VS
At a Glance
Power
272hp @ 6500
393hp @ 5200
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1600
428lb-ft @ 1900
Fuel
24 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Towing
1500lbs
4850lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the Acura Rdx and the BMW X3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Rdx delivers 272hp @ 6500 while the BMW X3 produces 393hp @ 5200. On fuel, the Rdx returns 24 mpg est. while the X3 uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $54,150 for the Rdx and $64,700 for the X3. 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 w/A-Spec Advance Package 2024 - From $54,150
BMW X3M50 xDrive Sports Activity Vehicle 2025 - From $64,700
Performance
Power Output (hp)
272hp @ 6500
393hp @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1600
428lb-ft @ 1900
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
—
Inline
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
—
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26mpg
30mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.1gal
17.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
187.4in
187.2in
Width (in)
74.8in
75.6in
Height (in)
65.7in
65.4in
Wheelbase (in)
108.3in
112.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4058lbs
4535lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1500lbs
4850lbs
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
BMW X3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
X3
Fuel Economy
X3
Value
Rdx
Practicality
X3
Pros & Cons
Acura Rdx
Lower starting price ($54,150)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
BMW X3
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Higher towing capacity (4850lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rdx or X3?
The Rdx gets 24 mpg est. and the X3 gets 28 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The X3 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 X3?
The Rdx produces 272hp @ 6500 and 280lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the X3 delivers 393hp @ 5200 and 428lb-ft @ 1900 of torque. The X3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Rdx and X3?
The Rdx starts from $54,150 and the X3 from $64,700. The Rdx is cheaper by $10,550 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Rdx or X3?
The Rdx has a braked towing capacity of 1500lbs and the X3 can tow 4850lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Rdx or the X3?
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.