At a Glance
Power
272hp @ 6500
400hp @ 5500
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1600
415lb-ft @ 3500
Fuel
25 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
—
5000lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the Acura Rdx and the Ford Explorer is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Rdx delivers 272hp @ 6500 while the Ford Explorer produces 400hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Rdx returns 25 mpg est. while the Explorer uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $38,400 for the Rdx and $54,905 for the Explorer. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
272hp @ 6500
400hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1600
415lb-ft @ 3500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
25 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28mpg
25 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.1gal
20.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
186.7in
198.8in
Width (in)
74.8in
78.9in
Height (in)
65.7in
69.6in
Wheelbase (in)
108.3in
119.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3783lbs
4670lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Rdx
Value
Rdx
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Acura Rdx
Better fuel economy (25 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($38,400)
Few notable weaknesses
Ford Explorer
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rdx or Explorer?
The Rdx gets 25 mpg est. and the Explorer gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Rdx is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Rdx or Explorer?
The Rdx produces 272hp @ 6500 and 280lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the Explorer delivers 400hp @ 5500 and 415lb-ft @ 3500 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Rdx and Explorer?
The Rdx starts from $38,400 and the Explorer from $54,905. The Rdx is cheaper by $16,505 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Rdx or Explorer?
The Rdx has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Explorer can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Rdx or the Explorer?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.