2025 GMC Acadia vs 2026 Acura RDX

$42,900 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Prepare for a thrilling showdown between two compelling crossovers: the brawny 2025 GMC Acadia and the agile 2026 Acura RDX. The Acadia immediately grabs attention with a robust 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, easily besting the RDX's 272 hp, making it the brute force contender right off the line. Priced slightly lower at $42,900, the Acadia boasts significantly larger dimensions at 204.0 inches long. Conversely, the RDX offers a more compact, spirited profile, utilizing recommended premium fuel for its 272 hp output channeled through an 8-speed automatic transmission compared to the Acadia's 8-speed. While both achieve a shared 23 MPG combined, the RDX delivers a more practical 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space against the Acadia's 23 cubic feet, a vital difference for utility seekers. This comparison pits sheer muscle against refined handling potential.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the GMC Acadia if...

Maximum straight-line power and higher torque figures (326 lb-ft) are the top priorities.
Hauling capacity and maximizing interior volume take precedence over ultimate maneuverability.
Operating exclusively on regular unleaded fuel is desired to avoid premium gasoline costs.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

A preference for an All-Wheel Drive system for all-weather confidence is essential.
Buyers require more usable cargo space, as the RDX offers 29.5 cubic feet versus 23.
A slightly tighter, more performance-oriented exterior footprint (187.4 inches long) is favored.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Acadia	Acura RDX
Length	204.0"	187.4"
Width	79.6"	74.8"
Height	70.1"	65.7"
Wheelbase	120.9"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	GMC	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	326 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	GMC	Acura
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	GMC	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	17.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	GMC	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	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Acura
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	—
Speaker System	12	9
Subwoofer Count	1	1
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	✓	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Acura
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	55.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Acura
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.4 in.	50.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Acura
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	GMC	Acura
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 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 GMC Acadia and 2026 Acura RDX.

How significantly does the horsepower difference affect real-world driving between these two?

The 56 hp advantage held by the 2025 GMC Acadia (328 hp vs. 272 hp) means it will accelerate more vigorously, especially when fully loaded. The Acadia trades outright punch for the RDX's potentially superior dynamic handling feel.

Is the Acadia's larger size worth the trade-off in maneuverability?

The Acadia is 204.0 inches long, substantially bigger than the RDX at 187.4 inches. While the Acadia offers more cabin volume, its width (79.6 inches) and length might prove challenging during tight parking maneuvers compared to the more compact RDX.

Which crossover utilizes a more fuel-efficient architecture, despite similar MPG ratings?

Both vehicles report a 23 MPG combined rating, but the 2026 Acura RDX uses recommended premium fuel, whereas the 2025 GMC Acadia runs on regular unleaded, impacting the actual long-term cost of ownership.

How does the drivetrain setup impact the base driving experience?

The Acadia comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, while the RDX utilizes All Wheel Drive. This suggests the RDX will have better traction capabilities immediately upon driving, even if the Acadia has the higher horsepower figure.

Considering the price difference, which one feels like the better deal?

The 2025 GMC Acadia is $2,200 less expensive and packs 56 more horsepower, which many buyers will perceive as superior upfront monetary value for performance.