The 2025 Acura RDX and 2025 Lexus NX occupy similar spaces in the compact luxury SUV segment, appealing to buyers seeking a premium experience at a price that might undercut their European competitors. Both models offer two rows of seating, upscale interiors, and a strong roster of standard features, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
While their overall philosophies differ slightly, each blends practicality with refinement, offering a balance of daily comfort and a degree of performance-focused engineering. Yet, after driving them, it is evident that they are different animals.
One philosophical difference comes under the hood. The Lexus NX offers potential buyers a wide range of powertrain choices, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants. At the same time, the Acura RDX utilizes a single turbocharged engine across the lineup.
At the same time, both models target similar buyers who prioritize reliability, comfort, and long-term ownership costs over cutting-edge performance or badge prestige. In terms of size, the RDX is slightly longer and offers a bit more cargo space, but both SUVs provide seating for five and impressive feature sets.
The NX and RDX focus on applied technology that extends from the cabin to comfort amenities to the driver-assistance systems. Each includes wireless smartphone integration, voice control, connected services, and free trial periods for various remote and infotainment features. In terms of standard ADAS, both the RDX and NX outdo many of their more expensive rivals.
Though the NX and RDX have many similarities, their nuances could be the key to determining which is right for your driveway.
2025 Lexus NX 250
For 2025, Lexus offers the NX in six conventional gas-powered trim levels: 250, 250 Premium, 350 AWD, 350 Premium AWD, 350 Luxury AWD, and 350 F Sport Handling AWD. Hybrid variants include the 350h AWD, 350h Premium AWD, 350h Luxury AWD, 450h+ AWD, and the top-tier 450h+ F Sport Handling AWD PHEV. Pricing starts at $42,140 for the entry-level NX 250, while the line-topping NX 450h+ F Sport Handling AWD begins at $63,505. Prices do not include the $1,175 destination charge.
All new 2025 Lexus NX crossovers come with four years of unlimited-mileage roadside assistance. Lexus also provides LexusCare, which covers the first two factory-recommended maintenance services at no extra cost. Buyers receive a three-year trial of Lexus Remote Connect, enabling features such as remote engine start and digital key functionality. Lexus Wi-Fi Connect offers a 30-day or 3GB trial of in-vehicle hotspot access.
The 2025 Acura RDX offers shoppers a single trim plus four add-on packages that are essentially trim levels. From top to bottom, they all share the same engine and drivetrain, but the four packages—Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance (see what they did there?)—provide differentiation.
The base RDX is the entry-level trim with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $44,700. At the top of the scale, the heavily equipped RDX with the A-Spec Advance package has a starting MSRP of $54,450. Prices do not include the $1,350 destination charge.
Acura offers 2025 RDX customers complimentary roadside assistance coverage for four years or 50,000 miles and free scheduled maintenance for one year or 12,000 miles. New RDX buyers get Basic connectivity for their ownership period, three-year trials of Security and Remote services, and a six-month trial of Concierge services.
Advantage: Lexus NX
Why? The NX and RDX are very competitively priced, but the NX offers buyers more powertrain options.
2025 Acura RDX
The Lexus NX does not rank among the top three models in the Compact Premium SUV segment in the JD Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership.
The NX also does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), which tracks problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days.
The 2025 Lexus NX offers a standard warranty of four years or 50,000 miles and a powertrain warranty of six years or 70,000 miles.
The Acura RDX does not rank among the top three models in the Compact Premium SUV segment in the 2025 VDS or the 2024 IQS. Its warranty coverage matches the NX.
Advantage: Neither
Why? Neither model ranks among the top three in its segment in initial quality or vehicle dependability, and they offer identical warranty coverage.
2025 Lexus NX 250
The 2025 Lexus NX has multiple powertrain options to suit different driving preferences. The base NX 250 has a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The NX 350 uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 275 hp and 317 pound-feet of torque. The NX 350h AWD features a hybrid system with a total output of 240 hp, while the NX 450h+ PHEV offers 304 hp and an electric-only range of up to 37 miles.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2025 Lexus NX 250 achieves 28 mpg in combined driving, while the turbocharged NX 350 returns 24 mpg combined. Hybrid options offer improved economy, with the NX 350h delivering an estimated 39 mpg combined, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid achieving a combined 84 MPGe.
Inside, the NX features a modern, upscale cabin with seating for five and quality materials throughout. Cargo space measures 22.7 cubic feet behind the second row and expands to 46.9 cubic feet when you fold the rear seats. All versions of the 2025 NX include a power liftgate as standard, with a hands-free, kick-activated version available as an optional upgrade.
Every 2025 Acura RDX uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 272 hp and 280 pound-feet of torque. The engine teams with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). According to the EPA, every 2025 RDX is estimated to deliver 23 mpg in combined driving.
The five-passenger Acura RDX offers strong build quality, solid standard features, and a sportier feel than many of its luxury SUV rivals. However, it doesn't fully match their refinement or high-tech appeal. Longer and wider than the NX, the RDX is roomier too. It offers 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. With the second row folded, the cargo area climbs to 79.8 cubic feet. A power-operated liftgate is standard, and the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages feature hands-free access.
Advantage: Lexus NX
Why? While the RDX is sportier and has more interior room, the NX offers more powertrain choices, including a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.
2025 Acura RDX
At this point, it is reasonable for any consumer to expect a brand-new vehicle to include the following safety features:
So, how do the NX and RDX stack up? Let's take a look.
The 2025 Lexus NX has a robust array of standard ADAS as part of the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) package. While blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings are technically separate from LSS+ 3.0, Lexus includes both features on every NX trim. Other plus-level technologies include adaptive cruise control with curve-speed adjustment, lane-centering assistance, and Proactive Driving Assist, which offers automatic braking and steering assistance when navigating curves.
