RDX vs NX 250
Both the RDX and the NX 250 sit in the compact luxury suv class, and Acura and Lexus are clearly watching each other. Count the areas and a pattern appears. The RDX is ahead in 2 of 3, led by a clear margin in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance RDX wins
- Space & Practicality RDX wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance4.4
- Space & Practicality7.8
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Space & Practicality2.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The RDX has 69 hp more power
This is a headline difference. With 272 hp to the NX 250’s 203 hp, the RDX has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The RDX has 30% more cargo space
Put simply, the RDX is far ahead here: 29.5 cu ft compared with 22.7 cu ft. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
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The RDX has 96 lb-ft more torque
The RDX’s 280 lb-ft leaves the NX 250’s 184 lb-ft well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The RDX has 26% more maximum cargo space
Not a close call. The RDX lists 58.9 cu ft and the NX 250 lists 46.9 cu ft. That’s a substantial gap. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
RDX leads
The RDX clearly takes the engine & performance round. Point to the RDX for 69 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. On engine & performance alone, the RDX gets the nod.
Total system output
RDX: 272 hp NX 250: 203 hp The RDX’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
RDX: 280 lb-ft NX 250: 184 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
RDX leads
If space & practicality is high on your list, the RDX makes the stronger case by a wide margin. On the RDX, you get 30% more cargo space. The RDX’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. Prioritize space & practicality, and the RDX is where you should land.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
RDX: 29.5 cu ft NX 250: 22.7 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Cargo (seats folded)
RDX: 58.9 cu ft NX 250: 46.9 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t off-road & towing. Either car will serve you equally well on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
This section is descriptive. The RDX and the NX 250 list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | RDX | NX 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 272 hp (winner) | 203 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft (winner) | 184 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | N/A (not specified) | FWD (AWD available) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | RDX | NX 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 29.5 cu ft (winner) | 22.7 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 58.9 cu ft (winner) | 46.9 cu ft Least room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | RDX | NX 250 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | RDX | NX 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RDX if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (272 hp vs 203 hp)
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (29.5 cu ft vs 22.7 cu ft)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (280 lb-ft vs 184 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more room with the seats folded (58.9 cu ft vs 46.9 cu ft)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the RDX or the NX 250?
On the specs compared here, the RDX makes more sense for most buyers; the NX 250 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Two companies, two answers to the same question. That’s how I see the RDX from Acura and the NX 250 from Lexus. Honestly, 69 hp more power on the RDX does a lot of the persuading for me. Less flashy, but still real: the RDX brings 30% more cargo space.
Choose by what you’d use most: engine & performance leads to the RDX, the things a spec sheet can’t capture leads to the NX 250.
My pick: the RDX.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.