2026 Lexus NX vs. 2026 Acura RDX: Comparing Two Luxury SUVs near Woodland Hills

The 2026 Lexus NX and 2026 Acura RDX are two of the most cross-shopped compact luxury SUVs in the San Fernando Valley — and they start within a few hundred dollars of each other. The NX 350 opens at $46,120, while the Acura RDX begins at $46,550. From there, the two diverge in meaningful ways: the NX leads on horsepower, towing, fuel economy, and IIHS safety recognition, while the RDX answers with a larger cabin and more cargo room. Whether you’re commuting along Ventura Boulevard or heading toward the Santa Monica Mountains for the weekend, here’s how they compare.

Performance & Powertrain

Both SUVs use a turbocharged four-cylinder, but they’re tuned differently. The NX 350 pairs a 2.4L turbo four producing 275 hp and 317 lb-ft with an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. The RDX runs a 2.0L turbo four making 272 hp and 280 lb-ft through a 10-speed automatic and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The NX holds a slight horsepower edge and delivers smooth, linear power well-suited to stop-and-go Encino traffic, while the RDX’s SH-AWD and 10-speed lean toward a sportier feel.

Fuel Economy

The gas NX 350 carries an EPA-estimated 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG. The RDX returns 21 / 27 / 23 for most trims, with A-Spec models dropping to 26 on the highway. The NX edges the RDX by 1 mpg combined. Both require premium unleaded fuel.

EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.

Interior Space & Capacity

The RDX is the larger vehicle in every exterior dimension and offers notably more cargo room. The NX trades some of that space for a more compact footprint that’s easier to maneuver and park in tight Valley lots. Notably, the NX out-tows the RDX — 2,000 pounds versus 1,500 — making it the better choice for a small trailer or weekend gear hauler. Inside, the NX offers standard synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, available ventilated front seats, and standard dual-zone climate control; the RDX counters with a roomier second row and more usable cargo volume behind it.

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.

Technology & Infotainment

The NX comes standard with a 9.8-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen and offers an available 14.0-inch display — larger than the RDX’s standard 10.2-inch HD center display. Both include standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspots, and over-the-air updates. The NX offers an available Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system and the convenience of an available Digital Key; the RDX counters with an available ELS Studio 3D 16-speaker system and available wireless phone charging on its upper trims.

Safety

This is where the NX pulls ahead. The 2026 Lexus NX earns the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award — its highest honor — backed by the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite. The 2026 Acura RDX does not hold a current IIHS award for the model year, though it earns Good ratings in the individual crashworthiness tests it has completed, with standard AcuraWatch. Both SUVs include standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. The NX additionally includes standard Intersection Collision Mitigation and Evasive Steering Assistance.

Safety and driver-assistance systems are supplemental and do not replace attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on weather, road, and other conditions and may not detect or prevent every collision. IIHS ratings referenced are current as of publication; see iihs.org for the latest results.

Value & Warranty

Both SUVs are priced closely at the entry point, with the NX 350 starting slightly below the RDX. The NX 350 keeps a streamlined gas lineup with standard AWD on every trim, while the RDX offers a wider package ladder. All figures below include the manufacturer’s destination charge.

On coverage, the two are closely matched: both offer a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. Lexus distinguishes itself with 4-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance (Acura’s is 4-year/50,000-mile), and Lexus hybrid and plug-in models add 8-year/100,000-mile battery coverage. Both include corrosion-perforation coverage — 6 years/unlimited miles for Lexus and 5 years/unlimited miles for Acura.

Warranty coverage is subject to change and varies by model, model year, and configuration, and may include additional terms, conditions, and exclusions. See the manufacturer’s official warranty documentation and your dealer for complete details.

MSRP for new vehicles covers manufacturer/distributor equipment and logistics fees, all of which are subject to revision. It does not account for taxes, registration, dealer-installed additions, or other local charges. MSRP is not a retail advertisement; actual dealer pricing will vary. The dealer sets the final price.

Compare the Lexus NX at Lexus of Woodland Hills

If you’re weighing the two, the NX makes its case on efficiency, towing, standard safety recognition, and a marginally lower starting price; the RDX answers with more cargo space and a larger cabin. Explore the lineup in our 2026 Lexus NX Overview, or see how the NX compares to the larger Lexus RX. Visit Lexus of Woodland Hills at 21701 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364, or call our sales team at (818) 276-9964.