2025 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Acura RDX
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Honda CR-V offers sensible sophistication, exciting buyers with its frugal nature, achieving a commendable 30 MPG combined. Its $30,100 entry point makes efficiency an accessible pleasure. Conversely, the 2026 Acura RDX screams performance upgrade, injecting sheer exhilaration into the crossover segment. Packing a potent 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, the RDX delivers an entirely different dynamic behind the wheel compared to the CR-V's 190 hp output. This power gulf is reflected in the efficiency: the RDX settles for 23 MPG combined while demanding premium fuel. Buyers face a steep $15,000 MSRP difference, trading the CR-V's expansive 39.3 cu ft of cargo space for the RDX's superior AWD grip and 82 more horsepower.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Honda CR-V
Its 30 MPG combined efficiency and lower $30,100 MSRP provide substantial daily running cost savings.
2025 Honda CR-V
Superior practicality shines through with a generous 39.3 cu ft of available cargo capacity.
2026 Acura RDX
The RDX dominates with a thrilling 272 hp and a dedicated 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
2025 Honda CR-V
Saving $15,000 while still delivering reliable utility makes the CR-V the obvious financial champion.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- Maximizing fuel economy with a 30 MPG combined rating is the top priority.
- Keeping the initial purchase price close to $30,100 is essential.
- Need maximum hauling capability, utilizing the 39.3 cu ft cargo volume.
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- Desire significantly higher performance, boasting 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.
- Require the confidence of All-Wheel Drive for varied road conditions.
- An elevated, premium driving experience justifies the $15,000 higher MSRP.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda CR-V | Acura RDX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8" | 187.4" |
| Width | 73.5" | 74.8" |
| Height | 66.2" | 65.7" |
| Wheelbase | 106.3" | 108.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid 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 | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Honda | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/34 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.0/476.0 mi. | 359.1/461.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 17.1 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 10.2 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 160W | — |
| Speaker System | 4 | 9 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | 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 | Honda | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 60.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 55.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver 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 Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.2 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.6 in. | 50.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R | 235/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 8.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2026 Acura RDX.
How significant is the driving difference between the two crossovers?
The difference is vast; the 2026 Acura RDX offers 82 more horsepower (272 hp vs 190 hp) and a specialized 10-speed automatic, promising a much more engaging and aggressive acceleration experience than the CR-V's CVT setup.
What does the 7 MPG fuel economy difference practically mean for yearly running costs?
The 2025 Honda CR-V's 7 MPG advantage (30 MPG combined vs 23 MPG combined) translates directly into significantly fewer trips to the pump, especially since the CR-V uses regular unleaded fuel.
Is the Acura RDX’s AWD worth the trade-off in space and fuel efficiency?
The RDX’s AWD provides superior traction and stability, but buyers sacrifice 9.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CR-V, suggesting a prioritization of dynamic handling over sheer hauling power.
Why does the Acura RDX require premium unleaded fuel?
The RDX’s high-output 272 hp engine is tuned for higher octane (premium) fuel to achieve its peak performance metrics safely and reliably.
How much larger is the Honda CR-V physically than the Acura RDX?
The CR-V is slightly shorter in length (184.8 inches vs 187.4 inches) but taller (66.2 inches vs 65.7 inches), suggesting the CR-V prioritizes vertical passenger room slightly over the RDX’s slightly wider stance.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool