2026 Acura RDX vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$45,100 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2026 Acura RDX and the 2026 Subaru Outback is the $10,105 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the RDX starting at $45,100 versus the Outback's $34,995. Power output demonstrates a substantial gap, as the RDX generates 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, sharply contrasting with the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, a difference of 92 hp. Fuel economy favors the Outback, delivering a combined 27 MPG compared to the RDX's 23 MPG, a 4 MPG advantage achieved despite both vehicles employing AWD. Furthermore, the Outback offers superior utility, providing 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the RDX's 29.5 cubic feet. Dimensionally, the Outback is longer at 191.7 inches and taller at 67.5 inches, impacting interior volume and road presence.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Primary requirement is high engine output, specifically targeting 272 horsepower.
Willingness to pay a $10,105 premium for enhanced performance and Acura branding.
Preferring a vehicle utilizing premium unleaded fuel and a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximizing fuel economy is a priority, evidenced by its 27 MPG combined rating.
Requiring maximum cargo volume, benefiting from 34.6 cubic feet of space.
Seeking the lowest initial purchase price for an AWD crossover at $34,995.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Subaru Outback
Length	187.4"	191.7"
Width	74.8"	74.0"
Height	65.7"	67.5"
Wheelbase	108.3"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Subaru
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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	Subaru
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Subaru
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	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	12.1 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	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	55.5 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	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Subaru
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 Subaru Outback.

What is the mandatory fuel requirement difference between these crossovers?

The 2026 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded fuel for its engine performance. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Outback operates optimally using regular unleaded fuel.

How does the drivetrain configuration affect power delivery in these AWD vehicles?

The RDX utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with 272 hp. The Outback employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission driving its 180 hp engine.

Which vehicle has greater exterior length and height measurements?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is dimensionally larger, measuring 191.7 inches in length compared to the RDX's 187.4 inches, and it is taller at 67.5 inches.

Is the power difference sufficient to justify the RDX's higher MSRP?

The RDX delivers 92 more horsepower, which is substantial, but buyers must weigh that performance gain against the $10,105 price increase over the base Outback.

How does the cargo capacity compare between the two models?

The Subaru Outback offers a measurable utility advantage, providing 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Acura RDX is constrained to 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats.