The Acura MDX and RDX are two popular luxury SUVs from Honda’s premium brand, each catering to different needs and preferences. While both vehicles offer the refined driving experience and advanced features Acura is known for, they differ significantly in size, performance, and target audience. The MDX is a midsize three-row SUV, while the RDX is a compact two-row crossover. This fundamental difference influences many aspects of these vehicles, from their exterior dimensions to interior space and engine options.
Understanding the distinctions between the Acura MDX and RDX is crucial for potential buyers looking to make an informed decision. The MDX, being larger, is ideal for families needing extra seating and cargo space. In contrast, the RDX offers a more nimble driving experience and better fuel efficiency, making it suitable for urban dwellers or those who prefer a smaller vehicle without compromising on luxury.
| Feature | Acura MDX | Acura RDX |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Class | Midsize Luxury SUV | Compact Luxury SUV |
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers | 5 passengers |
| Base Engine | 3.5L V6 (290 hp) | 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder (272 hp) |
| Cargo Space (max) | 95.0 cu ft | 79.8 cu ft |
Size and Exterior Dimensions
The most apparent difference between the Acura MDX and RDX lies in their size and exterior dimensions. The MDX, as a midsize SUV, is significantly larger in all aspects compared to the compact RDX. This size difference affects not only the vehicle’s appearance but also its practicality and driving characteristics.
The Acura MDX measures 198.4 inches in length, 78.7 inches in width, and 67.1 inches in height. Its wheelbase spans 113.8 inches, providing a stable and comfortable ride. These dimensions allow for the MDX’s three-row seating configuration and generous cargo space, making it suitable for larger families or those who frequently need to transport bulky items.
In contrast, the Acura RDX is more compact, with a length of 187.4 inches, width of 74.8 inches, and height of 65.7 inches. Its wheelbase is shorter at 108.3 inches. These more modest dimensions contribute to the RDX’s agility and ease of maneuverability, particularly in urban environments where parking spaces might be limited.
The exterior styling of both vehicles reflects Acura’s current design language, featuring the distinctive diamond pentagon grille and Jewel Eye LED headlights. However, the MDX’s larger size allows for a more imposing presence on the road, with a longer hood and more pronounced character lines. The RDX, while still stylish, has a more compact and sporty appearance that appeals to those who prefer a less bulky SUV.
Interior Space and Comfort
The interior space is where the differences between the Acura MDX and RDX become most apparent to passengers. The MDX’s larger exterior translates to a more spacious cabin, particularly in terms of passenger capacity and cargo volume.
The Acura MDX boasts three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The front seats offer ample space with 41.6 inches of legroom and 38.5 inches of headroom. The second row is equally comfortable, providing 38.5 inches of legroom and 38.1 inches of headroom. The third row, while more suitable for children or smaller adults, still offers 29.1 inches of legroom and 36.2 inches of headroom.
In terms of cargo capacity, the MDX excels with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 95.0 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down. This versatility makes the MDX ideal for families or those who need to transport large items regularly.
The Acura RDX, being a compact SUV, focuses on providing a comfortable experience for five passengers in two rows. It offers slightly more front headroom than the MDX at 40.0 inches, with 42.0 inches of legroom for the driver and front passenger. The rear seats are spacious for its class, with 38.0 inches of headroom and 38.0 inches of legroom.
While the RDX can’t match the MDX’s total cargo volume, it still offers impressive space for its size. With all seats in place, it provides 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 79.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This makes the RDX suitable for couples, small families, or individuals who occasionally need extra cargo space but don’t require the MDX’s seven-seat capacity.
Performance and Powertrain
The performance characteristics of the Acura MDX and RDX differ significantly, reflecting their respective sizes and target markets. Both vehicles offer capable engines and advanced drivetrains, but they cater to different driving preferences and needs.
The Acura MDX comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth acceleration and ample power for highway passing and merging. For those seeking even more performance, Acura offers the MDX Type S variant, which features a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 generating an impressive 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque.
In contrast, the Acura RDX is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. While less powerful than the MDX’s V6, this engine provides spirited performance in the lighter RDX, offering quick acceleration and responsive handling. The RDX also utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery across the rev range.
Both models are available with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which enhances traction and handling in various driving conditions. However, the MDX offers a front-wheel-drive option in its base trim, while the RDX comes standard with SH-AWD across all trim levels.
Fuel efficiency is another area where these SUVs differ. The RDX, with its smaller engine and lighter weight, achieves better fuel economy ratings. It offers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The MDX, due to its larger size and more powerful engine, returns slightly lower figures, with EPA estimates of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive model.
Technology and Features
Both the Acura MDX and RDX come equipped with a wealth of technology and luxury features, reflecting their status as premium vehicles. However, there are some differences in the standard and available equipment between the two models.
The Acura MDX, as the flagship SUV, offers some advanced features as standard that are optional on the RDX. Both models come with the AcuraWatch suite of safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. However, the MDX adds Traffic Jam Assist and a driver attention monitor as standard features.
In terms of infotainment, the MDX features a larger 12.3-inch central display compared to the RDX’s 10.2-inch screen. Both use Acura’s True Touchpad Interface, but the MDX’s system is generally more responsive and user-friendly. The MDX also offers an available 10.5-inch head-up display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, features not available on the RDX.
Audio systems differ as well, with the MDX offering an available 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, while the RDX tops out at a 16-speaker ELS Studio Premium Audio System. Both provide excellent sound quality, but the MDX’s system is slightly more advanced.
Comfort features like heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and tri-zone climate control are available on both models, but the MDX offers more luxurious options such as massaging front seats and a CabinTalk in-car communication system.
Price and Value Proposition
The price difference between the Acura MDX and RDX reflects their positioning in the luxury SUV market. The RDX, as a compact SUV, has a lower starting price, making it more accessible to a broader range of buyers. The MDX, with its larger size and more premium features, commands a higher price point.
As of the 2025 model year, the Acura RDX has a starting MSRP of around $46,000 for the base model with standard all-wheel drive. The price can increase to over $56,000 for fully-equipped models with all available options and packages.
The Acura MDX, being a larger and more luxurious vehicle, starts at a higher price point. The base model MDX has a starting MSRP of approximately $52,000 for the front-wheel-drive version. Opting for all-wheel drive and additional features can push the price to over $70,000, with the high-performance Type S model reaching around $76,000 fully equipped.
When considering value, it’s important to factor in not just the initial purchase price but also long-term costs such as fuel efficiency, maintenance, and resale value. Both the MDX and RDX hold their value well compared to some competitors, but the MDX’s larger size and higher initial cost may result in higher overall ownership costs over time.
FAQs About Acura MDX vs RDX
- Which is bigger, the Acura MDX or RDX?
The Acura MDX is significantly larger, offering three rows of seating compared to the RDX’s two rows. - Does the Acura RDX have better fuel economy than the MDX?
Yes, the RDX generally offers better fuel economy due to its smaller size and more efficient engine. - Can the Acura RDX tow as much as the MDX?
No, the MDX has a higher towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs, while the RDX is limited to 1,500 lbs. - Which Acura model is more suitable for large families?
The Acura MDX is more suitable for large families due to its seven-passenger seating capacity. - Is the Acura RDX cheaper to maintain than the MDX?
Generally, the RDX may be slightly cheaper to maintain due to its simpler powertrain and smaller size.