
2025 Acura MDX Vs. 2025 Acura RDX: Features, Specs, & Dimensions
When deciding between the Acura MDX vs. Acura RDX SUVs for sale, it's hard to go wrong. These new Acura SUVs offer sleek styling, sporty performance, daily practicality, and luxurious, feature-filled interiors. While similar, the Acura MDX and Acura RDX have differences in size, specs, and tech. After you read our model review and comparison, we invite you to our Phil Smith Acura dealership for a side-by-side comparison and a test drive to find your perfect fit.
2025 Acura MDX vs. Acura RDX: Performance Specs
The 2025 Acura RDX premium sport crossover packs a punch with a turbocharged VTEC 2.0-liter four-cylinder, producing 272 horsepower and letting you tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. However, the 2025 Acura MDX is more powerful. Under the hood is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 290 horsepower with impressive acceleration and capability.
If you're looking to boost your performance even further, the 2025 Acura MDX specs for the range-topping Type S Advance are delivered via a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 for a greater dose of sportiness and an increase of output to 355 horsepower. The previous model year boasted separate Type S and Type S Advance trims, but the automaker has rolled them into one elegant and robust model for the 2025 model year.
Continuing the Acura SUV comparison, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) complements the power for enhanced capabilities and agile handling. SH-AWD comes standard in the 2025 Acura RDX, and the 2025 Acura MDX offers both FWD and SH-AWD. No matter your engine selection, the Acura MDX vs. RDX SUV towing capacity comparison goes to the MDX with SH-AWD, boasting a whopping 5,000-pound towing limit when properly equipped.
While their performance-imbued driving is excellent, the Acura RDX and MDX also look the part of performance machines. Sleek curves, sporty aerodynamic elements, updated grill designs, and modern touches make these Acura SUVs look as good as they drive.


Acura MDX vs. RDX Trims
As we mentioned above, the top-tier trim level for the MDX is how you access the most power and performance capability of the options in our Acura MDX vs. Acura RDX comparison. With that in mind, let's check out all the tiers available for both models so you know what to expect when you start shopping for one – or both!
You'll have six MDX variants to choose from, offering luxe features like 16-way seats beginning on the Advance Package model – and the ultimate Type S Advance tier is the sole option that gives you a 3.0-liter turbo engine. The 2025 Acura MDX trims are as follows:
- 2025 Acura MDX Base
- 2025 Acura MDX Technology Package
- 2025 Acura MDX A-Spec Package
- 2025 Acura MDX Advance Package
- 2025 Acura MDX A-Spec Advance
- 2025 Acura MDX Type S Advance
The RDX boasts five trims, keeping the base model's fantastic performance specs across the board. However, climbing trims will net increasingly stellar features like GPS-linked climate control and a Surround-View Camera System. Below, you'll find the 2025 Acura RDX model lineup:
- 2025 Acura RDX Base
- 2025 Acura RDX Technology Package
- 2025 Acura RDX A-Spec Package
- 2025 Acura RDX Advance Package
- 2025 Acura RDX A-Spec Advance Package
Acura MDX vs. RDX: SUV Interior & Technology
The MDX and RDX will satisfy tech-savvy drivers and luxury enthusiasts alike with their state-of-the-art design. When you step into the Acura MDX or Acura RDX, you'll be greeted with a deluxe cabin outfitted with upscale materials like leatherette sport seats with available Milano leather options beginning on the second-tier trim for either model.
Beyond luxe comfort features, the 2025 Acura MDX offers standard and available tech like dual 12.3-inch displays – a center console touchscreen and an HD Precision Cockpit digital instrument cluster – Alexa® Built-In, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, wireless charging for compatible devices, a Head-Up Display, and much more. You can get a Bang & Olufsen® sound system with 31 speakers on the final trim to match your ride's ambience.
With the Acura RDX, you get a 10.2-inch HD dual-content center display, a 7-inch full-color multi-information display, a standard Acura premium audio system, an available Head-Up Display, and more amenities shared between the two vehicles. There are also two available ELS Studio audio systems with up to 16 speakers. Both SUVs offer AcuraLink to keep you connected to your car, giving you access to Remote Start & Stop, Find My Car, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Automatic Collision Notification, and more from your phone.
Previous model years still offer great tech and features, so check out our used Acura RDX inventory to find savings on a luxurious crossover today.


