Compare Acura RDX

How Does the 2026 Acura RDX Compare to the Audi Q5 and BMW X3?

Acura has made a name for itself as one of the market's go-to brands for luxury vehicles. When you drive home in a new model like the Acura RDX, you'll enjoy everything from premium-market features to high-performance engines and more.

The thing is, SUVs like the Acura RDX aren't the only vehicles out there that can boast that. The luxury vehicle market is one of the most competitive spaces in the automotive world, and Acura is always vying for attention with other SUVs like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.

So which one's right for you? That's the real question, and the sales team at Acura of Pleasanton would be happy to help you learn. Let's look at these three models and see everything they have to offer.

Performance

The Acura RDX is a powerful SUV, especially for the compact segment. New models hit the road with a standard 272-horsepower turbocharged powertrain that can likewise deliver up to 280 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, it delivers a responsive and dynamic ride.

The Audi Q5, by comparison, hits the road with a standard 268 horsepower powertrain. The BMW X3, meanwhile, offers a standard 255-horsepower engine. There is a more powerful 393-horsepower model available, but you'll need to pay for an expensive upgrade to enjoy it.

Interior

The Acura RDX offers comfortable seating for up to five, complete with 29.5 cubic feet of rear cargo storage. The Audi Q5 also delivers five seats for the driver and passengers, along wth the 25.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The BMW X3 offers a little more space, with 32 cubic feet of rear storage space and seating for up to five.

Media Technology

If you're looking for an SUV with rich media features, the Acura RDX offers a robust suite that's designed to impress. Every new model comes with a crisp, 10.2-inch infotainment screen. This comes complete with coveted media technologies, including wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in Wi-Fi, among others. An optional technology package can add in built-in navigation and a luxury 12-speaker ELS Studio sound system.

The Audi Q5 does offer a few perks over the Acura RDX in terms of its media suite. Its standard touchscreen is 14.5 inches, and its Bang & Olufsen surround system comes with 16 speakers. The BMW X3 comes with a 14.9-inch touchscreen and an optional 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Both models offer a solid selection of media connectivity apps.

Safety

If safety is your "must-have" feature, you'll find all three SUVs well-equipped. The Acura RDX offers a thorough standard safety suite, including options like forward-collision warnings, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warnings, and lane-keeping assistance, among others.

The Audi Q5 and BMW X3 offer a similar selection of active assistance technology, delivering peace of mind along with their premium features and amenities.

Why is the New Acura RDX the Right SUV for Me?

While the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 deliver some advantages in the media technology department, the Acura RDX is a superior SUV when it comes to items like performance, space, and more. When you add in Acura's reputation for reliability and value, the answer is clear. You'll enjoy a better experience driving home in the Bay Area in the new Acura RDX.

Don't take our word for it, though. Acura of Pleasanton would love to set you up with a test drive in one of our new Acura SUVs. A few minutes behind the wheel are all you'll need to understand just how much this exciting new model has to offer.