VS
At a Glance
Power
272hp @ 6500
300hp @ 5500
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1600
310lb-ft @ 3500
Fuel
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
—
5000lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.3 L/140ci
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 300hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Rdx returns 24 mpg est. while the Explorer uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $51,000 for the Rdx and $52,965 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.
Specification
Acura RdxSH-AWD PMC Edition 2021 - From $51,000
Ford ExplorerPlatinum 4WD 2026 - From $52,965
Performance
Power Output (hp)
272hp @ 6500
300hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1600
310lb-ft @ 3500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.3 L/140ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
20 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27mpg
27 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.1gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
186.7in
198.8in
Width (in)
74.8in
78.9in
Height (in)
65.7in
70.2in
Wheelbase (in)
108.3in
119.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4050lbs
4457lbs
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
Ford Explorer
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Rdx
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Acura Rdx
Lower starting price ($51,000)
Few notable weaknesses
Ford Explorer
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rdx or Explorer?
The Rdx gets 24 mpg est. and the Explorer gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Explorer 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 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-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 $51,000 and the Explorer from $52,965. The Rdx is cheaper by $1,965 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.