2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Acura RDX

$39,995 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Acura RDX is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Ascent starting at $39,995, resulting in a $5,105 savings over the RDX's $45,100 entry point. Power figures are close; the RDX produces 272 hp and 280 lb-ft, narrowly exceeding the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. Fuel economy slightly favors the Acura, achieving 23 combined MPG versus the Subaru's 22 combined MPG, though the RDX requires premium unleaded fuel while the Ascent accepts regular. Dimensions reveal significant physical differences: the Ascent is 196.8 inches long, providing greater overall stature than the RDX's 187.4-inch length. Conversely, cargo capacity heavily favors the RDX at 29.5 cu ft compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft, despite the Ascent’s greater overall footprint.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Ascent

Lower initial MSRP and acceptance of regular unleaded fuel contribute to better perceived commuter value.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Acura RDX

Despite being physically smaller in length and height, the RDX offers substantially more measured cargo capacity at 29.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Acura RDX

The RDX outputs slightly higher peak horsepower (272 hp) and utilizes a more conventional 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission over the Subaru's CVT.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent offers 260 hp and standard AWD for $5,105 less than the RDX.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Budget constraints prioritize an entry price under $40,000.
A preference exists for running the engine on regular unleaded gasoline.
Maximum vehicle height (71.6 inches) and overall length (196.8 inches) are critical for the intended parking environment.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Maximizing measurable cargo volume (29.5 cu ft) is the highest priority for utility.
Slightly better measured fuel efficiency (23 combined MPG) justifies the premium fuel requirement.
A preference exists for the powertrain pairing of 272 hp with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Acura RDX
Length	196.8"	187.4"
Width	76.0"	74.8"
Height	71.6"	65.7"
Wheelbase	113.8"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5600 rpm	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	277 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Subaru	Acura
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed 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	Subaru	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	17.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Acura
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	9
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Acura
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Acura
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	55.0 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Acura
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	50.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Acura
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	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 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Acura RDX.

How does the difference in transmission technology affect driving dynamics between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), generally prioritizing smoothness and efficiency. The 2026 RDX employs a 10-speed shiftable automatic, often providing more distinct gear steps preferred by drivers seeking more immediate, performance-oriented shifts.

Considering the price gap, what tangible utility advantage does the $5,105 more expensive RDX offer?

The Acura RDX offers 11.7 cubic feet more cargo space than the Ascent (29.5 cu ft vs. 17.8 cu ft), representing a significant practical advantage despite its smaller exterior length.

Is the performance difference between the two vehicles significant enough to warrant the RDX's higher specifications?

The RDX maintains a 12 hp and 3 lb-ft advantage, which is minor on paper, but it is also saddled with the requirement for premium unleaded fuel, offsetting some of the driving benefit with higher operational costs.

What is the dimensional trade-off between the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Acura RDX?

The Ascent is 9.4 inches longer and 5.9 inches taller than the RDX, suggesting a larger physical presence externally. However, the RDX manages to capture more usable interior volume based on its listed cargo specification.

Do the fuel economy ratings suggest a clear winner for daily operational costs?

The RDX edges out the Ascent by 1 MPG combined (23 vs. 22); however, the Ascent's ability to run on less expensive regular unleaded fuel likely results in lower net refueling costs over time.