VS
At a Glance
Power
272hp @ 6500
201hp @ 5000
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1600
221lb-ft @ 1500
Towing
1500lbs
1800lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122cc
2.0 L/121cc
Choosing between the Acura Rdx and the Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Rdx delivers 272hp @ 6500 while the Volkswagen Tiguan produces 201hp @ 5000. Pricing starts at $50,700 for the Rdx and $38,745 for the Tiguan. 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
201hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1600
221lb-ft @ 1500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122cc
2.0 L/121cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
22mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26mpg
30mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.1gal
15.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
187.4in
184.4in
Width (in)
74.8in
73in
Height (in)
65.7in
66.5in
Wheelbase (in)
108.3in
109.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4024lbs
3801lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1500lbs
1800lbs
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
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Tiguan
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Tiguan
Practicality
Tiguan
Pros & Cons
Acura Rdx
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Tiguan
Lower starting price ($38,745)
Higher towing capacity (1800lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Rdx or Tiguan?
The Rdx produces 272hp @ 6500 and 280lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the Tiguan delivers 201hp @ 5000 and 221lb-ft @ 1500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Rdx and Tiguan?
The Rdx starts from $50,700 and the Tiguan from $38,745. The Tiguan is cheaper by $11,955 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Rdx or Tiguan?
The Rdx has a braked towing capacity of 1500lbs and the Tiguan can tow 1800lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Rdx or the Tiguan?
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.