2025 Acura MDX vs. Acura RDX: Which Is More Practical?
Of course, practicality will be a deciding factor when you're considering a new Acura vehicle for sale. An Acura RDX vs. MDX size comparison will show that both vehicles suit the needs of many drivers. The larger MDX can seat seven and offers 95 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row. The RDX, on the other hand, is smaller than the MDX – it has seating for five and 79.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume behind the first row of seats.
When comparing Acura MDX vs. RDX gas mileage, both vehicles offer impressive figures. The 2025 Acura RDX delivers up to an EPA-estimated 21/27/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1
The 2025 Acura MDX delivers an EPA-estimated 19/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) with FWD1 and up to an EPA-estimated 19/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) with SH-AWD.1 While the RDX gets slightly better fuel economy than the MDX, the difference is negligible when considering the MDX's bigger and more powerful engine.
Acura RDX vs. MDX Size Comparison
Either the MDX or RDX will let you carry plenty in the trunk and tackle that road trip with outstanding efficiency – but how big are they? Naturally, as we mentioned, the Acura RDX is a smaller crossover with five seats, while the Acura MDX is a larger three-row SUV with seven seats. We put together a comparison chart to help you see the differences between the size of the 2025 Acura RDX and MDX models.
2025 Acura RDX | 2025 Acura MDX | |
Total Length | 187.4 in | 198.4 in |
Wheelbase | 108.3 in | 113.8 in |
Body Width | 74.8 in | 78.7 in |
Height | 65.7 in | 67.9 in |
Ride Height | 8.2 in | 6.7 - 9.4 in |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Max Cargo Volume | 79.8 cu ft | 95 cu ft |
Passenger Volume | 104 cu ft | 139.1 cu ft |
When it comes to 2025 Acura MDX vs. RDX dimensions, the three-row Acura MDX with seven seats has more cargo area and passenger room. The MDX provides 38.5 inches of headroom and 41.6 inches of legroom in the front row. Second-row passengers are also comfortable with 38.1 inches of headroom and 38.5 inches of legroom. As we see in our 2024 Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX comparison, the Acura MDX uses its midsize status to prioritize spacious comfort for the whole family.
The smaller RDX delivers more front-row headroom, with 40 inches in the first row and 38 inches in the rear. There's also more room to stretch out in the first row, with 42 inches of legroom up front and 38 inches in the second row – if you're a taller driver and don't need the extra row of seating, an Acura RDX may suit you better. Pick one of these models from our new Acura specials and see which one fits you best.
Phil Smith Acura: Your Local SUV Dealership
Phil Smith Acura is proud to offer competitive pricing and friendly service at our Acura dealership in Pompano Beach, FL. Whether you're looking at leasing a new Acura or one of our used Acura MDX financing specials, we offer a range of options to uplift your day-to-day. We hope you'll discover the experience we offer at our nearby Acura dealership today.
If you want more proof that Acura is the way to go, see how these luxury models compare to another high-end brand on our Acura vs. Lexus comparison page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: the Acura MDX or RDX?
A 2025 Acura MDX vs. RDX comparison will show similarities and differences in size, performance, and passenger room. Finding the best new Acura SUV depends on your needs and preferences. If you need a three-row, seven-seater model, the Acura MDX is the best SUV. If you need a two-row SUV to boost your versatility, then the Acura RDX will be better suited as your next upgrade.
Is the RDX bigger than the MDX?
No, the new Acura MDX SUV is bigger than the 2025 Acura RDX for sale. The Acura MDX is a three-row SUV with seven seats, has a chassis that increases dimensions in all directions, and offers more overall cargo and passenger space than its smaller sibling. However, the Acura RDX has slightly more front headroom and legroom and boasts plentiful room for a two-row SUV.
What is the difference between the Acura MDX and RDX SUVs?
If you're looking for the differences between the Acura MDX and RDX SUVs, the Acura MDX is bigger, has more rows of seating, and boasts a stronger engine than the Acura RDX, perfect for busier, growing families. The Acura RDX is a premium crossover with a sporty drive, stellar MPG ratings for a 272-horsepower AWD model, and luxurious tech features.
Continue Your Acura MDX and Acura RDX Research:
1Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.
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1Based on 2024 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors.