2026 Acura RDX vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$45,100 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between premium refinement and raw value in the crossover segment? That $6,300 gap between the 2026 Acura RDX and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is significant, and the specs show where that money goes—and where it saves you cash. The Mazda CX-90 is significantly larger, measuring 200.8 inches long compared to the RDX’s 187.4 inches, suggesting more presence on the road. Despite being bigger, the CX-90 nets better efficiency, boasting a combined 25 MPG using regular unleaded, while the RDX asks for premium and only achieves 23 combined MPG (21 city/27 highway). Power is comparable, though the Mazda’s 280 horsepower is paired with a meaty 332 lb-ft of torque, beating the RDX’s 280 lb-ft. However, the RDX offers slightly more practical cargo space at 29.5 cubic feet versus the CX-90’s 14.9 cubic feet, which is a crucial distinction given the CX-90 is likely a three-row vehicle based on its size.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-90

Its slightly better fuel economy (25 combined MPG) and ability to run on regular unleaded make daily driving less expensive.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Acura RDX

It offers nearly double the usable cargo capacity at 29.5 cubic feet, which is a massive benefit for hauling family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda provides significantly more torque, putting down 332 lb-ft compared to the Acura’s 280 lb-ft, suggesting stronger low-end acceleration.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

Saving $6,300 right off the top while achieving better torque and MPG creates a compelling value proposition.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Maximum usable cargo volume is the top priority (29.5 cu ft).
Premium driving refinement and precise shifting from the 10-speed automatic are desired.
A more compact exterior footprint (187.4 inches long) is better suited for tight city parking.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Saving $6,300 in the initial purchase price is essential.
You need the vehicle to run reliably on less expensive regular unleaded fuel.
Greater horsepower grunt is important, evidenced by the 332 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Mazda CX-90
Length	187.4"	200.8"
Width	74.8"	78.5"
Height	65.7"	68.3"
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	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
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	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	425.5/518.0 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	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	10.3 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	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	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	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

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	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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-90.

How much longer is the Mazda CX-90 compared to the Acura RDX?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is noticeably longer, measuring 200.8 inches from bumper to bumper, making it 13.4 inches longer than the 187.4-inch Acura RDX.

Is the Acura RDX’s fuel recommendation going to cost me more over time?

Yes, the Acura RDX requires premium unleaded gasoline, while the Mazda CX-90 accepts regular unleaded, which typically results in lower overall fuel expenses despite the Acura’s slightly better highway rating.

Which crossover offers substantially more room for storage behind the seats?

The Acura RDX is the clear winner here, offering 29.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the CX-90’s 14.9 cubic feet.

Even though the HP is similar, which one feels stronger pulling power?

The Mazda CX-90 will likely feel stronger off the line due to its higher torque rating of 332 lb-ft versus the RDX’s 280 lb-ft.

Does the price difference reflect major differences in power systems?

Not entirely; the RDX costs $6,300 more but only makes 272 hp compared to the CX-90’s 280 hp, suggesting the price accounts more for brand positioning than raw power output.