Acura RDX vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2025 Acura RDX was positioned between the smaller ADX and the larger three-row MDX in Acura's lineup. It was available in base, A-Spec, and Platinum Elite A-Spec trims, all featuring a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. Prices ranged from $57,526 to $66,356, including destination charges. The Platinum Elite A-Spec model, priced at $64,756, showcased a refreshed design with a frameless grille, new wheel designs, and additional paint options like Solar Silver and Urban Grey Pearl. The A-Spec treatment added a sportier look with gloss black accents and a finned rear diffuser, while the interior boasted full leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and premium materials.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was offered in two trims: Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy, integrating seamlessly into the gas-only Palisade lineup. The base Luxury trim featured 20-inch alloy wheels and a massive grille with LED headlights. The Palisade's profile included body-colour, heated side mirrors with power-folding capabilities. The rear design was equally striking, with wide-spaced letters and LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid impressed with H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added Nappa leather upholstery and advanced features, creating a rich sense of craftsmanship.

The 2025 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, capable of directing up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featuring adaptive-damping suspension. The RDX's fuel economy was rated at 9.9 L/100 km combined for the base trim and 10.3 L/100 km for A-Spec trims, though real-world driving averaged 14.6 L/100 km.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, producing a combined 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and hybrid system optimized power distribution, enhancing performance and fuel efficiency. The Palisade Hybrid offered a quiet and smooth ride, with noise-absorbing materials and acoustic glass minimizing cabin noise. The steering was sharp, though the pedal feel was softer, creating a slight disconnect in driver inputs.

The 2025 Acura RDX's Platinum Elite A-Spec trim offered 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard rear seats. The interior featured soft-touch surfaces and generous storage space, including 835 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded. The RDX's interior layout was practical, though the TTI infotainment system's touchpad compromised the centre console design.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid provided 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but surpassing others like the Ford Explorer and Mazda CX-90. The second-row legroom was slightly reduced due to the battery placement, but the third row offered competitive space. The Palisade Hybrid's cabin was comfortable, with dual-zone climate control, multiple USB-C outlets, and available captain's chairs. The interior featured numerous storage solutions, enhancing practicality.

The 2025 Acura RDX featured a 10.2-inch display controlled by the TTI touchpad, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa Built-in. The infotainment system included SiriusXM satellite radio, AcuraLink connected services, and a premium sound system with 16 speakers. The TTI touchpad required acclimation, but voice commands and physical controls reduced its necessity.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, supporting HD and Sirius XM radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Driver Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows. Most trims included a 14-speaker Bose stereo, and the Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured a built-in dashcam. The Palisade Hybrid introduced "Stay Mode," allowing climate control and infotainment use with the engine off.

The 2025 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, a comprehensive safety package including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, 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 rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid included a suite of ADAS features, such as blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, and the rear doors featured a safe-exit alert. While crash-test ratings for the 2026 model were unavailable, the 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.