The battle among luxury brands may be the toughest in the small SUV arena. A wide variety of offerings means companies must put their best foot — or SUV, in this case — forward. The two vehicles we’re examining — the 2025 Acura RDX and the 2025 BMW X3 — represent their respective brands very well. They’re attractive, fun to drive, and enjoy strong reputations, which makes picking just one of them a tall task. Let’s take a closer look.
2025 Acura RDX
The 2025 Acura RDX, with its updated athletic exterior, strikes a chord with buyers wanting a vehicle that’s beyond basic inside while providing a strong driving experience. A 272-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powers the RDX and employs plenty of muscle. The powerplant is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and features standard all-wheel drive (AWD).
More precisely, Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is standard on every trim. All-wheel drive is an excellent feature to have in snowy climates, but it also makes driving on dry pavement more enjoyable.
The comfort and convenience tech includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus advanced driver safety technology. The RDX comes in trims starting with base, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance.
Acura RDX Highlights
SH-AWD: Named Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive, it distributes variable amounts of drive to individual wheels to maximize grip, stability, and efficiency.
Automatic control: The SUV’s GPS-linked climate control uses a solar sensor to obtain outside information and then controls the vehicle’s interior temperature. This feature is part of the Technology package.
Great audio: Move up for the ELS audio system developed with Elliot Scheiner, Grammy-winning recording engineer for Fleetwood Mac and Beyoncé. This excellent 16-speaker, 710-watt system comes in higher trim levels. A 12-speaker setup is part of the Technology package.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the RDX models for sale near you.
2025 BMW X3
The 2025 BMW X3 is all new this year, yet it feels comfortingly familiar. New styling accompanies improvements in power, ride, handling, fuel economy, and interior cargo space, for which the X3 has the advantage over the RDX. BMW has reduced the number of models to the X3 30 xDrive and X3 M50 xDrive. The xDrive means all-wheel drive is now standard on both.
Under the hood resides a 255-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine capable of moving the X3 up to 60 mph in about six seconds, slightly quicker than the RDX. For those needing more motivation, the X3 M50 xDrive can do it in 4.4 seconds, thanks to its 393-hp 6-cylinder engine. BMW’s lengthy options list leaves much room for customization, a reality that can quickly elevate the X3’s price beyond that of a similarly equipped RDX.
BMW X3 Highlights
Infotainment: The X3 comes standard with voice-controlled navigation, Wi-Fi, over-the-air updates, and a digital assistant. A 14.9-inch central information display joins a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, creating a massive, curved screen.
Power up: Whereas the RDX offers only one powertrain, the X3 leaves the door open to another. The M50 provides the kind of power and speed the Acura simply can’t match.
Some help: Want some technological assistance? Adding the Driving Assistance Professional package brings active steering and lane-changing assistance, evasive steering assistance, and an Extended Traffic Jam Assistant.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the X3 models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Acura RDX and BMW X3 feature great-looking exteriors matched to well-performing drivetrains. Not only are they driver’s vehicles, but they offer plenty of technology to make them safe and fun.
Pricing
New 2025 Acura RDX Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (37312)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$46,050 |
$44,180 |
|||
$48,650 |
$46,402 |
|||
$51,650 |
$49,160 |
|||
$53,800 |
$51,830 |
|||
$55,800 |
$53,383 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Acura RDX vehicles and New 2025 BMW X3 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Acura RDX | 2025 BMW X3 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 255 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic/AWD | 8-speed automatic/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 21 city/27 highway/23 combined mpg | 27 city/33 highway/29 combined |
| Also Available | 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 inches | 112.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 187.4 inches | 187.2 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 75.6 inches |
| Height | 65.7 inches | 65.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.9 feet | 40.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.0 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 38.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.0 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 36.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.0 inches | 57.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 57.0 inches | 55.7 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 29.5/58.9 cubic feet | 31.5/67.1 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The Acura RDX is the value choice, while the BMW X3 is the more customizable, high-performance SUV. Suppose you don’t have big demands for a driving experience that mimics a German sports sedan. In that case, you’ll be delighted with the RDX, which is more affordable and has a longer powertrain warranty than the X3. That said, the X3 gives you more powertrain options, better fuel economy, and a slightly fancier interior. The right SUV for you depends on your wants and needs.
