2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Acura RDX

$38,045 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 roars into the segment with a muscular 280 horsepower inline-six engine and a lower starting price of $38,045, embodying accessible, premium performance for three rows. Conversely, the 2026 Acura RDX, positioned slightly higher at $45,100, boasts a tighter, more compact profile at 187.4 inches long, appealing to those prioritizing agility and a sharp badge. Performance metrics show the CX-90 leading with 332 lb-ft of torque versus the RDX's 280 lb-ft, though the RDX uses a 10-speed automatic gearbox compared to Mazda’s 8-speed. Fuel economy favors the CX-90 slightly, achieving 25 MPG combined on regular unleaded, while the RDX manages 23 MPG, requiring premium fuel. Though larger at 200.8 inches, the CX-90’s smaller 14.9 cu ft cargo capacity suggests its three rows intrude significantly on space, whereas the RDX offers a generous 29.5 cu ft, albeit for two rows.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 wins for commuters due to its lower $38,045 MSRP and more efficient use of fuel, achieving 25 MPG combined on regular unleaded.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Acura RDX

The RDX is better suited for families needing space, offering substantially more cargo capacity at 29.5 cu ft compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 excites enthusiasts more with higher torque output at 332 lb-ft and a higher base horsepower rating of 280 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 offers superior power metrics for $7,055 less than the RDX, providing significantly better bang for the buck.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You demand the highest torque output, as the CX-90 delivers 332 lb-ft.
You want to save money upfront, with a base MSRP of only $38,045.
You prefer to run on less expensive regular unleaded fuel while still getting 280 hp.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You require maximum cargo room, as the RDX boasts 29.5 cu ft.
You prefer the engagement of a 10-speed automatic transmission.
You prefer a more maneuverable vehicle due to its shorter 187.4-inch length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Acura RDX
Length	200.8"	187.4"
Width	78.5"	74.8"
Height	68.2"	65.7"
Wheelbase	122.8"	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	✓	✓
Third Row 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 Preparation System	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling 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	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Acura
Transmission Type	8-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	Mazda	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/28 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	17.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
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 (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

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	39.7 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 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 Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
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	39.3 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	50.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Acura
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Acura
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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-90 and 2026 Acura RDX.

Which crossover offers more sheer power between the 2025 CX-90 and the 2026 RDX?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 holds the performance edge with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, slightly surpassing the 2026 Acura RDX's 272 hp and 280 lb-ft.

How significant is the difference in fuel costs based on fuel type?

The CX-90 runs happily on regular unleaded, while the RDX recommends premium, potentially leading to substantial long-term cost savings for the Mazda driver, despite the RDX getting a marginally better highway rating at 27 MPG.

If I frequently carry substantial cargo, which vehicle is better equipped?

The Acura RDX is clearly superior for cargo, offering 29.5 cubic feet, which is nearly double the 14.9 cu ft available in the larger (longer) Mazda CX-90.

Is the RDX significantly smaller than the CX-90?

Yes, the RDX is physically smaller, measuring 187.4 inches in length compared to the CX-90's substantial 200.8 inches, making the Acura easier to navigate and park.

How does the price difference affect the overall purchase decision?

The $7,055 MSRP gap heavily favors the CX-90 for budget-conscious buyers, but those prioritizing interior space flexibility might justify the RDX's higher cost.

Does the difference in transmission count matter between these two AWD crossovers?

The RDX features a 10-speed automatic for potentially smoother shifts and efficiency under load, whereas the CX-90 utilizes a well-tuned 8-speed automatic transmission.