A comparison of the Lexus NX vs Acura RDX should reveal which of these two luxury SUVs is the one you’ll want to drive and enjoy every day.
Two popular luxury SUVs with completely different strategies – Acura keeps it simple with one powerful engine, while Lexus offers four different powertrains, including hybrids. We break down which approach works better for your wallet, your family, and your daily drive. Spoiler alert: the winner might surprise you based on what you actually need.
Powertrains compared
The 2025 compact luxury SUV comparison could go many ways. The Lexus NX offers four powertrains, including hybrid models, vs the Acura RDX with its single powertrain.
The range for the Lexus NX goes from a 203-horsepower base engine to a turbocharged unit sending 275 horsepower to the wheels, while a hybrid model delivers 240 ponies and a PHEV model tops out at 304 horsepower.
The Acura RDX keeps things simple with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 272 horsepower which is routed to all four wheels through a ten-speed automatic transmission.
If you want simplicity, the RDX is the way to go, but if you want several options, the NX has you covered. When it comes to pricing comparisons for the powertrains, the hybrid NX is about the same price as the RDX, but the PHEV costs nearly $15,000 more.
Which SUV has a better interior?
The Lexus NX has nice materials, including rear wood and leather, and even the plastic surfaces are pretty nice. The cabin is quiet, giving you a hushed and calm experience from behind the wheel. The Acura RDX feels hushed and luxurious as well, giving you a very nice style and impressive materials to give you a fantastic look and feel while driving.
In terms of comfort, the RDX has more comfortable front seats with good adjustability and roomy, heated rear seats. The NX has a similar front seat feel, but the rear seats lack the legroom of the RDX.
A cargo space comparison shows the Acura leading the way with 58.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, while the Lexus has only 46.9 cubic feet for your gear.
When it comes to the Lexus NX vs Acura RDX comparison of cabins, the RDX edges out the NX in terms of rear seat comfort and cargo space.
When fuel mileage matters
Some luxury vehicles offer excellent fuel economy figures, and when you compare AWD compact SUV models, you expect to have some good numbers. The Acura RDX is straightforward with 23 mpg combined from its single powertrain. This is one area where the Lexus NX has the edge, with at least 24 mpg of combined fuel mileage in gas-only models, which stretches up to 39 mpg in the hybrid model, while the PHEV offers 37 miles of all-electric driving.
What about the tech and safety features?
Tech features are extremely important in modern luxury SUV models, and these two have good tech packages and safety features to make drivers feel comfortable on the road. Acura has the True Touchpad Interface, which uses a console touchpad to operate the center screen. This can be difficult for some drivers to understand and operate. The RDX has a voice assistant, which makes it possible to handle some of the desired changes without touching the center console pad.
The Lexus SUV features a traditional touchscreen, making it very easy to use and enjoy. The 14-inch optional display in the NX is much larger than the RDX’s 10.2-inch screen, making the NX feel much more modern and current.
Both SUVs emphasize safety with excellent packages of standard driver aids, including:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping assistance
While making your Lexus NX vs Acura RDX comparison, the Lexus NX has a much better tech package with its large touchscreen than what the Acura RDX offers with its touchpad controller.
Which Luxury SUV should you drive?
This luxury crossover buying guide has two excellent choices that you can consider for your driving pleasure. The Lexus NX begins at a lower starting price in the NX 250, which is an FWD model with low power, but comes in at $42,260. The AWD turbocharged NX 350 starts at $45,020. The Acura RDX comes in one model with a starting price of $46,050, and it can be had with a few different packages.
If you want the value-oriented model with a larger screen and better fuel mileage, the Lexus NX is the SUV for you. On the other hand, if you want a roomier cabin and more cargo space with fewer powertrain choices, the Acura RDX is the SUV you should drive.
Which luxury SUV will you drive home today?
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