2025 Lexus RX vs 2026 Acura RDX

$49,125 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Lexus RX and the 2026 Acura RDX often comes down to balancing prestige against upfront cost and drivetrain configuration. Right away, the Acura RDX undercuts the Lexus RX by a significant $4,025, starting at $45,100 versus the Lexus's $49,125. While the Lexus is slightly more powerful, boasting 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque compared to the Acura's 272 hp and 280 lb-ft, the RX trails slightly in efficiency, achieving 25 combined MPG against the RDX's 23 combined MPG. Size-wise, the Lexus RX is the bigger vehicle, measuring 192.5 inches long compared to the RDX's 187.4 inches, although their cargo capacities are nearly identical at 29.6 cu ft for the Lexus and 29.5 cu ft for the Acura. Importantly, the base RDX includes standard all-wheel drive, which is not standard on the FWD-based Lexus RX.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus RX

The 2025 Lexus RX wins for commuters due to its slightly better fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG on the highway.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus RX

The 2025 Lexus RX offers a marginally larger footprint at 192.5 inches in length, suggesting slightly more interior room.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus RX

The 2025 Lexus RX provides 317 lb-ft of torque, beating the RDX's 280 lb-ft for slightly more low-end pull.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura RDX

The 2026 Acura RDX provides standard all-wheel drive and saves the buyer $4,025 compared to the starting price of the Lexus RX.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

Prioritizing brand status and seeking slightly higher horsepower figures (275 hp).
You prefer the slightly better efficiency ratings of 22 city/29 highway MPG.
You want the marginally larger vehicle dimensions for perceived presence and interior space.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Keeping the initial purchase price low, saving $4,025 over the Lexus RX.
Requiring all-wheel drive capability standard right out of the box.
Preferring a transmission with more gears, featuring a 10-speed automatic over the RX's 8-speed.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus RX	Acura RDX
Length	192.5"	187.4"
Width	75.6"	74.8"
Height	67.3"	65.7"
Wheelbase	112.2"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	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	✓	✓
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog 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 Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	275 hp @ 6000 rpm	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	317 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	Lexus	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	Lexus	Acura
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	391.6/516.2 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.8 gal.	17.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	12	9
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	56.7 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	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

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.9 in.	50.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Painted Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Polished Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus RX and 2026 Acura RDX.

How much difference in size is there between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Lexus RX is noticeably longer, measuring 192.5 inches compared to the 2026 Acura RDX's 187.4 inches, though both offer nearly identical cargo space around 29.5 cubic feet.

Does the Acura RDX come standard with AWD?

Yes, the 2026 Acura RDX lists all-wheel drive as its base drive type, while the specifications provided for the 2025 Lexus RX indicate a front-wheel drive configuration for its base MSRP.

What is the performance advantage of the Lexus RX over the RDX?

The 2025 Lexus RX has a slight edge in torque, offering 317 lb-ft versus the RDX's 280 lb-ft, though horsepower figures are very close at 275 hp and 272 hp, respectively.

Is the fuel economy noticeably different between the two?

Yes, the Lexus RX offers better overall mileage, achieving 25 combined MPG compared to the Acura RDX’s 23 combined MPG, driven by the RX’s slightly superior highway rating of 29 MPG.