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The 2026 Acura RDX offers 79.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space against the Lexus NX 350’s 46.9, comes standard with a panoramic moonroof and SH-AWD with torque vectoring, and rides on 19-inch wheels against the NX’s 18s. Driver memory seating is standard on the RDX and requires a trim upgrade on the NX.
Both of these are compact luxury SUVs from Japanese premium brands, and both are cross-shopped constantly by buyers stepping up from a CR-V or a RAV4.
If you have also been looking at the smaller Acura, we compare the ADX against the NX separately — but on size and price the RDX is the closer match.
| Specification | 2026 Acura RDX | 2026 Lexus NX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Max cargo volume | 79.8 cu ft | 46.9 cu ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| All-wheel drive | Standard SH-AWD with torque vectoring | AWD without torque vectoring |
| Wheels | 19-inch alloy | 18-inch alloy |
| Moonroof | Standard power panoramic | Non-panoramic at extra cost; panoramic on top trims |
| Driver-position memory | Standard | Requires Premium trim |
| Touchpad interface | Standard True Touchpad Interface | Not offered |
Base-trim figures as published by each manufacturer. Lexus trim content varies.
79.8 cubic feet against 46.9 is a gap of nearly 33 cubic feet. That is not a trim-level difference; it is a fundamentally more useful load bay.
If you carry bikes, dogs, sports gear or anything from a hardware store on a regular basis, this is the number that should settle it.
| Specification | RDX | NX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Max cargo volume | 79.8 cu ft | 46.9 cu ft |
The RDX uses a 10-speed automatic against the NX 350’s 8-speed — more ratios means quicker acceleration off the line and lower revs at a highway cruise.
SH-AWD is standard on the RDX and adds rear torque vectoring, overdriving the outside rear wheel through a corner. The NX 350 all-wheel-drive system does not offer torque vectoring.
Even in base trim the RDX rides on 19-inch wheels; the NX 350 starts on 18s.
| Specification | RDX | NX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 10-speed | 8-speed |
| Rear torque vectoring | Standard with SH-AWD | Not available |
| Standard wheels | 19-inch | 18-inch |
A power panoramic moonroof is standard on every RDX trim. On the NX 350 a non-panoramic moonroof is available at extra cost, and a panoramic one appears only on higher trims.
Driver-position memory is standard on the RDX; on the NX 350 it requires stepping up to the Premium trim. If two people share the car, that is a daily convenience rather than a spec-sheet item.
The RDX uses Acura’s True Touchpad Interface, an absolute-position touchpad that maps directly to the screen. The NX uses a touchscreen. Try both — this is a genuine preference split.
| Specification | RDX | NX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Panoramic moonroof | Standard on every trim | Top trims only |
| Driver-position memory | Standard | Premium trim required |
| Touchpad interface | Standard | Not offered |
Lexus reliability and resale value is well documented and consistently strong. Over a long ownership period that can offset a good deal of upfront difference.
The NX is available as the NX 350h hybrid and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid. The RDX has no hybrid variant at all. If your commute is long or mostly urban, the fuel savings are substantial and worth modeling before you decide.
The NX is the smaller, lighter vehicle and easier to park, and Lexus dealer service experience consistently rates near the top of owner surveys.
The RDX wins decisively on cargo space, standard equipment and drivetrain sophistication. For a family that uses the load bay, it is not a close call.
The NX wins if you want a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, or if Lexus resale and service reputation is what you are buying.
Fold the seats in both and look at the space before you decide. Then drive them, because the touchpad question really does split people.
The RDX offers 79.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume against 46.9 in the NX 350 — a difference of nearly 33 cubic feet.
Not as standard. A non-panoramic moonroof is available at extra cost and a panoramic roof appears only on higher trims. A power panoramic moonroof is standard on every 2026 Acura RDX.
No, it requires upgrading to the Premium trim. Driver-position memory is standard on every RDX.
No. Acura does not offer a hybrid RDX. Lexus offers the NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, which is a real advantage if fuel economy is your priority.
The RDX rides on 19-inch alloy wheels even in base trim. The NX 350 starts on 18-inch wheels.
On size and price the RDX is the closer match to the NX 350. The ADX is Acura’s smaller entry SUV, and we compare it to the NX on a separate page if that is the size you are considering.
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.