VS
At a Glance
Power
272hp @ 6500
180hp @ 5800
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1600
178lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
25 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Towing
—
2700lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Acura Rdx and the Subaru Outback is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Rdx delivers 272hp @ 6500 while the Subaru Outback produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Rdx returns 25 mpg est. while the Outback uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $41,750 for the Rdx and $41,715 for the Outback. 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
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1600
178lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
25 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28mpg
31mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.1gal
18gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
187.4in
191.7in
Width (in)
74.8in
74in
Height (in)
65.7in
67.5in
Wheelbase (in)
108.3in
108.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3775lbs
3799lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
2700lbs
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
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
Subaru Outback
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Rdx
Fuel Economy
Outback
Value
Tied
Practicality
Outback
Pros & Cons
Acura Rdx
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (25 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Outback
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($41,715)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rdx or Outback?
The Rdx gets 25 mpg est. and the Outback gets 28 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Outback 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 Outback?
The Rdx produces 272hp @ 6500 and 280lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the Outback delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Rdx is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Rdx and Outback?
The Rdx starts from $41,750 and the Outback from $41,715, a difference of just $35, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Rdx or Outback?
The Rdx has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Outback can tow 2700lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Rdx or the Outback?
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.