The Acura RDX vs. MDX: What's The Difference?
We break down the differences between Acura's RDX and MDX: how they stack up when it comes to exterior, interior, performance, technology, pricing, and more.
Acura is a prominent brand with luxury designs with a sporty performance. Two of the most famous vehicles in their lineup include the RDX and MDX. While they are similar in many ways, there are some serious differences between the Acura RDX Vs. MDX. It’s vital to know these to ensure the right decision for your next vehicle.
There are many Acuras to choose and two of the sportiest, sleekest selections include the RDX and MDX. There are some distinct differences and a clear winner between the two in our option. Read on to learn more about the differences in the exterior, interior, performance, features, and beyond.
Acura RDX vs. MDX: Exterior
The first consideration is the exterior of the RDX and the MDX. The larger the exterior of the vehicle, the more room there is inside the machine. The MDX is the winner in terms of physical size.
Here are the dimensions in the RDX and MDX, respectively:
- Total Length: 187.4⁄198.4 inches
- Wheelbase: 108.3⁄113.8 inches
- Width (with mirrors): 74.8⁄78.4 inches
- Height: 65.7⁄67.1 inches
- Ground clearance: 8.2⁄6.7-9.4 inches
The MDX is the winner in almost every category here.
The larger size of the Acura MDX means more room inside for passengers and cargo. The base ground clearance is also higher than the base Acura RDX ground clearance, which means it’s far easier to go over bumps on the road without worrying about damaging the bottom of the machine.
Size Winner: Acura MDX
Acura RDX vs. MDX: Interior
The interior is the next step when looking at the Acura RDX Vs. MDX. We will focus here on the materials for the interior and the dimensions each rider will find for the headspace and beyond.
Both vehicles come to life with premium materials. They offer unique details that bring a sporty and respectable appearance for the driver.
Here are the measurements for the inside of the RDX and MDX respectively:
- Front row headroom: 40⁄38.5 inches
- Front row legroom: 42⁄41.6 inches
- Back row headroom: 38⁄38.1 inches
- Back row legroom: 38⁄38.5 inches
There is a winner in each portion of the vehicle.
The Acura RDX, despite being smaller on the outside, offers more room than the MDX for passengers and drivers in the front of the vehicle. However, the Acura MDX pulls ahead again with more room in the rear of the car for the passengers’ heads and legs. If you’re tall and don’t use the back row, the RDX is best. However, we’d still give the crown to the MDX here.
Interior Winner: Acura MDX
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Acura RDX vs. MDX: Performance
Next up is the performance of the Acura RDX and MDX. Performance is critical for most people, especially if you care about a fun ride or have to commute often in your Acura selection.
Here are the performance features you’ll see in the Acura RDX:
- Turbocharged VTEC 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
- 272 horsepower
- Super Handling all-wheel drive
The Acura RDX has a solid stance, but it’s nothing compared to what the MDX provides.
Here are the performance abilities of the Acura MDX:
- 3.5-liter V-6 engine
- 290 horsepower
- Super Handling all-wheel-drive and FWD
It’s far more powerful than the RDX selection in horsepower and engine offering.
The MDX also offers a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 if you want more power, providing 355 horsepower. Both vehicles offer a stylish and sporty exterior to emphasize the ability on the road.
Performance Winner: Acura MDX
Acura RDX vs. MDX: Technology and Features
Our second-to-last stop in the Acura RDX Vs. MDX question is the technology and features. Neither fall behind, so any driver will appreciate the futuristic technology built into each system.
Here is the RDX technology and features:
- 10.2-inch HD dual-content center display
- 7-inch multi-information display
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Acura premium audio system
There are also plenty of optional add-ons, such as premium audio systems.
Here is the MDX technology and features:
- 12.3-inch HD dual-content center display
- Alexa built-in
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Wireless charging
There’s also availability here, too, for items like a head-up display.
There are ample features available with both these selections, made to make the experience more enjoyable for the drivers and passengers. While both provide premium selections and upgrades, only one offers wireless charging and a built-in Alexa without paying more.
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Technology and Features Winner: Acura MDX
Acura RDX vs. MDX: Price
Price is the final consideration between these machines, though it might be one of the most critical factors for some. There is a distinct price point difference between each of these Acura selections.
According to caranddriver.com, the Acura RDX offers a starting price of $46,000 for the base trim and goes up to $56,000 for the most expensive models. These price points have risen considerably from previous years.
According to caranddriver.com, the Acura MDX is a little more costly. The MDX starts at $52,250 and goes up to $76,300 for the most expensive trim. Again, these are up from previous price points.
The price point is where the RDX wins by far. It might not have as many features as the MDX, but the starting price is around $8,000 cheaper. That’s a big difference for those who have a limited budget to work with.
Price Winner: Acura RDX
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Acura RDX vs. MDX: Overall
There are ample points of consideration when pondering the Acura RDX Vs. MDX. The Acura MDX wins in most categories, offering better performance and interior technology features. However, the RDX does pull forward in price. Overall, we think the MDX offers more in almost every category.
We’ve done our examination, but the choice is ultimately yours when picking your next vehicle. Taste in a car is subjective and might not be the same for every person. The MDX is the winner, but there might be some who appreciate the more affordable nature of the RDX. Either way, they’re both solid machines.
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