2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Acura RDX

$37,200 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a roomy three-row hauler and a smaller, upscale experience often leaves crossover shoppers scratching their heads. When looking at the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 Acura RDX, the biggest immediate factor is the $7,900 starting MSRP difference, with the Palisade coming in at $37,200 compared to the RDX's $45,100. Power delivery is slightly different; the Palisade offers 291 horsepower while the RDX counters with 272 horsepower, though the RDX gets a slight torque edge at 280 lb-ft versus the Palisade's 262 lb-ft. Interestingly, the smaller Acura offers substantially more cargo space at 29.5 cu ft compared to the Palisade's 18 cu ft (likely due to the Palisade needing room for its third row). While the Palisade is longer at 196.7 inches, the RDX gets the edge in fuel efficiency with 23 combined MPG versus the Palisade's 22 combined MPG.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Acura RDX

The RDX's slightly better 23 combined MPG and smaller footprint should make stop-and-go driving a bit easier and cheaper, especially factoring in the premium fuel recommendation.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Palisade

Although the Palisade has less dedicated cargo space behind the second row (18 cu ft vs 29.5 cu ft), its three-row crossover designation inherently offers superior passenger capacity for larger families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Palisade

With 291 horsepower, the Palisade offers more outright power compared to the RDX's 272 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Palisade

Saving $7,900 at the entry point makes the Palisade a significantly better value proposition, even if it sacrifices some premium materials.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

You absolutely need three rows of seating for maximum passenger hauling.
Keeping the upfront purchase price under $38,000 is a high priority.
You prefer using regular unleaded fuel over premium requirements.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Superior dedicated cargo volume (29.5 cu ft) is essential for your lifestyle.
All-wheel drive capability is a mandatory feature.
You prioritize the slightly better fuel economy (23 combined MPG) from the Acura.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Palisade	Acura RDX
Length	196.7"	187.4"
Width	77.8"	74.8"
Height	68.9"	65.7"
Wheelbase	114.2"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Acura
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
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	✓	✓
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 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	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	3.8 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	291 hp @ 6000 rpm	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	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	Hyundai	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.2/488.8 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 gal.	17.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Acura
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls 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	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Acura
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speaker System	—	9
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Acura
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	44.1 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.2 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	58.1 in.	55.0 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
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	Hyundai	Acura
Rear Head Room	40.1 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.4 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.7 in.	50.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Acura
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Acura
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and 2026 Acura RDX.

How does the difference in size impact daily driving and parking?

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is noticeably larger, measuring 196.7 inches long compared to the 2026 Acura RDX's 187.4 inches. This means the RDX will generally be easier to maneuver and fit into tight urban parking spaces.

Is the RDX’s premium fuel requirement a major cost factor?

Yes, the RDX requires premium unleaded fuel, while the Palisade runs happily on regular unleaded. Over years of driving, the ongoing fuel cost for the RDX will be higher, despite its marginally better 23 combined MPG rating.

Which vehicle is better for hauling gear when the third row isn't in use?

The Acura RDX provides much more dedicated cargo room at 29.5 cu ft, whereas the Palisade only lists 18 cu ft (this difference highlights the space dedicated to the Palisade's third row).

Even though the Palisade is more powerful, does the RDX feel quicker?

While the Palisade has 291 horsepower to the RDX's 272 horsepower, the RDX compensates with greater torque, producing 280 lb-ft versus the Hyundai's 262 lb-ft. This higher torque figure might translate to quicker acceleration in daily passing situations.

How significant is the $7,900 price gap between these crossovers?

The $7,900 difference between the starting MSRPs is substantial, placing the Palisade far more accessibly for budget-conscious buyers. This amount could cover several years of fuel costs or upgrades on the Palisade.