2025 Lexus UX vs 2026 Acura RDX

$36,740 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a budget-conscious hybrid-like efficiency machine or a more powerful, spacious luxury crossover can be tough. The 2025 Lexus UX immediately jumps ahead with its incredible efficiency, delivering a combined 43 MPG using regular unleaded, compared to the 2026 Acura RDX's 23 MPG (which prefers premium fuel). You’re looking at nearly a 20 MPG difference every single day! This efficiency comes at the cost of punch; the Lexus offers 196 hp, whereas the RDX brings a robust 272 hp to the party, giving it a significant 76 hp advantage. Furthermore, the RDX is larger overall, both in length (187.4 inches versus 177.0 inches) and crucially in the back, offering 29.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the UX’s modest 17.1 cu ft. This upfront price gap of $8,360 also means the UX is the more accessible entry point into luxury SUV ownership.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus UX

Its staggering 43 combined MPG rating makes the Lexus UX unbeatable for saving money on daily drives.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Acura RDX

The RDX offers substantially more utility, boasting 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the UX’s 17.1 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Acura RDX

With 272 hp and standard all-wheel drive, the RDX provides significantly more driving muscle than the 196 hp Lexus UX.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus UX

The UX costs $8,360 less and saves substantial money annually due to its superior fuel economy.

Choose the Lexus UX if...

Your primary goal is minimizing fuel stops and maximizing city MPG (45 MPG city).
Sticking close to the $37,000 starting price point is essential for your budget.
You drive primarily solo or with one passenger and don't need vast storage space.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You require the extra physical size, as the RDX is over 10 inches longer and has significantly more utility space.
You value greater horsepower (272 hp) and quicker acceleration dynamics.
Standard all-wheel drive capability is a non-negotiable requirement for your driving conditions.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus UX	Acura RDX
Length	177.0"	187.4"
Width	72.4"	74.8"
Height	60.6"	65.7"
Wheelbase	103.9"	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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	196 hp	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Torque	—	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

Drive Train

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	45/41 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	43 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	477.0/434.6 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	10.6 gal.	17.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	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	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual 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	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Infotainment Display	8.0 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
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Front Head Room	37.2 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.0 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	53.8 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
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Rear Head Room	36.3 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	33.1 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	52.9 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.3 in.	50.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Acura
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.0 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Size	225/50R18	235/55R19
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 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 UX and 2026 Acura RDX.

How much more fuel efficient is the Lexus UX compared to the Acura RDX?

The 2025 Lexus UX is remarkably efficient at 43 MPG combined, while the 2026 Acura RDX achieves only 23 MPG combined. This results in a huge 20 MPG difference in favor of the Lexus.

What is the driving dynamic difference considering the horsepower gap?

The RDX offers 76 more horsepower (272 hp versus 196 hp), suggesting the Acura will feel substantially quicker and more responsive when merging or accelerating hard.

Is the Acura RDX’s higher price justified by its size difference?

The RDX costs $8,360 more, but it rewards buyers with superior utility; it is longer and offers 29.5 cu ft of cargo space, beating the UX's 17.1 cu ft.

Does the required fuel type impact the long-term running costs?

Yes, the RDX recommends premium unleaded fuel, whereas the UX runs efficiently on regular unleaded, adding another layer to the RDX's higher overall running expense.

Are both vehicles similarly sized for parking in tight urban areas?

No, the Lexus UX is significantly shorter at 177.0 inches, making its smaller footprint easier to manage when parking compared to the 187.4-inch Acura RDX.