Acura RDX vs Ford Explorer
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2027 Ford Explorer
Overview
| Spec | Acura RDXRDX | Ford ExplorerActive 100A |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | RDX | Active 100A |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2027 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Acura RDXRDX | Ford ExplorerActive 100A |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $45,100 | $38,465 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $23,783 | $11,345 (best) |
| Median listing price | $23,783 (best) | $45,871 |
| Highest listing price | $23,783 (best) | $64,269 |
| For sale now | 1 | 38 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Acura RDXRDX | Ford ExplorerActive 100A |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG | 24 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 21 MPG (best) | 20 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 27 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 17.1 gal | 17.9 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Acura RDXRDX | Ford ExplorerActive 100A |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 272 hp | 300 hp (best) |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.3 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Acura RDXRDX | Ford ExplorerActive 100A |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 6 seats (best) |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 58.9 cu ft | 85.8 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 lbs | 5,300 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 4,014 lbs (best) | — |
| Ground clearance | — | 7.9 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 in | 119.1 in (best) |
| Length | 187.4 in | 198.8 in (best) |
| Width | 74.8 in | 78.9 in (best) |
| Height | 65.7 in | 69.9 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Acura RDXRDX | Ford ExplorerActive 100A |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 1 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Acura RDX | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RDX $45,100 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Active 100A $38,465 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Technology Package $47,700 MSRP | Active 100A $40,465 MSRP |
| 3 | A-Spec Package $50,700 MSRP | Active 200A $40,400 MSRP |
| 4 | Advance Package $52,850 MSRP | Active 200A $42,400 MSRP |
| 5 | A-Spec Advance Package $54,850 MSRP | ST-Line $44,200 MSRP |
| 6 | — | ST-Line $46,200 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Tremor $49,200 MSRP |
| 8 | — | Tremor $56,460 MSRP |
| 9 | — | Platinum $50,660 MSRP |
| 10 | — | Platinum $52,660 MSRP |
| 11 | — | ST $53,660 MSRP |
| 12 | — | ST $55,660 MSRP |
Live inventory
Acura RDX1 for sale
See all
Ford Explorer38 for sale
See all
Used2025 Ford Explorer
Active
Gray•Gray79,005 mi$28,898Jay Hatfield Chevrolet Chanute
Chanute, KS
Used2018 Ford Explorer
Platinum
Platinum Dune Metallic Tri-Coat•Medium Soft Ceramic99,418 mi$19,480Jay Hatfield Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Ponca City
Ponca City, OK
Used2015 Ford Explorer
Sport
Tuxedo Black Metallic•Charcoal Black115,727 mi$11,345Jay Hatfield Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Ponca City
Ponca City, OK
Used2025 Ford Explorer
ST-Line
31,300 mi$36,209Jay Hatfield GMC of Pittsburg
Frontenac, KS
Used2025 Ford Explorer
Active
Gray•Gray79,005 mi$28,898Jay Hatfield GMC Chanute
Chanute, KS
Used2025 Ford Explorer
ST-Line
31,300 mi$36,209Jay Hatfield Chevrolet of Pittsburg
Frontenac, KS
Acura RDX vs Ford Explorer FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Acura RDX or 2027 Ford Explorer?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Acura RDX vs 2027 Ford Explorer on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Acura RDX or 2027 Ford Explorer?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2027 Ford Explorer starts lower at $38,465. Live Acura RDX listings start at $23,783. Live Ford Explorer listings start at $11,345.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Acura RDX or 2027 Ford Explorer?
- The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (38,465).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Acura RDX or 2027 Ford Explorer?
- The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (24).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Acura RDX or 2027 Ford Explorer?
- The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on horsepower in this comparison (400).
- Which has better seats: 2026 Acura RDX or 2027 Ford Explorer?
- The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on seats in this comparison (7).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2026 Acura RDX or 2027 Ford Explorer?
- The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,600).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Acura RDX vs 2027 Ford Explorer?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Acura RDX (5/5 NHTSA overall).