VS
At a Glance
Power
272hp @ 6500
295hp @ 6400
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1600
270lb-ft @ 4800
Fuel
24 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
1500lbs
6000lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
3.5 L/213ci
Choosing between the Acura Rdx and the Nissan Pathfinder is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Rdx delivers 272hp @ 6500 while the Nissan Pathfinder produces 295hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Rdx returns 24 mpg est. while the Pathfinder uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $45,100 for the Rdx and $45,000 for the Pathfinder. 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
295hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1600
270lb-ft @ 4800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
3.5 L/213ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
20 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27mpg
23 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.1gal
18.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
187.4in
198.8in
Width (in)
74.8in
77.9in
Height (in)
65.7in
70.9in
Wheelbase (in)
108.3in
114.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4014lbs
4578lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1500lbs
6000lbs
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
Nissan Pathfinder
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Pathfinder
Fuel Economy
Rdx
Value
Tied
Practicality
Pathfinder
Pros & Cons
Acura Rdx
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Nissan Pathfinder
Lower starting price ($45,000)
Higher towing capacity (6000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rdx or Pathfinder?
The Rdx gets 24 mpg est. and the Pathfinder 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 Pathfinder?
The Rdx produces 272hp @ 6500 and 280lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the Pathfinder delivers 295hp @ 6400 and 270lb-ft @ 4800 of torque. The Pathfinder is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Rdx and Pathfinder?
The Rdx starts from $45,100 and the Pathfinder from $45,000, a difference of just $100, 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 Pathfinder?
The Rdx has a braked towing capacity of 1500lbs and the Pathfinder can tow 6000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Rdx or the Pathfinder?
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.