2026 Acura RDX vs 2026 Honda CR-V

$45,100 · Crossover

$30,920 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The $14,180 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is the primary delineation between the 2026 Acura RDX ($45,100) and the 2026 Honda CR-V ($30,920). Performance metrics favor the RDX significantly, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque compared to the CR-V's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft—an 82 hp disparity. This performance is achieved at an efficiency cost, as the RDX records a combined 23 MPG requiring premium fuel, whereas the CR-V achieves 30 combined MPG using regular unleaded. Dimensionally, the RDX is longer at 187.4 inches versus 184.8 inches, though the CR-V offers substantially more usable space with 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the RDX's 29.5 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Honda CR-V

Superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG and a $14,180 lower starting MSRP provide better running costs for daily travel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda CR-V

The CR-V possesses 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the RDX's 29.5 cu ft, enhancing practicality for family needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Acura RDX

The RDX produces 82 more horsepower (272 hp) and 101 lb-ft more torque (280 lb-ft), aligning with performance expectations.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda CR-V

The CR-V offers the lowest initial cost while achieving substantially better fuel efficiency (7 MPG combined advantage).

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Maximum engine output, specifically 272 horsepower, is a primary purchasing criterion.
Preference exists for a standard 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
All-wheel drive capability is required, as standard drive type for the RDX is AWD.

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

Minimizing purchase price is critical, with a budget aligning closer to the $30,920 MSRP.
Achieving a 7 MPG combined efficiency advantage (30 MPG vs. 23 MPG) is necessary.
Maximizing sheer cargo volume, with 39.3 cu ft available, takes precedence over acceleration.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Honda CR-V
Length	187.4"	184.8"
Width	74.8"	73.5"
Height	65.7"	66.2"
Wheelbase	108.3"	106.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Honda
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	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	190 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	179 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Acura	Honda
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Honda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	28/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	392.0/462.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	14.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Honda
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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Honda
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	9	4
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	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Stereo Power	—	160W

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Honda
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	55.6 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: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Honda
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	41.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	52.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Honda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	235/65R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	✓
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Honda
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.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Acura RDX and 2026 Honda CR-V.

What is the primary fuel requirement difference between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded fuel for its higher-output engine, while the 2026 Honda CR-V utilizes regular unleaded, impacting ongoing operational costs.

How much larger is the cargo area in the CR-V compared to the RDX?

The 2026 Honda CR-V provides 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which is 9.8 cubic feet greater than the 29.5 cubic feet offered in the 2026 Acura RDX.

Does the drive type (AWD vs FWD) account for the significant MPG disparity?

Yes, the RDX comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and uses a 10-speed automatic, while the CR-V is FWD with a CVT, both contributing to the 7 MPG combined efficiency gap.

What is the exact horsepower deficit of the CR-V compared to the RDX?

The 2026 Honda CR-V produces 190 horsepower, representing an 82-horsepower deficit when measured against the 272 horsepower generated by the 2026 Acura RDX.