2026 Acura RDX vs 2026 Mazda CX-70

$45,100 · Crossover

$42,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Acura RDX brings an intensely focused, premium feel, signaling performance potential with its 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque routed through a sophisticated 10-speed automatic. Excitement in the RDX is concentrated in a tighter, athletic package measuring 187.4 inches long. Conversely, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 delivers raw muscle with a commanding 280 hp and a sledgehammer-like 332 lb-ft of torque, all while utilizing regular unleaded fuel—a genuine advantage. Mazda prioritizes brute strength and utility, boasting significantly more space with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the RDX's 29.5 cu ft. While both offer AWD, the CX-70 pulls ahead slightly in efficiency, achieving 25 MPG combined against the RDX's 23 MPG combined, making the Mazda a torquier, more practical powerhouse for just $45,100 vs $42,250.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-70

The CX-70 achieves slightly better fuel economy (25 MPG combined) and starts at a lower price point of $42,250.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-70

The CX-70 offers substantially greater utility with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, almost 10 cubic feet more than the Acura RDX.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-70

The CX-70 produces significantly higher torque at 332 lb-ft, suggesting more immediate throttle response than the RDX's 280 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda undercuts the Acura on MSRP by $2,850 while offering more horsepower, notably more torque, and better efficiency.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Buyers prefer Acura's tightly wound chassis dynamics suggested by its smaller footprint (187.4 inches long).
A preference exists for the ratio structure provided by the 10-speed automatic transmission.
Drivers prioritize the specific feel and engineering philosophy inherent in Acura's powertrain tuning.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

Maximum hauling capability is necessary, leveraging the segment-leading 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
A desire to run on regular unleaded fuel is a major priority over premium.
Drivers want the highest torque figure available, benefiting from 332 lb-ft for passing power.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Mazda CX-70
Length	187.4"	200.8"
Width	74.8"	-
Height	65.7"	68.2"
Wheelbase	108.3"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Mazda
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	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Mazda
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	24/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	444.0/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Mazda
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	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	9	8
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	✓	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	56.2 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
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	21 x 9.5 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	275/45R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Mazda
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.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Acura RDX and 2026 Mazda CX-70.

Does the difference in horsepower translate to a significantly faster 2026 Acura RDX?

While the Acura RDX has 272 hp, the Mazda CX-70 possesses 280 hp and substantially more torque (332 lb-ft vs 280 lb-ft). This suggests the CX-70 will feel stronger in real-world acceleration despite the RDX's potentially sharper transmission.

How much more usable space does the Mazda CX-70 provide over the Acura RDX?

The Mazda CX-70 is notably more practical, offering 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is significantly larger than the Acura RDX's 29.5 cubic feet, making the CX-70 better for large loads.

What is the primary benefit of the Acura RDX's 10-speed automatic transmission?

The 10-speed automatic aims to keep the engine operating in its most efficient power band more frequently than the CX-70's 8-speed unit. This assists in maintaining the premium driving feel Acura is known for.

Which vehicle requires more expensive fuel?

The 2026 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded fuel, whereas the 2026 Mazda CX-70 accepts regular unleaded. This presents an ongoing operational cost difference favoring the CX-70.

Are these two crossovers similarly sized vehicles?

No, the Mazda CX-70 is physically larger, measuring 200.8 inches long compared to the Acura RDX's 187.4 inches. The CX-70 is also taller, measuring 68.2 inches high against the RDX's 65.7 inches.