Compared: 2023 Acura RDX vs. 2023 Honda CR-V

Honda | Acura

Article QuickTakes:

• Price
• Fuel Economy
• Interior

The 2023 Honda CR-V is a popular compact SUV that provides a broad range of features wrapped in a practical and affordable package. Its available Hybrid model is more frugal at the fuel pump, and its enormous interior boosts its practicality to the top of the compact class. The similarly sized 2023 Acura RDX adds equipment and style over the CR-V as part of its luxury-oriented mission statement, moving it well past the Honda in terms of performance as well as price, though you might find yourself cross-shopping the two.

Here's how the Acura RDX and Honda CR-V compare when examining their pricing, fuel economy, and interiors.

Acura RDX vs. Honda CR-V: Price

The Honda CR-V's base trim, the front-wheel drive (FWD) LX, starts at $28,045 but it's a fairly barebones model that offers only basic infotainment and creature comforts. The $29,245 CR-V Special Edition is the next step up and adds a stronger list of equipment (including dual-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and heated seats). The generously-equipped CR-V Touring pushes pricing up to $37,845, but includes leather seats, a moonroof, LED exterior lighting, navigation, and standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

A hybrid, AWD version of the CR-V is also available, and it starts at $33,255.

The Acura RDX also offers FWD on its entry-level trim, which retails for $41,795. Given the vehicle's premium market position, its strong feature count includes a moonroof, LED headlights, heated sport seats, and a 10.2 inch infotainment screen. The top-tier RX A-Spec Advance edition adds an adaptive suspension, 20 inch wheels, upgraded interior materials, AWD, and a host of other features for $53,795.

Honda

Acura RDX vs. Honda CR-V: Fuel Economy

The Honda CR-V is available with two engine choices. Gas-only models are equipped with a turbocharged, 1.5L four-cylinder engine that generates 190 hp and 179 lb.-ft. of torque. Matched with a continuously variable automatic transmission, it returns fuel economy estimates of 28 mpg in city driving and 34 mpg on the highway for FWD models. Selecting AWD results in a 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway rating. The CR-V Hybrid, which delivers 212 hp from its 2.0L, four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, is good for 40 mpg in city driving and 35 mpg on the highway.

Every version of the Acura RDX is equipped with a 2.0L, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. With 272 hp, the RDX is considerably quicker than the CR-V, but it pays a price when it comes to fuel economy. The most frugal, FWD RDX features an EPA estimate of 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while the performance-oriented AWD A-Spec model drops those figures to 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

Acura

Acura RDX vs. Honda CR-V: Interior

The five-passenger Honda CR-V counts on a roomy interior that stands tall when compared to other compact SUVs. This is especially true in terms of cargo capability, with its 39 cu.-ft. storage area expanding to 76 cu.-ft. with the rear seat folded flat. Hybrid models are slightly less spacious due to battery placement.

Also offering five-passenger seating, the Acura RDX isn't quite as accommodating when hauling luggage, as its interior storage tops out at 59 cu.-ft. in total (with 30 cu.-ft. available behind the rear row). Passenger room, however, is quite good, with both the RDX and the CR-V providing ample legroom and shoulder room even for those riding in the second row.