Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The compact CR-V SUV has been a massive sales success for Honda, and while it trailed the RAV4 in total sales for 2025, it is currently outselling its Toyota rival for 2026. That is a massive achievement in a very competitive segment, and part of its success comes down to the broad selection of trims, great pricing and availability of both gas and hybrid engines.But if you are in the market for a compact family SUV and would like a bit more comfort and tech, then the Acura RDX should also be on your radar. It's a more performance and luxury biased model but still offers good value and the kind of quality you'd expect from a premium Japanese auto manufacturer. We decided to compare these two models to see how they match up and what their strengths are in this very tough market segment.2026 Honda CR-VHondaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Honda CR-V is a masterclass in modern compact SUV design. It is well-built, has plenty of passenger and cargo room, and is available in a wide range of trims to cater to a broad target market. A 190-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine does duty in the lower trims, with the upper trims powered by a 204-hp hybrid powertrain. FWD is standard, with AWD available across all trims.For 2026 a 9.0-inch central infotainment screen is now standard, and the higher trim variants get a 10.2-inch digital diver display. Wireless smartphone integration and charging is standard on all trims, as is the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistive safety technologies. A Trailsport trim is also available which adds off-road specific upgrades for more adventurous families.2026 Acura RDXAcuraView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleThe Acura RDX is a premium compact crossover that offers a great blend of performance and luxury without the price tag of its German rivals. It's no lightly spruced-up CR-V either, the RDX shares uses a different platform and running gear designed to offer a sportier, more focused driving experience. All RDX models come fitted with a 272-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine mates to a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) comes standard.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe interior is more upmarket, too, with premium materials and a 10.2-inch center display. Higher packages add features like the ELS Studio 3D audio, ambient interior lighting, and an adaptive suspension setup, and many other luxury options that aren't available on the CR-V.Acura RDX vs Honda CR-V: Side-by-Side ComparisonMake and Model2026 Honda CR-V2026 Acura RDXEngine1.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder (Gas) / 2.0L Hybrid2.0L Turbocharged 4-CylinderPower190 hp (Gas) / 204 hp (Hybrid)272 hpTorque179 lb-ft (Gas) / 247 lb-ft (Hybrid)280 lb-ftTransmissionCVT (Gas) / e-CVT (Hybrid)10-Speed AutomaticDrivetrainStandard FWD (AWD Available)Standard SH-AWD0–60 mph7.8 sec (est)6.2 sec (est)Fuel Economy City/Highway/Comb28/33/30 FWD Gas 40/34/37 AWD Hybrid21/27/23 AWD Base MSRP$30,920 (Gas) $35,630 (Hybrid)$45,100Front Row Headroom40.0 in40.0 inFront Row Legroom41.3 in42.0 inSecond Row Headroom38.2 in38.0 inSecond Row Legroom41.0 in38.4 inCargo Space39.3 cu ft (behind 2nd row) / 76.5 cu ft (max)29.5 cu ft (behind 2nd row) / 58.9 cu ft (max)(Note: Prices exclude destination charges, options, and local taxes.)Comparing these two SUVs side-by-side reveals that the Honda CR-V is clearly geared toward affordable family-friendly motoring. While the passenger space is almost identical (aside from the CR-V offering more rear legroom), the CR-V has far more cargo space, is a lot more economical, and its base price is almost $15,000 less than the more premium Acura RDX.While these stats don't show the RDX's more upmarket interior design, they do show just how much more the focus is on performance as all variants get a far more powerful 272-hp engine and a standard AWD setup. Fuel economy is also down compared to the CR-V, especially if you opt for the very efficient hybrid, but the RDX does come with a conventional torque-converter automatic, which makes for a far more enjoyable drive compared to the CVT transmission used in both CRV models.2026 Acura RDX vs 2026 Honda CR-V: ReliabilityAcuraView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleReliability Score (Consumer Reports)2026 Acura RDX2026 Honda CR-V202357/10059/100202460/10071/100202544/10064/1002026 (Predicted)55/10065/100Average54/10065/100Looking at the historical reliability ratings from Consumer Reports shows that the CR-V has been consistently less troublesome than the RDX. Owners have had issues with the RDX's brakes, in-car electronics and suspension system, while the CR-V has shown consistently solid results, especially in the last few model years. Perhaps the more telling comparison is between each models direct rivals. The CR-V is only slightly behind the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson in overall reliability, while the Acura RDX trails top performers like the Porsche Macan, and Lexus NX by a significant margin.Acura RDX or Honda CR-V?View the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementFor the large majority of family-focused buyers, the Honda CR-V, whether in gas or hybrid form, will be the more sensible choice. It is best to stick to the lower trims for the best value, and the hybrid model will deliver far better economy and slightly better performance, although the $4,710 premium over the gas model will take many miles to recoup in fuel savings.This also brings the CR-V a little closer to the base Acura RDX, which starts at $45,100 and comes with a lot more standard kit. For the additional outlay, you also get a far sportier and more luxurious vehicle, but fuel economy and cargo space take a nosedive. Unlike the CR-V, the RDX is nowhere near the top performers in its segment, but it does offer great value for money compared to class leaders like the BMW X3, Genesis GV70 and the very pricey Porsche Macan.If you do want a sportier and more dynamic driving experience than what the CR-V has to offer, the RDX is a worthwhile step up, just stick to the lower trims as these make the most financial sense. This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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