Compare the2026 BMW X3VS 2025 Acura RDX

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the BMW X3 have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Acura RDX doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The X3’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The RDX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The X3 has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The RDX doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

The X3 has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The RDX doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The X3 has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The RDX doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The X3 has a standard Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The RDX doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The BMW X3’s optionalSurround View is available with washers for its front and rear cameras, ensuring crystal-clear visibility in any weather condition. Conversely, the Acura RDX only offers a rear camera washer, which may not provide the same level of all-weather performance.

Both the X3 and RDX have rear cross-traffic warning, but the X3 has Cross Traffic Warning with braking function (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The RDX’s Rear Cross Traffic Monitor doesn’t automatically brake.

The X3’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The RDX doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the X3 and the RDX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the BMW X3 is safer than the Acura RDX:

	X3	RDX
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	96	300
Neck Stress	262 lbs.	262 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	119	353
Neck Compression	71 lbs.	84 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the BMW X3 is safer than the Acura RDX:

	X3	RDX
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	60	63
Chest Movement	.6 inches	.6 inches
Hip Force	214 lbs.	217 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	108	124
Spine Acceleration	48 G’s	52 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	162	486
Spine Acceleration	37 G’s	39 G’s
Hip Force	472 lbs.	704 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

The X3’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the RDX’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X3 for 2 years and 24,000 miles longer than Acura pays for maintenance for the RDX (3/36,000 vs. 1/12000).

There are over 27 percent more BMW dealers than there are Acura dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the X3’s warranty.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the X3’s reliability 12 points higher than the RDX.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Acura vehicles. With 2 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Acura.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Acura vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Acura is rated below average.

Engine

The X3 30 xDrive’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 280) than the RDX’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The X3 M50 xDrive’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 121 more horsepower (393 vs. 272) and 148 lbs.-ft. more torque (428 vs. 280) than the RDX’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW X3 is faster than the Acura RDX:

	X3 30 xDrive	X3 M50 xDrive	RDX
Zero to 60 MPH	6 sec	4 sec	7.1 sec
Quarter Mile	14.5 sec	12.6 sec	15.5 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	94.5 MPH	109.7 MPH	90.7 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the X3 gets better mileage than the RDX:

			MPG
X3
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	27 city/33 hwy
		3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	25 city/30 hwy
RDX
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/27 hwy
		A-Spec 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/26 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the X3’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The RDX doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW X3 higher (6 to 7 out of 10) than the Acura RDX (5). This means the X3 produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the RDX every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The X3 M50’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The RDX doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the X3’s brake rotors are larger than those on the RDX:

	X3 30 xDrive	X3 M50 xDrive	RDX
Front Rotors	13 inches	13.7 inches	12.4 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13.5 inches	12.2 inches

The X3’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the RDX are solid, not vented.

The X3 stops much shorter than the RDX:

	X3	RDX
70 to 0 MPH	155 feet	180 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	108 feet	133 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the X3 has larger standard tires than the RDX (245/50R19 vs. 235/55R19).

The X3’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RDX’s standard 55 series tires. The X3’s optional 255/40R21 front and 285/35R21 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the RDX A-Spec’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X3 offers optional 21-inch wheels. The RDX’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

Suspension and Handling

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X3’s wheelbase is 4.5 inches longer than on the RDX (112.8 inches vs. 108.3 inches).

The X3’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50.5% to 49.5%) than the RDX’s (57% to 43%). This gives the X3 more stable handling and braking.

The X3 30 xDrive handles at .91 G’s, while the RDX A-Spec pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The X3 M50 xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.4 seconds quicker than the RDX (25.3 seconds @ .76 average G’s vs. 27.7 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X3 M50 xDrive has a greater minimum ground clearance than the RDX (8.3 vs. 8.2 inches), allowing the X3 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The X3 30 xDrive’s minimum ground clearance is .3 inch higher than on the RDX (8.5 vs. 8.2 inches).

Passenger Space

The X3 has .9 inches more front headroom, 4.9 inches more front hip room and 8.2 inches more rear hip room than the RDX.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the X3’s rear seats recline. The RDX’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The X3 has a larger cargo volume than the RDX with its rear seat up (31.5 vs. 31.1 cubic feet).

Towing

The X3’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the RDX’s (4001 vs. 1500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Acura RDX is only 1500 pounds. The X3 offers up to a 4850 lbs. towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Stabilization Control on the X3 uses the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The RDX doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the X3 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the RDX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The X3’s standard Comfort Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Smart Entry standard on the RDX doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The X3’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The RDX’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the X3 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The RDX doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the X3 offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The RDX doesn’t offer cornering lights. The X3 also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the X3 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The RDX doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The X3’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The RDX has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The BMW X3 has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the RDX Advance.

The X3’s Parking Assistant can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling the transmission and speed with the brake pedal. With its available fully controlled system, the driver just activates it and it parks autonomously, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Optional Remote Control Parking will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The RDX doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW X3 and the Acura RDX, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The BMW X3 outsold the Acura RDX by 61% during 2024.

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