2026 Acura RDX vs 2026 Lexus NX

$45,100 · Crossover

$44,175 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Acura RDX screams performance readiness with its potent 272 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive, promising sharper engagement when the road twists. Its driving enthusiasm comes at a cost: a combined 23 MPG, necessitating premium fuel. Conversely, the 2026 Lexus NX charms with staggering fuel economy, boasting a remarkable 40 combined MPG, obliterating the RDX's efficiency numbers by a massive 17 MPG margin, achieved with its FWD setup. While the RDX wields 32 extra horsepower (272 hp vs. the NX's 240 hp), delivering quicker acceleration potential, the NX counters with a significantly lower starting MSRP of $44,175. The RDX, positioned at $45,100, offers a slightly roomier footprint at 187.4 inches long, though the NX’s smaller dimensions might feel nimbler in tight urban spots.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus NX

The Lexus NX’s phenomenal 40 combined MPG makes high-mileage commuting far less painful and expensive.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Acura RDX

The Acura RDX offers slightly more utility with 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the NX's 22.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Acura RDX

With 272 horsepower, standard AWD, and a responsive 10-speed automatic, the RDX promises a significantly more spirited drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lexus NX

The NX undercuts the RDX on price and delivers efficiency savings that rapidly offset any initial premium paid elsewhere.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Maximum straight-line power (272 hp) is a non-negotiable aspect of daily driving.
Year-round traction via standard all-wheel drive is essential for your climate.
You prioritize a slightly larger overall vehicle dimension for cabin presence.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Achieving 40 combined MPG is the single most important metric for your purchase.
A lower upfront cost, starting at $44,175, fits your immediate budget.
You prefer the characteristics of a continuously variable transmission for smooth operation.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Lexus NX
Length	187.4"	183.5"
Width	74.8"	73.4"
Height	65.7"	66.1"
Wheelbase	108.3"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Lexus
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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	240 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	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	Acura	Lexus
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	42/38 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	40 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	609.0/551.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Lexus
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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	9	10
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	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	56.3 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	56.3 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	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

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	52.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Lexus
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	1 yr./ 10000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Acura RDX and 2026 Lexus NX.

How much more power does the RDX truly possess over the NX?

The 2026 Acura RDX has 32 more horsepower, delivering 272 hp compared to the Lexus NX's 240 hp, signaling a clear advantage for aggressive throttle inputs.

Is the RDX’s higher performance worth the significant fuel economy penalty?

The RDX consumes fuel much faster, delivering only 23 combined MPG versus the NX’s 40 combined MPG; this 17 MPG difference demands consideration if efficiency is key.

Which crossover is physically larger?

The 2026 Acura RDX is slightly longer at 187.4 inches versus the NX’s 183.5 inches, and it also offers nearly 7 cubic feet more maximum cargo space.

Are the required fuel types different between these two premium crossovers?

Both vehicles list premium unleaded as recommended, though the RDX’s power output suggests the premium fuel is more crucial for maximizing its performance envelope.

How does the RDX handle power delivery differently than the NX?

Acura utilizes a traditional 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission for direct gear changes, while Lexus opts for a continuously variable-speed automatic for smooth, gearless acceleration.