2025 Volvo XC60 vs 2026 Acura RDX

$47,050 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Volvo XC60 captivates with its Scandinavian serenity, offering a composed journey with a solid 26 MPG combined efficiency. Driving the XC60 feels like settling into a finely tailored, safe haven. Conversely, the 2026 Acura RDX pulses with sharper intent, boasting a punchier 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, making it the clear choice for spirited sprints between traffic lights. While the RDX leverages a 10-speed automatic transmission for potentially quicker shifts, the XC60 delivers better fuel economy at 30 MPG highway versus the RDX's 27 MPG highway. The RDX starts slightly cheaper at $45,100 compared to the XC60’s $47,050. This comparison pits serene efficiency against spirited, accessible power in the premium compact crossover segment.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volvo XC60

The XC60 offers superior combined fuel economy at 26 MPG, making daily drives less frequent stops at the pump.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Acura RDX

The RDX has a specified cargo capacity of 29.5 cu ft, suggesting marginally better utility for gear or groceries.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Acura RDX

With 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, the RDX offers a significant 25 hp advantage over the XC60 for more enthusiastic acceleration.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura RDX

The RDX undercuts the XC60's starting price by nearly $2,000 while providing more horsepower.

Choose the Volvo XC60 if...

Prioritizing long-term fuel efficiency and refinement is paramount for daily driving.
The tranquil, minimalist Swedish design ethos resonates more deeply with your aesthetic taste.
You value a slightly lower curb weight implied by the 26 MPG combined rating over outright power peaks.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Seeking the most immediate accessible performance, thanks to 272 hp and a 10-speed transmission.
A slightly lower entry price point of $45,100 is necessary for budgeting.
A slightly taller stance (65.7 inches vs 65.2 inches) and specified cargo volume is appealing.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volvo XC60	Acura RDX
Length	185.4"	187.4"
Width	74.9"	74.8"
Height	65.2"	65.7"
Wheelbase	112.8"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volvo	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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volvo	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	247 hp	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	266 lb-ft	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	Volvo	Acura
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Volvo	Acura
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/30 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	432.4/564.0 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 gal.	17.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Volvo	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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volvo	Acura
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	220W	—
Speaker System	10	9
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Volvo	Acura
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.2 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	56.4 in.	55.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
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
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Volvo	Acura
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.4 in.	50.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Volvo	Acura
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Volvo	Acura
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 30000 mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volvo XC60 and 2026 Acura RDX.

How significant is the 25 horsepower difference between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Acura RDX’s 272 hp provides a noticeable advantage in immediacy and punch compared to the 2025 Volvo XC60's 247 hp, translating to quicker sprints and merging capability.

Which vehicle provides a better highway fuel economy experience?

The 2025 Volvo XC60 is more frugal on the highway, achieving 30 MPG compared to the 2026 Acura RDX's 27 MPG, making it better for frequent long hauls.

Do either of these crossovers require specific fuel?

Both the 2025 Volvo XC60 and the 2026 Acura RDX recommend using premium unleaded fuel to achieve their stated performance figures.

Are these crossovers comparable in physical size?

They are very similar in footprint; the RDX is slightly longer at 187.4 inches versus the XC60's 185.4 inches, though both share a similar width of approximately 74.9 inches.

What transmission difference impacts the driving feel?

The 2026 Acura RDX utilizes a 10-speed automatic, which theoretically offers a broader ratio spread for performance and efficiency, while the XC60 uses an 8-speed automatic.