium fuel. Dimensionally, the Bronco Sport is taller at 70.2 inches versus the RDX's 65.7 inches, though the RDX measures 14.7 inches longer overall. Cargo capacity is marginally higher in the Bronco Sport at 32.5 cubic feet against the RDX's 29.5 cubic feet.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport wins due to its $13,405 lower entry price and superior fuel efficiency yielding 27 combined MPG versus the RDX's 23 MPG.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
Its greater overall height (70.2 inches) and slightly larger 32.5 cu ft cargo capacity suggest superior utility for general family hauling.
2026 Acura RDX
The RDX provides a definitive advantage with 91 more horsepower (272 hp) and 90 more lb-ft of torque (280 lb-ft).
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
The significant $13,405 lower MSRP paired with a 4 MPG combined fuel economy advantage defines superior initial and operational value.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- Budget adherence is the primary purchasing criterion, given the $31,695 starting MSRP.
- Maximizing fuel economy on regular unleaded fuel is crucial, offering 27 combined MPG.
- Vertical storage space and a tall stance for navigating tighter clearances are priorities.
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- Higher levels of engine output (272 hp) and torque (280 lb-ft) are mandatory for performance.
- A slightly longer overall body length (187.4 inches) is preferred for road presence.
- Willingness to invest $13,405 more upfront and utilize premium fuel for performance gains.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco Sport | Acura RDX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.7" | 187.4" |
| Width | 74.3" | 74.8" |
| Height | 70.2" | 65.7" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 108.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention 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 |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/30 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 400.0/480.0 mi. | 359.1/461.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 17.1 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.2 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 9 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 60.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 55.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| 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 |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 41.7 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.9 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 50.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 235/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 8.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | 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 Ford Bronco Sport and 2026 Acura RDX.
How does the required fuel type impact long-term operating costs between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport uses regular unleaded and achieves 27 MPG combined, whereas the 2026 Acura RDX requires premium unleaded and yields 23 MPG combined, suggesting significantly higher recurring fuel expenditures for the RDX.
Which vehicle offers a greater difference in height, and by how much?
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport is 4.5 inches taller than the 2026 Acura RDX (70.2 inches vs. 65.7 inches), providing better overhead clearance.
Is the extra cost of the Acura RDX justified by the cargo space differential?
The RDX costs $13,405 more yet offers 3.0 cu ft less usable storage space (29.5 cu ft vs. 32.5 cu ft) than the Bronco Sport.
Comparing the transmissions, what is the procedural difference?
Both use shiftable automatics, but the RDX employs a 10-speed unit, while the Bronco Sport utilizes an 8-speed unit.
What is the horsepower advantage the Acura RDX holds over the Ford Bronco Sport?
The 2026 Acura RDX produces 272 hp, granting it a substantial 91 horsepower advantage over the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport's 181 hp.
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