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The 2026 Acura RDX makes 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft against the Volvo XC60 B5’s 247 horsepower and 266 lb-ft, and starts at $45,100 against $47,100. The RDX adds a 10-speed automatic, standard SH-AWD with torque vectoring, a 12-way driver’s seat and a powertrain warranty two years longer.
The XC60 has been one of the most quietly desirable vehicles in this class for years, largely on the strength of Volvo’s interior design and safety record.
On specification, though, the RDX is the more powerful and better-equipped vehicle for less money, and the gap is wider than the sticker suggests.
| Specification | 2026 Acura RDX | 2026 Volvo XC60 B5 |
|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $45,100 | $47,100 |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 247 hp @ 5,400 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| All-wheel drive | Standard SH-AWD with torque vectoring | Available AWD without torque vectoring |
| Wheels and tires | 19-inch, P235/55 R19 | 18-inch, 235/60 R18 |
| Power driver seat | 12-way standard, 16-way available | 10-way standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Optional |
| Multi-view rear camera | Standard | Available |
| Powertrain limited warranty | 6 years / 70,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Base-trim figures as published by each manufacturer.
25 more horsepower and 14 more lb-ft of torque, through two more transmission ratios. In a vehicle this size that translates to noticeably easier overtaking and less shifting on a grade.
SH-AWD is standard on the RDX with torque vectoring across the rear axle. On the XC60 B5, all-wheel drive is available rather than standard, and it does not vector torque.
The RDX also runs a larger 19-inch wheel with a lower-profile tire against the XC60’s 18-inch setup.
| Specification | RDX | XC60 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 272 hp | 247 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed | 8-speed |
| Torque vectoring | Standard | Not offered |
Adaptive cruise control, including low-speed follow, is standard on the RDX. On the XC60 it is optional. For a daily commute on Highway 99 that is the single feature most likely to change how the drive feels.
The multi-view rear camera is standard on the RDX and available on the XC60. The driver’s seat is 12-way power as standard on the RDX with 16-way available, against 10-way on the Volvo.
| Specification | RDX | XC60 |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Optional |
| Low-speed follow | Standard | Available |
| Multi-view rear camera | Standard | Available |
| Power driver seat | 12-way standard, 16-way available | 10-way |
The RDX uses Acura’s True Touchpad Interface. Volvo uses a portrait touchscreen running Google built-in, which is a genuinely good system — but it puts more functions behind screen taps.
Acura covers the RDX powertrain for 6 years or 70,000 miles against 4 years or 50,000 miles on the XC60.
| Specification | RDX | XC60 |
|---|---|---|
| Touchpad interface | Standard True Touchpad Interface | Not offered |
| Powertrain limited warranty | 6 years / 70,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Volvo’s safety engineering record is genuine and long-standing, and the XC60 has performed strongly in independent crash testing for multiple generations.
The XC60 is offered as a plug-in hybrid with meaningful electric-only range. The RDX has no hybrid variant. For a household with home charging, that changes the running-cost calculation completely.
The XC60 interior is one of the most distinctive in the class, and Volvo’s Google built-in infotainment is excellent if you live in that ecosystem.
The RDX is more powerful, better equipped and less expensive, with standard torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and a longer warranty. On the numbers it is the stronger buy.
The XC60 is the better choice if you want a plug-in hybrid, or if Volvo’s interior design and safety reputation is what you are actually paying for.
Both are worth driving. The adaptive cruise difference alone is worth confirming on a test drive if you commute.
Yes. The RDX makes 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The XC60 B5 makes 247 horsepower and 266 lb-ft.
No, it is optional on the XC60. Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow is standard on every 2026 Acura RDX.
The RDX starts at $45,100 and the XC60 B5 starts at $47,100. The RDX also includes standard all-wheel drive, adaptive cruise and a multi-view camera that are optional or unavailable on the Volvo.
No. All-wheel drive on the XC60 B5 is available and distributes torque front to rear, but it does not vector torque across the rear axle. Acura’s standard SH-AWD does.
No. Volvo offers a plug-in hybrid XC60; Acura does not offer a hybrid or plug-in hybrid RDX.
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.