2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2025 Acura RDX was positioned between the smaller ADX and the larger three-row MDX in Acura's lineup. It was available in a base level of specification, as well as A-Spec or Platinum Elite A-Spec trims. Each RDX came with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices ranged from $57,526 to $66,356, including the $2,595 destination charge and other fees. The Platinum Elite A-Spec test vehicle, with extra-cost paint, had a Canadian MSRP of $64,756, including destination. The RDX’s styling had aged gracefully, with a frameless grille and new wheel designs. The Platinum Elite A-Spec model featured a sportier look with gloss black exterior accents and a finned rear diffuser panel. Inside, the model boasted full leather upholstery, a panoramic glass sunroof, and ambient lighting, though the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was less desirable.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages depending on the powertrain. The TX 350 came with the Luxury package by default and was also available with Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package and could be optioned with the F Sport 3 package. The grille retained some of the older “spindle grille” shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights. The rear LED lighting spanned the vehicle's width, topped by a small roof spoiler. Three interior colour options were available: standard grey, Birch, and Peppercorn. Ambient lighting added warmth, but overall material quality fell short of luxury standards. Lexus redesigned the door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, a change that seemed unnecessary.

The 2025 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters directed power to all four wheels via Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The SH-AWD could allocate up to 70 percent of engine output to a single rear wheel when needed. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) allowed drivers to choose from Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes. The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured an adaptive-damping suspension. The RDX’s fuel economy was rated at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving for the base trim and 10.3 L/100 km for the A-Spec trims. However, during testing, it averaged 14.6 L/100 km. The RDX was enjoyable to drive, with crisp steering and responsive brakes, though it lacked the thrill of a true performance model.

The base Lexus TX 350 came with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid had a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 had electronically controlled full-time AWD, and the TX 500h used Lexus’s Direct4 AWD system. Drivers could choose from Normal, Eco, or Sport drive modes. Sport mode increased throttle sensitivity, though it wasn’t overly aggressive. The 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2025 Acura RDX Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard rear seats. The front seats were comfortable, though drivers with longer legs might desire more padding on the centre console. Rear seat comfort was less satisfactory due to a flat bottom cushion and excessive backrest recline angle. The RDX offered generous storage space, with 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,668 litres with the seats folded. Three underfloor storage compartments added convenience.

The 2026 Lexus TX included three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. Ventilated second-row seats were standard on the TX 500h. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button on the second-row seat facilitated entry to the third row, though folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but could use more thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row, 1,625 litres with the third row flat, and 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded.

The 2025 Acura RDX featured a 10.2-inch display controlled by the TTI touchpad, which required coordination between the pad and display. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa Built-in. It also offered SiriusXM satellite radio, AcuraLink connected services, and a premium sound system with 16 speakers.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch touchscreen that was easy to use, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but they were multi-functional and unlabeled. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occurred. The TX required a subscription for in-dash navigation and other features. The back-up camera was clear, and the Advanced Park system was available. The TX offered seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2025 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered low-speed braking and a surround-view camera. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane tracing assist, and traffic sign recognition. Proactive Driving Assist applied brakes or steering if the vehicle got too close to another object. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up. The TX received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA and an “Acceptable” rating from the IIHS for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side.