Acura RDX vs Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2025 Acura RDX, positioned between the smaller ADX and the larger MDX, offered a blend of elegance and sportiness. Available in base, A-Spec, and Platinum Elite A-Spec trims, it featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive as standard. The RDX's design updates for 2025 included a frameless grille and new wheel designs, enhancing its visual appeal. The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim boasted a sportier look with gloss black accents and a finned rear diffuser, while the interior featured full leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and premium materials, creating a luxurious atmosphere.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, particularly the NX 350h F Sport 3, was characterized by its bold and intricate design. The front showcased a large spindle grille and LED headlights, while the profile maintained a sporty yet understated look. Inside, the NX combined modern technology with a sporty aesthetic, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen angled toward the driver. The F Sport 3 trim added sporty elements like dark graphite aluminum trim and Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery, enhancing the overall upscale feel.

The 2025 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission, paired with Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, provided a dynamic driving experience. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) allowed drivers to choose from Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Snow modes, adjusting powertrain response and steering effort. Despite its lively performance, the RDX's fuel economy was less impressive, with a combined rating of 10.3 L/100 km for A-Spec trims. The RDX's driving dynamics were enjoyable, with crisp steering and responsive brakes, though it lacked the thrill sought by driving enthusiasts.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, offered a combined output of 240 horsepower. While it featured adaptive dampers and a firmer suspension, it wasn't built for aggressive cornering. The NX's handling was controlled but not sporty, and the steering, though weighty, lacked feedback. The hybrid powertrain provided adequate acceleration, with a 0 to 96 km/h time of 7.2 seconds, but the drivetrain felt less engaging. The NX 450h plug-in hybrid variant offered more power at 340 hp for those seeking a more spirited drive.

The 2025 Acura RDX's Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, along with a heated steering wheel. While front seat comfort was commendable, rear seat comfort was less satisfactory due to a flat cushion and excessive recline angle. The RDX offered generous storage space, with 835 litres of cargo capacity expanding to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior layout was practical, though the TTI infotainment system's touchpad remained a compromise.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid's F Sport 3 model provided well-bolstered front seats with ample room for tall adults. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control enhanced comfort. The rear seat offered adequate space for average-sized adults, though legroom was limited. The NX's cargo space was relatively low for its class, with 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with them folded. The coupe-like roofline contributed to the limited cargo capacity, but it remained practical for everyday use.

The 2025 Acura RDX featured a 10.2-inch display controlled by the TTI touchpad, which required some acclimation. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa Built-in, along with a premium sound system in higher trims. The RDX also offered SiriusXM satellite radio, AcuraLink connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, with navigation available on all but the base model.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid came standard with a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with SiriusXM compatibility. Optional features included a head-up display, wireless phone charger, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The NX's infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick responses and convenient controls for volume and climate settings.

The 2025 Acura RDX came equipped with the AcuraWatch safety package, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like 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 Lexus NX Hybrid excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. It featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Optional safety features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera. The NX performed well in crash tests, with high ratings in frontal and side impacts.