Dec 18, 2024
2025 Lexus NX vs. BMW X3

The 2025 Lexus NX and Acura RDX stand out in the luxury SUV segment, featuring style, performance, and cutting-edge technology. While both models offer premium features and exceptional value, their unique design philosophies and driving experiences set them apart. This article provides a car feature comparison between the 2025 Lexus NX and Acura RDX to explore their performance, driving experience, technology, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.

2025 Lexus NX vs. Acura RDX: A Detailed Comparison

The 2025 Lexus NX and the Acura RDX differ in several key ways, including the following:

Design and Style

The 2025 Lexus NX boasts a sleek, modern exterior with bold lines and a distinctive spindle grille, reflecting Lexus’ contemporary design language. LED headlights and taillights add a sophisticated touch, while optional 20-inch alloy wheels and vibrant color choices elevate its sporty appeal. The aerodynamic profile ensures a visually dynamic presence on the road. The NX offers a luxurious interior with premium materials such as leather, open-pore wood, and brushed aluminum. The cabin provides ample space and supportive seating, ensuring optimal comfort on the road.

The Acura RDX offers a sporty exterior design, with a bold pentagon grille, LED lighting, and sculpted body lines, which commands attention on the road. Standard 19-inch wheels and dual exhaust outlets enhance its aggressive stance. RDX’s interior leans toward performance-inspired luxury, featuring high-quality materials such as leatherette and brushed metal. The RDX prioritizes driver engagement with a cockpit-like layout but falls short of the NX’s luxurious sophistication.

Performance and Powertrains

The Lexus NX and Acura RDX performance differ in the following key areas:

Lexus NX vs. Acura RDX Specs: Engine

The 2025 Lexus NX offers four powertrains compared to only one option for the Acura RDX. The four Lexus NX options include the following:

  • A 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 203 horsepower
  • A 2.4-liter turbocharged that produces 275 horsepower
  • A hybrid powertrain that adds two electric motors to the 2.5-liter engine to produce 240 horsepower
  • A hybrid powertrain that provides 304 horsepower

The Acura RDX offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 272 horsepower, placing it in the middle of the Lexus NX options.

The two gas-powered Lexus NX models are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5-liter version offers either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the 2.4-liter comes standard with all-wheel drive. All versions of the Acura RDX come with a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

The fuel efficiency of the different Lexus NX engine options varies, with the 2.5-liter engine providing an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The 2.4-liter engine has a rating of 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The plug-in hybrid versions offer significantly improved fuel efficiency, with the NX350+ delivering 41 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway and the NX450h+ providing 38 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

With the standard all-wheel-drive system, the Acura RDX provides 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, less than any of the Lexus NX models. The RDX A-Spec trim offers 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Technology and Innovations

Both the 2025 Lexus NX and the Acura RDX feature several advanced technologies to enhance your driving experience.

Infotainment and Connectivity Features

The Lexus NX comes with a touch-screen infotainment system with a 9.8-inch screen on the base models, while higher trims have a larger 14-inch screen.  Regardless of which option you select, the infotainment system offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Other available features include a wireless smartphone charging station, a head-up display, and a premium 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system.

The Acura RDX comes standard with a 10.2-inch touch-screen infotainment system. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are standard. Optional features include a built-in navigation system, a 12-speaker ELS Studio audio system, and rear-seat USB ports.

Safety Technologies and Ratings

Both the 2025 Lexus NX and the Acura RDX prioritize safety. Standard features on both models include the following:

  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane-departure warning
  • Lane-keep assist
  • Adaptive cruise control

Other safety features available on both models include front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, depending on the trim level or optional packages you select.

Pricing and Trims

The Lexus NX is available in 11 different configurations based on the powertrain and features you want. The available configurations and their MSRPs include the following:

  • NX250: $41,990
  • NX250 Premium: $43,915
  • NX350: $45,750
  • NX350h: $46,300
  • NX350 Premium: $47,675
  • NX350h Premium: $48,225
  • NX350 F Sport: $50,360
  • NX350 Luxury: $51,815
  • NX350h Luxury: $52,365
  • NX450h+ Luxury: $62,415
  • NX450h+ F Sport: $63,505

The Acura RDX is only available in one trim but offers several packages to improve your model. These options include the following:

  • Base: $44,700
  • Technology: $47,300
  • A-Spec: $50,300
  • Advance: $52,450
  • A-Spec Advance: $54,450

Since the 2025 Lexus NX offers a wide range of trim options, a few of its lower trims are more affordable than the base version of the Acura RX.

Explore the 2025 Lexus NX at Longo Lexus

The 2025 Lexus NX  offers some significant advantages over the Acura RDX such as improved fuel efficiency, stronger performance, and various customization options. If you’re in El Monte, California, we invite you to visit Longo Lexus to explore our inventory of new models firsthand. Our friendly team will answer any questions you may have and help you explore your financing options. Contact us today to schedule a test-drive help you decide whether the 2025 Lexus NX fits your lifestyle.