Which Acura Is Better: The MDX or RDX?

Which Acura SUV is right for you? Read on to see if the space of the MDX or the price tag of the RDX is better for you.
Written by Katie Dyer
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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With a wide variety of dependable, high-class vehicles,
Acura
is always striving to provide what the American customer wants, and in today’s day and age, people want SUVs and crossovers. For those looking to grab an Acura in that segment, the Acura MDX vs. RDX debate can be a tough one. 
Both 2020 model vehicles have lots to offer, but which one of these vehicles is right for you? Jerry, your favorite car insurance
super app
, will break it down for you. 

The RDX

According to
AutoGuide.com
, the two-row RDX is the smaller of the two SUVs, but with the most efficient use of space. It offers 40 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom in the front row, and 38 inches of headroom for the rear seats, resulting in a total passenger volume of 104 feet. 
There’s only engine option, which is a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder that produces 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The ten-speed automatic transmission comes with shift paddles on the steering wheel for a sportier driving experience. If you’re more into four-wheel drive, you can opt for Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive option. 
One of the best features of the RDX is the generous ground clearance. It has 8.2 inches of clearance with both 4WD and front-wheel-drive versions. This exceeds the height of other rugged SUVs like the Jeep Cherokee. The RDX can also tow up to 1,500 pounds. 
Currently, 2020 RDX models are priced around $38,000, depending on options.
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The MDX

The MDX is the three-row SUV from Acura that can transport up to 7 riders, depending on the configuration options chosen for the middle row of seats. Despite it being the bigger of the two SUVs, it has less headroom in the front with 38.5 inches. The second two rows have similar headroom and legroom as the RDX, but the third row shrinks the legroom down to a short 29 inches. 
There are two choices of powertrains for the MDX. Most feature a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. However, the Type S option features Acura’s own 3-liter V6 engine. This will boost the horsepower up to 355 and yield 354 lb-ft of torque for a more thrilling experience. Either engine will feature the same 10-speed auto transmission as the RDX. The towing capacity for the MDX is much higher than that of the RDX, though. Front-wheel-drive versions have a 3,500-lb capacity, and it moves up to 5,000 lbs for the 4WD option. 
While you can fit more people, tow more, and maybe jazz up the engine options in the Acura MDX vs. RDX, maneuvering in and out of tight parking spots is definitely harder in the MDX. For a 2020 MDX, you can expect to pay around $44,000 depending on options and features. 

So, which one is best: Acura MDX vs. RDX?

The decision between the Acura MDX vs. RDX largely depends on what you need out of your car. The smaller RDX produces almost the same amount of power as its big sister, the MDX, but comes in a smaller, more maneuverable package. If you don’t need that third row of seats, the RDX comes out on top, with a smaller price tag, more front-row passenger space, and higher ground clearance.
You get more bang for your buck with the RDX all around. However, if you need to tow more or regularly transport more than 4 people, the MDX is the best choice for you!

Insurance for your Acura

Whichever Acura is right for you, you’re going to need car insurance,
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