Acura RDX Vs. Lexus NX: A Head-To-Head Luxury SUV Comparison
For years, Acura engineers have tried to make the Acura RDX vs. Lexus NX rivalry a fair fight. Unfortunately, even with its 2025 updates, the Acura RDX can't reach the lofty luxury heights the Lexus NX so effortlessly maintains. While the Acura SUV attempts to redesign its grille and center console in an attempt to earn its place in the high-end SUV segment, the 2025 Lexus NX trims have already reached the pinnacle – and they carry a lower starting MSRP.
If a new luxury SUV is on your car shopping list and you're curious how the Lexus NX vs. Acura RDX compare, DARCARS Lexus of Englewood is here to help. Explore each elegant model's best features below to find your winner. Meanwhile, we'll have your Lexus test-drive keys and our premium new vehicle offers ready and waiting.
Quick Highlights: Lexus SUV vs. Acura SUV
- The Lexus NX specs prioritize fuel economy with four powertrain options and the highest MPG ratings across the trim lineup.
- The Acura RDX has just one engine and significantly inferior fuel economy.
- Interested in PHEV power? Only the 2025 Lexus NX has plug-in hybrid configurations.
- Enjoy true luxury with standard Lexus NX features like rain-sensing windshield wipers and auto-dimming heated outside mirrors.
- Both SUVs come with Wi-Fi hotspots, voice command, and large center touchscreens.
- Need a luxury sport-ute that can tow? The Lexus NX takes the crown with its 2,000-pound capacity.
- Breathe easy with advanced Lexus NX safety and driver-assist programs like Intersection Support and Proactive Driving Assist.
- Acura RDX safety systems are quite basic, relying on traditional blind-spot and lane-keeping tools that even non-luxury vehicles have.
- Bottom Line: Lexus NX trims deliver higher quality and better performance at a lower price point.
Acura RDX vs. Lexus NX Specs
The Acura vs. Lexus SUV trims are marketed as luxury vehicles, which means they should deliver luxury performance. One trip around the block, and it's clear that the 2025 Lexus NX understood this assignment: Its handling is confident, its powertrain options come in four varieties, and its fuel economy blows the Acura RDX out of the water – just scroll to the bottom of this page to compare MPG ratings.
What's more, the Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV variant can generate all-electric driving range, giving you up to a manufacturer-estimated 37 miles that require no gas at all. Top it all off with a Lexus NX towing capacity of 2,000 pounds compared to the Acura model's 1,500-pound strength, and driving home in a new Lexus SUV is an easy choice.
Acura RDX vs. Lexus NX Design and Pricing
If you're shopping for a high-end model like an Acura vs. Lexus SUV, there's a good chance you also want your vehicle to look the part. From the outside, these two sport-utes are quite different: While the 2025 Lexus NX stuns with its commanding grille and confident stance, the redesigned Acura RDX is still playing for second. Acura engineers attempted a grille refresh and new wheel designs for the 2025 model year, but the RDX's exterior still reads as basic – not the vibe you want when you're shelling out luxury-level prices.
Speaking of cost, it's worth noting that the new Lexus NX and its posh vibes also come at a lower starting MSRP than the Acura RDX. We're not sure how Lexus engineers packed such high quality into these accessible price points, but we're delighted they did. Plus, you can factor in one of our new Lexus specials to save even more.
Acura RDX vs. Lexus NX Interiors
Step inside any Lexus model vs. Acura variant, and there's just no contest for the most elegant cabin. The 2025 Lexus NX is brimming with high-end features, from its thoughtful driver cockpit to its deeply bolstered front seats. Even the way the center touchscreen blends seamlessly into the Lexus NX dashboard is classy and refined. Personalize your multimedia through the Lexus Interface and add an available Mark Levinson® sound system to your build, and this might just be the perfect compact SUV.
On the other hand, the Acura RDX cabin lacks the sophistication you'd expect from a vehicle that's branded as luxury. On paper, the Acura RDX interior gets it right – 10.2-inch center display, Alexa Built-In services, and leatherette or leather upholstery options – but in real life, the layout and design of the Acura RDX cabin fall a little short for many drivers. We're particularly confused by the Acura center console and controls, which take an awkward shape and are unnecessarily busy.
Curious about how the Lexus NX interior stacks up against other top competitors? Take a stroll through our Lexus NX vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison to find out!
Acura RDX vs. Lexus NX Safety and Reliability
The final stop on this Acura RDX vs. Lexus NX journey is an important one: safety and reliability. According to industry experts, Lexus NX vs. Acura reliability ratings are nearly identical. In fact, these two SUVs take first and second place at RepairPal.com for reliability in their segment, and both maintain superlative KBB® scores. With such an even matchup, where's the tie-breaker?
In short, it's safety. The new Acura RDX might have a refreshed exterior and a few cabin upgrades, but its safety systems are still on par with non-luxury SUVs. Every Acura RDX, from its base model to its flagship A-Spec Advanced Package, comes with basic safety features like Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and a Multiview Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, but innovation for the new model year is lacking.
The obvious winner of Acura RDX vs. Lexus NX safety is the Lexus SUV, which outfits its lineup with some of the most innovative technology in the automotive industry. For example, the new Lexus NX for sale not only comes with a Pre-Collision System, but it also levels up your safety with Pedestrian Detection and Intersection Support. You'll also gain automatic emergency braking through the Lexus NX Proactive Driving Assist system, plus All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management that works even in stop-and-go traffic.
| 2025 Acura RDX | 2025 Lexus NX | |
| Trim Levels | 1 (plus 4 packages) | 7 |
| Engine Type | Gas | Gas / Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl |
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| Horsepower | 272 | 203 / 275 / 240 / 304 |
| Drivetrain | SH-AWD | FWD / AWD |
| EPA-Est MPG (City / Hwy) | 21 / 26 - 27 MPG |
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| Manufacturer-Est All-Electric Range | Not Applicable | 37 mi - PHEV trim |
| Fuel Type | Premium unleaded | Premium unleaded |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs | 2,000 lbs |
| Upholstery | Leatherette / Leather / Perforated leather & Ultrasuede | NuLuxe leatherette / Leather / Perforated leather |
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| Interior Features |
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Amp Up Your Drives in the 2025 Lexus NX SUV
Why settle for a less-than-luxurious Acura RDX when you could hit the road in a high-performance, safety-enhanced Lexus NX? In every category, from specs and design to cabin technology, the 2025 Lexus NX takes the crown. If a luxury SUV is on your wish list, visit DARCARS Lexus of Englewood today to see how our lease specials and finance offers can get you behind the wheel. You deserve a premium vehicle with next-level features, and the 2025 Lexus NX more than delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lexus NX a reliable car?
The Lexus NX holds some of the highest reliability ratings of any SUV in its segment, and 2025 is no exception. The new Lexus NX earns 4.5 stars from KBB®,6 an 82/100 J.D. Power score, an 8.2/10 U.S. News rating,14 and a decade of IIHS Top Safety Pick awards. You'll gain luxury-level safety systems in every Lexus NX trim.
Does Lexus NX require premium gas?
Yes, both the Acura RDX vs. Lexus NX require premium unleaded gasoline to reach their highest performance potentials. The 2025 Acura RDX uses this fuel to power only one engine, no matter which package you add to its base trim. The new Lexus NX offers a choice of four different powertrains, including gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants that can save you even more at the pump.