2026 Acura RDX vs 2026 Dodge Durango
Comparison Overview
Prepare for a true automotive showdown between polished precision and raw American muscle in the crossover segment. The 2026 Acura RDX injects excitement with its premium positioning, offering 272 hp and a stellar 23 combined MPG. This sophisticated machine prioritizes efficiency and refinement, boasting a sleek 187.4-inch length. Contrast this with the brawny 2026 Dodge Durango, which unleashes 295 hp right out of the gate, giving it a 23 horsepower advantage. The Durango demands more at the pump with its 20 combined MPG, but delivers substantial presence, measuring 200.8 inches long and riding on a RWD platform, suggesting a different dynamic flavor. The RDX starts at a higher hurdle, priced at $45,100 compared to the Durango's $38,995 entry point—a clear $6,105 difference favoring the Dodge.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- Premium feel and Acura's renowned reliability are primary purchase drivers.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency while still enjoying responsive power (23 MPG combined) is crucial.
- Preferring the tighter handling dynamics suggested by the smaller 187.4-inch length.
Choose the Dodge Durango if...
- Absolute top-line horsepower, even if marginal (295 hp), takes precedence.
- Desiring a more substantial road presence provided by the larger 200.8-inch frame.
- Budget is a major concern, saving $6,105 while getting higher base power is appealing.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura RDX | Dodge Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.4" | 200.8" |
| Width | 74.8" | 75.8" |
| Height | 65.7" | 72.1" |
| Wheelbase | 108.3" | 119.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| 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 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 Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm | 295 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Acura | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 18/25 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.1/461.7 mi. | 442.8/615.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 gal. | 24.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Acura | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.2 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 9 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.0 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 in. | 57.0 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.0 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.0 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 265/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Acura | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Acura | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Acura RDX and 2026 Dodge Durango.
How significantly does the RDX's efficiency translate into real-world savings compared to the Durango?
The 2026 Acura RDX achieves 23 combined MPG versus the Durango's 20 combined MPG. Over the course of a year, this three-mile-per-gallon difference, coupled with the Durango's requirement for regular unleaded versus the RDX's recommended premium, will result in noticeable fuel cost savings favoring the Acura.
Which crossover offers a sportier fundamental drive layout?
The 2026 Dodge Durango is built on a Rear Wheel Drive architecture, which typically offers a more balanced, engaging feel during spirited driving compared to the Acura RDX's standard All Wheel Drive setup.
How does the cargo space compare between these two crossovers?
Although the Durango is physically larger overall, the Acura RDX lists a superior specified cargo capacity at 29.5 cu ft, significantly exceeding the Durango's listed 17.2 cu ft measurement.
Is the 23 horsepower difference between the vehicles substantial?
The 2026 Durango's 295 hp grants it an edge over the RDX's 272 hp, but both deliver strong output. The real difference in driving feel will likely come from the Durango's RWD bias versus the RDX's AWD and potentially lighter curb weight (not specified).
How does the transmission technology differ?
Acura equips the RDX with a more modern 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission designed for smooth, quick shifts, whereas the Durango utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic.
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