2025 Ford Bronco vs 2026 Acura RDX
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Ford Bronco and the 2026 Acura RDX is the $6,105 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Bronco starting at $38,995 and the RDX at $45,100. Power delivery is distinctly different; the Bronco outputs 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque via a 7-speed manual transmission, significantly surpassing the RDX’s 272 hp and 280 lb-ft managed by a 10-speed automatic. Fuel economy also varies substantially, as the RDX achieves a combined 23 MPG versus the Bronco's 19 MPG. Further discrepancies exist in architecture: the Bronco is 173.7 inches long with a height of 71.9 inches, catering to rugged utility, while the RDX measures 187.4 inches in length but is lower at 65.7 inches. Cargo capacity favors the RDX by a substantial 8.9 cubic feet (29.5 cu ft vs. 20.6 cu ft).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- The buyer prioritizes maximum driver engagement via a manual transmission.
- Off-road capability and a taller stance (71.9 inches height) are essential requirements.
- A starting MSRP under $39,000 is a hard budgetary constraint.
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- Achieving 23 MPG combined is necessary for minimizing fuel stops.
- Superior passenger and cargo volume (29.5 cu ft) is a primary metric.
- A more refined, modern crossover architecture with a 10-speed automatic is preferred.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco | Acura RDX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7" | 187.4" |
| Width | 75.9" | 74.8" |
| Height | 71.9" | 65.7" |
| Wheelbase | 100.4" | 108.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid 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 |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft @ 3400 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 | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed manual | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | four wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | Part Time | — |
| Transfer Case Gearing | Electronic Hi-Lo | — |
| Locking Hubs | Automatic | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/21 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 304.2/354.9 mi. | 359.1/461.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.0 in | 10.2 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 7 | 9 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 1 |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.0 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.1 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 60.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 55.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.8 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 43.3 in. | 50.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 16 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/70R16 | 235/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Matching | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Outside Rear Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 8.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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 and 2026 Acura RDX.
How significant is the difference in performance output between the two vehicles?
The 2025 Ford Bronco delivers 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 28 hp and 45 lb-ft advantage over the 2026 Acura RDX (272 hp / 280 lb-ft).
Which vehicle offers a more economical choice for high-mileage driving?
The 2026 Acura RDX is measurably more efficient, providing 23 MPG combined compared to the 2025 Ford Bronco’s 19 MPG combined rating.
Does the size difference affect utility between the SUV and Crossover formats?
Yes, the RDX Crossover is 13.7 inches longer overall and features 8.9 more cubic feet of usable cargo space than the Bronco.
What is the implication of the Bronco’s 7-speed manual transmission?
The 7-speed manual in the Bronco is geared toward driver involvement and traditional control, contrasting sharply with the RDX’s 10-speed shiftable automatic.
How does the MSRP disparity influence the initial purchase decision?
The $6,105 price gap means the base Bronco is substantially more accessible upfront, even though both recommend premium unleaded fuel.
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