2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Acura RDX

$30,500 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Acura RDX often boils down to budget versus performance. Right off the bat, you are looking at a significant $14,600 MSRP difference, with the CX-50 starting at $30,500 compared to the RDX’s $45,100. This difference shows in the engine bay; the RDX offers a punchy 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, vastly overshadowing the CX-50's 187 hp. However, that extra power comes at a fuel cost: the RDX achieves 23 combined MPG while using premium fuel, whereas the CX-50 gets a solid 28 combined MPG on regular unleaded. You also get slightly more room for hauling gear, as the CX-50 offers 31.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the RDX’s 29.5 cu ft. If squeezing every penny and maximizing mileage is key, the CX-50 pulls ahead.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 wins due to its superior 28 combined MPG rating and lower initial purchase price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 provides slightly more functional cargo space at 31.4 cu ft and avoids the premium fuel requirement of its competitor.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Acura RDX

With 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, the 2026 Acura RDX offers substantially more immediate performance capability.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

Saving $14,600 upfront while still getting standard AWD and solid fuel economy makes the CX-50 the clear value leader.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

Your primary concern is minimizing ownership costs, thanks to the $14,600 lower entry price.
You prioritize better fuel efficiency, netting 28 combined MPG versus 23 MPG.
You prefer to stick with regular unleaded gasoline rather than premium.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You absolutely need stronger acceleration provided by 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a slightly taller stance, as the RDX is 63.5 inches high versus the CX-50’s 65.7 inches.
Having a 10-speed automatic transmission for potentially smoother highway cruising is important to you.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Acura RDX
Length	185.8"	187.4"
Width	75.6"	74.8"
Height	63.5"	65.7"
Wheelbase	110.8"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	185 lb-ft @ 4000 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Acura
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/31 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	17.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	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	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Acura
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	9
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Acura
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	55.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
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	Mazda	Acura
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	50.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Acura
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Acura
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 Acura RDX.

How much bigger is the CX-50's cargo area than the RDX's?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 provides 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is 1.9 cubic feet more than the 2026 Acura RDX's 29.5 cubic feet.

Does the Acura RDX's superior power justify the required premium fuel?

The RDX has 85 more horsepower (272 hp vs 187 hp), but requires premium fuel, which adds ongoing cost compared to the CX-50 running on regular unleaded.

Are these vehicles similar in overall size?

They are very close dimensionally; the RDX is slightly longer at 187.4 inches versus the CX-50's 185.8 inches, but both offer AWD capabilities.

How much will the difference in MPG affect yearly fuel expenses?

Losing 5 MPG combined (28 MPG for the CX-50 vs 23 MPG for the RDX) means the Mazda will cost significantly less to fuel over a year, especially given the RDX's premium fuel requirement.