2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs 2026 Acura RDX

$48,900 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport brings British rugged elegance to the premium crossover segment, offering standard AWD and an accessible $48,900 entry point, powered by 246 hp. However, the 2026 Acura RDX injects sharper dynamics with its 272 hp engine, commanding a $3,800 lower starting price of $45,100. This performance gap, where the RDX boasts an extra 26 hp and 11 lb-ft of torque more than the Land Rover, makes the Acura the choice for those prioritizing sheer output. Driving enthusiasts will note the RDX's 10-speed automatic transmission versus the Discovery Sport's 9-speed. While the Discovery Sport offers a slightly taller stance at 67.9 inches, the RDX counters with superior efficiency, netting 23 combined MPG compared to the Land Rover's 20 combined MPG, though the Discovery Sport wisely accepts regular unleaded fuel.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...

You prioritize cargo space, needing the 32.2 cu ft offered by the Land Rover.
You prefer utilizing regular unleaded fuel rather than premium.
A slightly taller vehicle profile (67.9 inches height) appeals to your preference for ground clearance.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Maximizing highway fuel economy (27 MPG) is critical for your routine.
You desire the higher peak output of 272 horsepower for spirited driving.
Saving $3,800 on the initial purchase price is a primary objective.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Land Rover Discovery Sport	Acura RDX
Length	180.9"	187.4"
Width	-	74.8"
Height	67.9"	65.7"
Wheelbase	107.9"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Land Rover	Acura
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog 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	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Land Rover	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	246 hp @ 5500 rpm	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	269 lb-ft @ 1300 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	Land Rover	Acura
Transmission Type	9-speed automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Land Rover	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/23 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	336.3/407.1 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	17.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Land Rover	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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Land Rover	Acura
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Meridian Speakers	✓	—
Stereo Power	380W	—
Speaker System	10	9
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Antenna Type	Diversity	—
Infotainment Display	—	10.2 in
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Land Rover	Acura
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	39.1 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	60.0 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
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	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	55.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Land Rover	Acura
Rear Head Room	38.7 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	50.0 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Land Rover	Acura
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Size	N/A	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	—	All Season

Suspension

Feature	Land Rover	Acura
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Land Rover	Acura
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport and 2026 Acura RDX.

Does the extra power in the Acura RDX translate to better acceleration times?

While acceleration times are not provided, the RDX's 272 hp versus the Discovery Sport's 246 hp suggests the Acura has a tangible advantage when merging or passing due to its 26 hp lead.

How significant is the difference in usable space between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport offers 32.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is measurably more accessible room than the 2026 Acura RDX's 29.5 cubic feet.

What is the long-term fuel cost impact of the Acura's premium fuel requirement?

Although the RDX gets better MPG (23 combined), the required premium unleaded fuel may offset some of the savings gained from its superior 21/27 MPG city/highway rating.

Which vehicle is physically longer, and does that affect handling?

The 2026 Acura RDX is the longer vehicle at 187.4 inches, while the Discovery Sport measures 180.9 inches; longer wheelbases generally favor stability over nimble cornering.

Is the Discovery Sport’s AWD system inherently better for off-roading than the RDX’s?

Both feature all-wheel drive, but the Land Rover Discovery Sport's superior height (67.9 inches versus 65.7 inches) suggests it may handle marginally rougher terrain more effectively.