Scoring the most value in the luxury SUV segment
The popularity of SUVs can result in cross-shopping, or buyers having greater flexibility between different size classes. The 2025 Lexus RX and 2025 Acura RDX are examples of where cross-shopping isn’t uncommon. Many drivers in the market for a luxury SUV are drawn to Lexus’s midsize RX, given that it’s the automaker’s best-selling model. However, some of those shoppers might wonder if a compact luxury SUV, such as the Acura RDX, better suits their needs. Still, size isn’t the only consideration when comparing these two models. Below, you’ll find information highlighting what each SUV brings to the table in areas like design, tech, performance, and more.
Acura
Acura
The Acura RDX’s exterior stands out, but the Lexus RX’s design yells
Curb appeal is a key consideration when shopping for a luxury SUV, and understanding what these models emphasize in their exteriors will help guide you toward an option. The Lexus RX’s exterior exudes a more conventional sense of luxury and elegance, while the Acura RDX distinguishes itself with a more athletic look. The RX’s front grille has become increasingly expressive in recent years, and the exterior as a whole showcases sharper, more dramatic lines than the RDX. This midsize SUV’s grille pattern carries over into its side air intakes, while slim, jewel-like headlights add balance. Lexus has also raised the RX’s hood significantly in recent years, which can prove divisive. The RX’s rear is simpler, but contributes toward the exterior’s elegance with an LED blade taillamp.
The 2025 Acura RDX mirrors some portions of the Lexus RX’s exterior with features like jewel eye LED headlights and a more expressive front grille, but the dragon tail taillights may feel less contemporary than the RX’s blade taillamp. Although the RDX features an intricate front grille, its dimensions are smaller than those of the RX’s grille, and this Acura’s raised hood is more restrained, reducing the risk of polarizing viewers. Those who prefer more subtle luxury styling will likely opt for the RDX.
Performance: the RDX’s sporty styling doesn’t tell the whole story
Acura equips the 2025 RDX with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), but the base 2025 Lexus RX comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD). AWD remains available as an option within the entry-level 2025 RX 350. The RDX’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque while working with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, an RX 350’s 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder delivers 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque alongside an eight-speed automatic transmission. You’ll get 23 combined mpg on all four Acura RDX trims, 25 combined mpg with a FWD Lexus RX 350, and 24 combined mpg with an AWD Lexus RX 350. The Acura RDX also has a lower towing capacity, at 1,500 lbs, compared to the Lexus RX’s 3,500-lb capacity, reflecting how the size difference plays a role.
Lexus
Space in everyday use: The RDX fares better than you may expect
While the 2025 Acura RDX is a compact luxury SUV, its cargo space competes favorably with that of the 2025 RX. The RDX’s cargo capacity measures 29.5 cu ft with the rear seats up, and 58.9 cu ft with the rear seats down. Comparatively, the RX boasts a 29.6 cu ft cargo capacity with the rear seats up, but offers less space than the RDX with the rear seats down, at 46.2 cu ft. The RDX also has a total passenger volume of 104 cu ft, 2.6 more cu ft than the RX.
The Lexus RX’s tech shines
Acura’s RDX comes standard with a 10.2-inch central infotainment display, 0.4 inches larger than the Lexus RX’s 9.8-inch screen. However, the RX offers an optional 14-inch touchscreen display, whereas its counterpart is equipped with a 10.2-inch display across all trims. RDX drivers control the vehicle’s central screen with a touchpad interface, while the RX’s display is touch-activated. Some drivers have found the RDX’s touchpad interface trickier to use than the RX’s conventional touchscreen. Those prioritizing audio quality will likely lean toward the RX, which features 12 standard speakers or 21 speakers with the optional surround sound system. The RDX features nine standard speakers, and upgrading gets you 16 speakers.
Lexus
Final thoughts
The RX and RDX have remained popular choices among luxury SUV shoppers, and identifying the right option hinges on your budget, feature prioritization, and consideration of drawbacks. The 2025 Lexus RX, starting at $50,575, features a more dramatic exterior design evolution that is likely to divide shoppers. On the other hand, the 2025 RDX, starting at $44,700, has an exterior that’s more consistent with previous iterations, possibly appealing to those with more traditional tastes.
The 2025 Lexus RX offers greater power, but the efficiency of these two models is comparable, and the 2025 Acura RDX’s interior dimensions are highly competitive. Along with exterior design, tech is likely going to sway shoppers who are on the fence. If you’re okay with fewer interior speakers and a non-touch-activated infotainment display, the RDX could be a wise purchase due to its savings over the RX.
About the author
Cody Carlson
Contributing Writer, Autoblog