Regarding crash safety, as of this writing, the 2025 NX has not yet received an overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) designated the 2025 NX as a Top Safety Pick—the Institute’s second-highest accolade—for the 2024 calendar year. The IIHS has yet to carry that designation over to the 2025 model.
Every 2025 Acura RDX comes equipped with the features listed at the beginning of this section, most of which are contained in its AcuraWatch ADAS collection. The automaker includes several additional standard systems, including traffic-sign recognition and adaptive cruise control with low-speed following capability. A rearview camera washer is standard on all but the base RDX, and Acura includes a surround-view camera system in the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages.
The 2025 RDX received the highest-possible five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Meanwhile, the IIHS named the 2025 RDX a Top Safety Pick for 2024 but has not indicated if the honor will carry through the 2025 calendar year.
Advantage: Neither
Why? The RDX has a five-star NHTSA safety rating, while the NX has a somewhat more robust level of ADAS.
2025 Lexus NX 350 F Sport Handling AWD
Lexus equips the 2025 NX with a proprietary infotainment system developed in-house. The automaker equips most NX trims with a 9.8-inch touchscreen, while a larger 14-inch display is standard on the 450h+ models and optional on others. Both screen sizes support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, have Bluetooth connectivity, and include a three-month SiriusXM Platinum satellite radio trial. The 450h+ F Sport Handling AWD trim has a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system; it’s also available on select other trims.
Lexus equips all NX crossovers with Remote Connect, offering functions like remote engine start, vehicle diagnostics, and service scheduling. Buyers also receive a three-year Drive Connect trial, which includes cloud-based navigation, voice-command capability, and destination search features. Additionally, every 2025 NX offers Wi-Fi Connect, providing hotspot functionality with a 30-day or 3GB trial for multiple connected devices.
Lexus outfits the NX with a standard digital e-Latch door-release system, which works with the SUV’s safe-exit assistance system. This setup helps prevent passengers from opening doors into traffic or toward oncoming cyclists and pedestrians, enhancing safety for all occupants, not to mention the cyclists and pedestrians.
The 2025 Acura RDX features a 10.2-inch display controlled exclusively through a center-console touchpad rather than by touching the display screen, which can be unintuitive and frustrating. Sadly, the natural-language voice-command system doesn't help much. The pluses include standard Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the entire lineup. Navigation with a 3D view comes on all but the base RDX. The two top equipment packages also feature a head-up display and 16-speaker audio.
AcuraLink provides RDX buyers access to a variety of connected services. The basic service, including 24/7 roadside assistance, is complimentary. Security, which provides services like automatic emergency calling, and Remote, which includes vehicle locking and unlocking and a stolen-vehicle locator, are complimentary for three years. The Concierge plan, which provides the ability to make hotel and restaurant reservations, is free for six months.
The RDX’s Low Speed Braking Control uses sonar sensors to detect nearby obstacles and helps prevent low-speed collisions by applying the brakes and/or reducing engine power when a front or rear collision seems imminent. Operating between one and six mph, it provides visual and audible warnings when it senses a potential crash, then applies brakes or suppresses acceleration if needed. The system is standard in all RDX packages.
Advantage: Lexus NX
Why? The Lexus NX offers the availability of a bigger display, and its touchscreen operation is more intuitive than the RDX's console-mounted touchpad.
2025 Acura RDX A-Spec with Advance Package
The 2025 Lexus NX offers buyers a wide range of powertrain options, including a naturally aspirated four-cylinder, a turbocharged engine, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid. However, the variety doesn’t translate into an especially engaging driving experience. The fundamental limitation lies in the NX’s overall demeanor, which leans more toward comfort than excitement. Although the interior is well-finished and upscale, the Lexus SUV lacks the dynamic character that many would prefer in their luxury SUV.
From a technology standpoint, Lexus has introduced an optional larger touchscreen. However, it still falls short compared to the more advanced and integrated digital systems in rivals like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Lexus does include more standard ADAS features than many European competitors, yet its infotainment and user interface are only serviceable. While Lexus prices the NX more affordably than its German counterparts, the potential cost savings don’t fully compensate for its limited capacity to thrill.
The 2025 Acura RDX strikes a winning balance between sportiness and everyday usability. With a sleek exterior, a willing powertrain, and a driver-focused cabin, the RDX feels sportier than the base Lexus NX 250. As you climb the NX range, though, the Lexus offers a variety of powertrain choices, while the RDX has but one. Slightly longer than the NX, the RDX is spacious and well-equipped, providing value for buyers who want cargo space and premium features without the steep price tags of its European rivals.
While the RDX is a solid choice from many points of view, its key stumbling block is its infotainment system, which remains a sticking point despite recent updates. Acura’s touchpad-based interface is less intuitive than the touchscreen systems found in competitors like the NX, and it can be frustrating. And the RDX doesn’t quite match the luxury ambiance of its and the NX’s European competitors. For those willing to trade a bit of polish for a lower price, the 2025 RDX is a smart, well-rounded pick in the crowded luxury SUV market.
Advantage: Neither
Why? From a driving dynamics point of view, I prefer the RDX to the NX, but the Acura’s infotainment system could be a deal-breaker.
If you’d like to learn more about these models, read our expert reviews of the Lexus NX and the Acura RDX. To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Additionally, please note that although the information in this article was accurate and up to date as of April 23, 2025, it may have since changed. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of MotorTrend, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack currently hosts the Sports Byline Network program "America on the Road," available on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Audacy, Amazon Music, and other platforms.
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