2026 Acura RDX vs 2026 Ford Bronco Sport

$45,100 · Crossover

$31,845 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Acura RDX and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is the $13,255 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), positioning the RDX at $45,100 versus the Bronco Sport's $31,845. Performance metrics heavily favor the RDX, which generates 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the Bronco Sport's 181 hp and 190 lb-ft. Conversely, the Bronco Sport demonstrates superior fuel economy, achieving 27 MPG combined compared to the RDX's 23 MPG combined; this efficiency gain is supported by the Bronco Sport requiring regular unleaded fuel, while the RDX mandates premium. Dimensionally, the RDX is 14.7 inches longer (187.4 inches vs. 172.7 inches), but the taller Bronco Sport (70.2 inches vs. 65.7 inches) offers marginally more cargo volume at 32.5 cu ft versus 29.5 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Prioritizing outright engine output, demonstrated by the RDX's 272 hp rating.
Seeking the more expansive footprint, as the RDX measures 187.4 inches in length.
Budget allows for the higher MSRP and the recurring cost of premium unleaded fuel.

Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...

Maximizing fuel economy, with the Bronco Sport delivering 27 combined MPG.
Requiring the most advantageous pricing structure, undercutting the RDX by $13,255.
A taller vehicle stance is desired, as the Bronco Sport is 4.5 inches higher than the RDX.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Ford Bronco Sport
Length	187.4"	172.7"
Width	74.8"	74.3"
Height	65.7"	70.2"
Wheelbase	108.3"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Ford
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Ford
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	181 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	12
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Ford
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Ford
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	25/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	400.0/480.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	16.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Ford
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	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Ford
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	8.0 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	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Ford
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	41.5 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
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	—
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Ford
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	41.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	36.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Ford
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	225/65R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Ford
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 Ford Bronco Sport.

What is the performance gap in torque between these two AWD crossovers?

The 2026 Acura RDX offers 280 lb-ft of torque, creating a 90 lb-ft advantage over the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport’s 190 lb-ft rating.

Does the difference in recommended fuel impact long-term ownership costs?

Yes, the RDX recommends premium unleaded, which generally costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded fuel required by the Bronco Sport, affecting ongoing operational expenditure.

How does the transmission complexity compare between the two models?

The Acura RDX utilizes a more complex 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Ford Bronco Sport employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic unit.

Which vehicle has a notable advantage in straight-line height for clearance?

The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport sits significantly taller at 70.2 inches, exceeding the 65.7-inch height of the 2026 Acura RDX.

Is the RDX's higher price justified by substantially more cargo space?

No, the Acura RDX provides 29.5 cu ft of cargo space, which is less than the 32.5 cu ft offered by the significantly less expensive Ford Bronco Sport.