One journey in Toledo, OH, may be all that it takes to convince you that the 2026 Lexus NX 350 could be a better fit for you than the 2026 Acura RDX. Don’t take our word for it though. Read this guide by us at Jim White Lexus of Toledo to see for yourself which compact luxury SUV is the stronger option for your journeys. You can also visit our dealership location for a test drive to see these features in person.
Performance
In terms of how potent their powertrains are, the Lexus model certainly has the advantage with its standard 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder engine that can produce up to 275 horsepower1 and 317 lb.-ft. of torque. In comparison, the Acura RDX can only manage up to 272 horsepower2 and 280 lb.-ft. of torque3 with its standard 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder assembly. Even if we take a look at the drivetrains, the standard AWD in the NX easily offers the equivalent traction to Acura’s SH-AWD® on your travels down to Ottawa Park. On top of that, the Lexus version comes with an EPA-estimated 21/28/24 MPG city/hwy/combined4 fuel economy. That’s slightly more efficient than the RDX’s 21/27/23 MPG city/hwy/combined5 ratings. Lastly, when you choose the NX 350, you’ll have a 2,000-lb. maximum towing capacity4 versus a 1,500-lb. total capability6 in the Acura to take a trailer filled with your luggage on vacation.
Interior
When you want to get on the road in the 2026 Lexus NX 350 during a cold morning, your commutes past Olander Park will be more comfortable thanks to the standard fast-response interior heater. The Acura model has no such feature, which means that you’ll have to wait for the cabin to warm up. Even though both vehicles come with a standard dual-zone automatic climate control system, not having access to the former capability might cost you time that could be saved by going with the Lexus. Plus, we’re confident that you’ll find the standard NuLuxe® upholstery will be more comfortable to sit on than the Acura’s standard leatherette seating material on long journeys. We’d also like you to consider how the NX 350’s standard stippled black interior trim will mean less glare than the RDX’s brushed aluminum surfaces.
Safety
To conclude our overview of the Lexus NX 350 and its capabilities, you may want to know that it’s more seamless to engage the autopilot function in the Lexus version due to the standard Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control7. Acura only offers its Adaptive Cruise Control8 with Low-Speed Follow, which does not have the ability to smoothly change the pace of travel around curves. Plus, there’s the standard Proactive Driving Assist9 to help provide gentle corrections and reduce the amount of stress during a long journey. Finally, we’d like to mention how the NX has its standard Road Sign Assist10 that can reduce speeds automatically. The RDX’s Traffic Sign Recognition11 system is purely informational and does not offer such advanced functions. If you still have questions, feel free to contact our sales team to have them answered.
2026 Lexus NX 350 Features vs. 2026 Acura RDX Features
- 2026 Lexus NX 350 Features
- EPA-estimated 21/28/24 MPG city/hwy/combined* fuel economy
- 2,000-lb. maximum towing capacity**
- Standard fast-response interior heater
- Standard NuLuxe® upholstery
- 2026 Acura RDX Features
- EPA-estimated 21/27/23 MPG city/hwy/combined*** fuel economy
- 1,500-lb. maximum towing capacity****
- No such feature
- Standard leatherette seating material
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