2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Acura RDX

$40,050 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Ford Explorer blasts onto the scene with undeniable muscle, boasting 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, immediately signaling excitement for those craving straight-line performance from their three-row utility. Power delivery comes courtesy of a robust rear-wheel-drive platform mated to a 10-speed automatic. Contrast this muscular approach with the sophisticated stance of the 2026 Acura RDX; while it dials back peak power to 272 hp, it brings inherent polish and standard all-wheel drive. The Explorer offers more mass at 198.8 inches long, suitable for stuffing more gear into its 18.2 cu ft cargo hold compared to the RDX's tighter 187.4-inch footprint. Financially, the Explorer secures an initial advantage, sitting $5,050 lower on the MSRP scale at $40,050 while sipping on regular unleaded fuel for a 24 MPG combined rating versus the RDX’s premium requirement.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Explorer

The Explorer's lower $40,050 MSRP and use of regular unleaded fuel make the daily drive more wallet-friendly right off the bat.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Acura RDX

The RDX offers a significantly larger 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, providing more practical space despite its shorter 187.4-inch length.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Explorer

With 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, the Explorer brings superior raw power to the pavement compared to the RDX’s 272 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Explorer

The Explorer provides 28 more horsepower and a lower entry price by $5,050 while offering RWD architecture.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

Maximum horsepower is the priority, enjoying 300 hp on demand.
Saving $5,050 on the initial purchase price is a major deciding factor.
A preference exists for a rear-wheel-drive bias in the driving dynamics.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Maximizing usable cargo space (29.5 cu ft) is essential for daily hauling.
All-wheel drive capability is required for confidence in varied weather.
A more compact overall length of 187.4 inches aids in tight city parking.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Acura RDX
Length	198.8"	187.4"
Width	78.9"	74.8"
Height	69.9"	65.7"
Wheelbase	119.1"	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 (with Head Protection Chamber)	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

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 @ 5500 rpm	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	310 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	Ford	Acura
Transmission Type	10-speed automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear 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)	20/29 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
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
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	9
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Infotainment Display	—	10.2 in
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Acura
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.8 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	55.0 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
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	40.5 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 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	Ford	Acura
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/65R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody 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 Explorer and 2026 Acura RDX.

How does the fuel economy truly compare between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Ford Explorer achieves a slightly better combined 24 MPG (20 city/29 highway) running on regular fuel. The 2026 Acura RDX nets 23 MPG combined, but requires the higher cost of premium fuel.

Considering their size differences, which one feels larger on the road?

The 2025 Ford Explorer is noticeably larger, measuring 198.8 inches long and 78.9 inches wide. The RDX is substantially more compact, sitting at 187.4 inches in length and 74.8 inches in width.

Is the extra $5,050 price jump for the Acura justified by the RDX's performance figures?

The Acura costs $5,050 more but produces 28 fewer horsepower (272 hp vs. 300 hp). Buyers pay more for the RDX's standard AWD and likely its refined Acura cabin experience.

Which transmission offers a more engaging shift experience?

Both utilize a 10-speed automatic transmission, but the 2026 Acura RDX specifies a 'shiftable' automatic, suggesting paddle shifters or manual mode controls might offer more direct driver input.

How much more usable storage space does the RDX offer despite being the smaller vehicle?

The 2026 Acura RDX surprises with 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, beating the larger 2025 Ford Explorer's 18.2 cu ft rating in the specified measurement.