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The 2026 Acura RDX makes 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft against the Cadillac XT5’s 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft, offers 79.8 cubic feet of cargo space against 63.0, and comes standard with a panoramic moonroof, adaptive cruise control and a 12-way driver’s seat — all extra-cost or unavailable on the XT5.
The XT5 has been in the Cadillac lineup a long time and it shows its age against newer entries in the segment. It is comfortable and reasonably spacious, and Cadillac discounts it hard.
On specification the RDX leads on almost every line, and the margins are not small.
| Specification | 2026 Acura RDX | 2026 Cadillac XT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 235 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1,600–4,500 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1,500–4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Max cargo volume | 79.8 cu ft | 63.0 cu ft |
| Panoramic moonroof | Standard on every trim | Not available on base trim |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Additional cost |
| Power driver seat | 12-way | 8-way |
| Wheels | 19-inch alloy | 18-inch alloy |
| Touchpad interface | Standard True Touchpad Interface | Not offered |
Base-trim figures as published by each manufacturer. Cadillac incentives change frequently.
37 more horsepower and 22 more lb-ft of torque is a substantial margin in this class, and the RDX delivers its peak torque from 1,600 rpm rather than 1,500 but holds it to 4,500 rather than 4,000 — a broader usable band.
The RDX also has one more transmission ratio, ten against nine.
| Specification | RDX | XT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 272 hp | 235 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed | 9-speed |
Maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded is 79.8 cubic feet in the RDX against 63.0 in the XT5. Nearly 17 cubic feet is a meaningful margin in a vehicle this size.
The RDX rides on 19-inch wheels as standard where the XT5 starts on 18s.
| Specification | RDX | XT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Max cargo volume | 79.8 cu ft | 63.0 cu ft |
| Standard wheels | 19-inch | 18-inch |
The power panoramic moonroof is standard on every RDX trim; on the XT5 it is not available on the base trim at all.
Adaptive cruise control is standard on the RDX and an additional cost on the XT5. The driver’s seat is 12-way power on the RDX against 8-way on the Cadillac.
The RDX also has Acura’s True Touchpad Interface, which Cadillac does not offer an equivalent to.
| Specification | RDX | XT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Panoramic moonroof | Standard on every trim | Not available on base trim |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Additional cost |
| Power driver seat | 12-way | 8-way |
Cadillac discounts and lease support on the XT5 are frequently aggressive. If your decision is driven by monthly payment rather than specification, get real numbers on both before you rule it out.
The XT5 has a straightforward, easy-to-learn infotainment system with a conventional touchscreen. If a touchpad controller does not appeal to you, that is a legitimate reason to prefer it.
GM’s dealer network is dense and the XT5 has a long service history, which makes parts and independent repair straightforward.
On power, cargo, standard equipment and wheels, the RDX leads across the board, and by margins large enough to matter in daily use.
The XT5 is worth a look only if the discounted price is materially lower than an RDX and the equipment differences genuinely do not affect how you use the vehicle.
If you are cross-shopping these, price an XT5 with the moonroof and adaptive cruise fitted before you compare stickers.
The RDX makes 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The XT5 makes 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft — a difference of 37 horsepower and 22 lb-ft.
The RDX offers 79.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded against 63.0 cubic feet in the XT5.
No. The panoramic moonroof is not available on the base XT5 trim. It is standard on every 2026 Acura RDX.
No, it is an additional-cost item. Adaptive cruise control is standard on every 2026 Acura RDX as part of AcuraWatch.
Cadillac often runs aggressive incentives on the XT5, so the transaction price can be lower. Compare an XT5 equipped with the moonroof and adaptive cruise against an RDX to see the real gap.
Elk Grove Acura, 8585 Laguna Grove Dr, Elk Grove, CA 95757. Call 833-857-1325.
Elk Grove Acura, 8585 Laguna Grove Dr, Elk Grove, CA 95757. Sales 833-857-1325. Sales hours Monday–Saturday 9 AM–8 PM, Sunday 10 AM–7 PM.
Specifications, features and pricing are as published by each manufacturer at the time of writing and are subject to change. Competitive figures are drawn from manufacturer-published product information. Starting MSRP excludes tax, title, license, destination and handling, registration and documentary fees, and dealer-installed accessories. Dealers set actual selling prices. Feature availability varies by trim and may change during the model year — confirm equipment on the window sticker of the specific vehicle you are considering. Driver-assistance systems are aids only and do not replace safe driving; see the Owner’s Manual for limitations.