2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Acura RDX

$39,730 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a practical plug-in hybrid and a premium luxury crossover often boils down to upfront cost versus long-term running expenses. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid starts at a compelling $39,730, significantly undercutting the 2026 Acura RDX's $45,100 MSRP by $5,370. This price difference is amplified by fuel economy: the Tucson PHEV achieves a combined 35 MPG, while the RDX manages only 23 MPG combined, representing a substantial 12 MPG difference. While both offer all-wheel drive, the Tucson offers 32 miles of electric-only range for short city trips. Power output is nearly identical—268 hp for the Hyundai versus 272 hp for the Acura—but the Tucson provides a lower starting point and far better fuel efficiency on regular unleaded fuel.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson's 35 MPG combined efficiency and 32 miles of electric range make daily stop-and-go traffic much cheaper to navigate.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

With 31.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to 29.5 cu ft in the RDX, the Tucson offers slightly more practical room for gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Acura RDX

The RDX offers slightly more torque at 280 lb-ft and uses a 10-speed automatic transmission, hinting at a more performance-focused setup.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

Saving $5,370 upfront while gaining 12 MPG in combined fuel economy represents undeniable superior value.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

Your primary concern is minimizing monthly fuel costs through hybrid operation.
You prefer a vehicle that runs happily on regular unleaded gasoline.
You need the shortest vehicle at 182.7 inches for easier city parking.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You are comfortable paying a premium of $5,370 for a luxury badge.
You prioritize slightly more horsepower (272 hp) and torque (280 lb-ft) for dynamic driving.
A 10-speed automatic transmission is preferred over the Tucson’s 6-speed unit.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid	Acura RDX
Length	182.7"	187.4"
Width	73.4"	74.8"
Height	66.3"	65.7"
Wheelbase	108.5"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	268 hp	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	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	Hyundai	Acura
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	35/35 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.5/388.5 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	80/73 MPGe	—
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	77 MPGe	—
EPA Electric Driving Range	32 mi.	—
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	44	—
Charging Time (240V)	2.0 hr.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.1 gal.	17.1 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Acura
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	9
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Subwoofer Count	—	1
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	40.1 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	54.5 in.	55.0 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Acura
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.9 in.	50.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	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	235/60R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 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 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Acura RDX.

How much extra will premium fuel cost me in the Acura RDX?

Since the RDX requires premium unleaded and the Tucson uses regular, you will incur higher per-gallon fuel expenses with the Acura, compounding the 12 MPG efficiency gap.

Can the Tucson handle snowy roads better than the RDX?

Both vehicles come equipped with all-wheel drive, meaning both should offer good traction in inclement weather, but the Tucson rides slightly taller at 66.3 inches versus 65.7 inches.

Is the electric range in the Tucson meaningful for my commute?

The 32 miles of electric range is substantial; if your daily round trip is under that distance, you could drive almost entirely on electricity during weekdays.

Does the Acura’s extra length offer more interior space?

Despite being 4.7 inches longer overall (187.4 inches vs 182.7 inches), the Acura offers slightly less measurable cargo space (29.5 cu ft vs 31.9 cu ft).

Which car will likely depreciate slower?

While specific depreciation data isn't available here, luxury brand vehicles like Acura often retain better residual value than mainstream brands like Hyundai, despite the Tucson's hybrid advantage.