If you’re shopping for a new luxury compact crossover you’ve probably noticed it’s a jam-packed segment full of intriguing offers. However, two stand out amongst this highly competitive space—the Acura RDX and the Lexus NX are both efficient and altogether a good package for a lot of South Dakota drivers. The RDX has a more sporty feel, while the NX puts its emphasis on elegance, but what really makes them a good fit?
In this comparison we dive into the design, technology, standard safety features and more for both the Acura RDX and Lexus NX. This way you can choose the vehicle that’s right for you. If you’re still having doubts, or have any other questions, and want to feel what it’s like behind the wheel of the RDX you can schedule a test drive with the team at Vern Eide Acura in Sioux Falls. We’d be more than happy to help you on your car buying journey.
The Acura RDX offers a sporty vibe, with unique features built-in throughout. Like the ambient lighting, heated front seats and dual climate control. They didn’t skimp on the tech inside the cabin either, with a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Wi-Fi Hotspot, and available features like built-in navigation, rear-seat USB ports, and a 12-speaker ELS Studio audio system. The RDX also comes standard with a moonroof, whereas it’s available on the Lexus NX.
Speaking of the Lexus NX, it’s interior features a more luxurious feel. It has a modern aesthetic that is pulled together with heated rear seats, black open-pore wood trim, and a 64-color ambient interior lighting system. Technologically it doesn’t disappoint either, except its touchscreen infotainment system starts at 9.8-inches, while the upper trims can support a screen up to 14-inches. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a 10-speaker stereo, with the ability to upgrade to a premium 17-speaker Mark Levinson system.
As for interior space, the RDX is a bit roomier, with 42-inches of legroom in the front row, and 38-inches in the back. While the NX has 41-inches of legroom in the front row and 36.1 in the back. So overall these two vehicles have their own traits that make them unique, but it ultimately comes down to your lifestyle.
If you’re looking for steady performance out of your next vehicle, the RDX is the one for you. With a turbocharged aluminum-alloy 4-cylinder engine, the RDX is capable of 272-horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. You’ll be able to pass and merge with confidence around a busy Sioux Falls community, while maintaining a combined EPA estimated 24 MPG.
The Lexus NX lacks performance power with their standard 2.5-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine capable of 203-horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It makes up for its lack of performance with a higher gas mileage, as well as a hybrid option that’s capable of producing a whopping combined EPA estimated 39 MPG.
At the base models, the RDX is for South Dakota drivers looking for a little more power out of their drive.
When it comes to cargo space, one of South Dakota drivers many wants in a new vehicle, the RDX shines bright. With 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, and a solid 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. That’s more than enough space to carry the necessities for family vacations or bringing home large quantities of groceries from the store.
The Lexus NX lacks in this category as well, forfeiting up to seven cubic feet of cargo space in its interior. You’ll have a total of 22.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats in place, and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded down. It’s still a decent amount of space, but you’ll have to travel lighter in some instances.
The Lexus NX comes standard with a host of safety features under their Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite. This includes standard features like pre-collision with pedestrian detection and intersection support, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, and intelligent high beams. The NX also has additional features like an anti-lock braking system, intuitive parking assist with automatic breaking, and smart stop technology.
You’ll find similar features, and a couple others, inside the Acura RDX. Each RDX comes standard with Acura’s suite of safety features—AcuraWatch. This includes features like collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition. They also have additional safety features like blind spot information system, rear cross traffic monitor, pedestrian detection, and low speed emergency braking.
Both vehicles have earned the title of an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ so you can have added peace of mind behind the wheel.
