Anyone in the market for a compact and highly competent luxury SUV would be wise to schedule test drives of the 2025 Acura RDX and Genesis GV70. Loaded with standard safety and tech features, these 5-seat SUVs are highly maneuverable, attractive, and reasonably priced.
The Acura RDX impresses with sharp steering reflexes and zesty acceleration provided by a 272-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder teamed with a quick-witted 10-speed automatic transmission. Last year, the RDX gained standard all-wheel drive (AWD) on all trims, and for 2025, it gets new tech features, new colors, and new wheel designs.
With the Genesis GV70, you get a sleek exterior complemented by equally refined driving dynamics. Buyers can stick with the base 300-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder or upgrade to an available twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower. Both powertrains come with AWD. Since it arrived for the 2022 model year, the Genesis GV70 has been a KBB favorite and multiple Best Buy award winner.
Does the 2025 Acura RDX have what it takes to unseat the 2025 Genesis GV70? Let’s find out.
2025 Acura RDX
For the RDX, as for its other vehicles, Acura uses a hierarchy of extra-cost option packages more than traditional trim levels. For example, one level above the base model is the RDX with Technology package. This adds wireless device charging, leather seating surfaces, front and rear parking sensors, ambient interior lighting, navigation, and more. The top-of-the-line RDX is the A-Spec with Advance Package.
Acura RDX Highlights
Steering accuracy: Credit Acura for creating an SUV with the steering response and poised suspension of a lighter and lower sports sedan. You won’t be overwhelmed with power from the turbo 4-cylinder, and that’s quite alright. The star of the show is the balance of the RDX’s steering and suspension. The GV70 is plenty agile but wants to blow you away with forward thrust.
Value: Your SUV buying dollars go far with the Acura RDX. Standard features like wireless smartphone connectivity, heated front seats, and a panoramic roof mean you don’t have to pour on the extras to make this SUV feel worthy of a premium badge. Plus, the top-tier RDX is about $13,000 less than the apex GV70.
ELS audio system: This outstanding surround-sound stereo is part of the available Technology package. With 16 speakers and 710 watts of power, it’s a must-have for music lovers who want an SUV attached to their favorite stereo. Acura’s available Lexicon premium audio puts out 1,050 watts from the same number of speakers.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the RDX models for sale near you.
2025 Genesis GV70
The Genesis GV70 is available with two engine choices and AWD. That twin-turbo V6 is tempting, but we think most people will be satisfied with the performance and better fuel efficiency of the standard turbo 4-cylinder. The 2025 Genesis GV70 is offered in seven packages split between the two powertrains. The priciest commands upward of $65,000. Notable changes for the 2025 model year? Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration are now wireless across the range.
Genesis GV70 Highlights
Elegant interior: The cabin of the Acura RDX is comfortable and logical, but the one in the GV70 looks and feels more elegant. Credit the quality of the trim and upholstery, not to mention the overall design of the dashboard controls.
14.5-inch touchscreen: Standard on the GV70 is a 14.5-inch touchscreen positioned atop the dash. It comes with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, satellite radio, four USB ports, and a 9-speaker sound system. It’s not perfect; we think the screen requires too much reach. But during testing, we’ve found it easier to use than the console-mounted trackpad used in the RDX.
Turbo V6, adaptive suspension: Despite finding plenty to like in the base 300-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder, an available twin-turbo V6 is another advantage for the GV70 over the RDX. This V6 model also gets adaptive suspension, which adds even greater dynamic prowess to this highly polished (and speedy!) luxury SUV.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the GV70 models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Acura RDX and the Genesis GV70 are priced well below many key rivals, especially from the likes of BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. Each comes standard with a zesty turbo 4-cylinder and AWD, not to mention a wide range of safety and tech features. They even share some of the same flaws, such as having an appetite for premium-grade fuel.
Pricing
New 2025 Acura RDX Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (60085)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$46,050 |
TBD |
|||
$48,650 |
TBD |
|||
$51,650 |
TBD |
|||
$53,800 |
TBD |
|||
$55,800 |
TBD |
New 2025 Genesis GV70 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (60085)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$47,650 |
TBD |
|||
$60,250 |
TBD |
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 Genesis GV70 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 Genesis GV70 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 275 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,500 rpm | 311 lb-ft @ 1,650-4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 21 city/27 highway/23 combined | 22 city/28 highway/24 combined |
| Also Available | Twin-turbo V6 | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 5 years/60,000miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 inches | 113.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 187.4 inches | 185.6 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 75.2 inches |
| Height | 65.7 inches | 64.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.0 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.0 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.0 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 37.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.0 inches | 59.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 57.0 inches | 56.9 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 29.5 cubic feet | 28.9 cubic feet |
Conclusion
We enjoy the athleticism and easygoing nature of the Acura RDX. This is a great choice for luxury SUV shoppers, a vehicle that makes much of the competition appear wildly overpriced. Its main drawbacks are its quirky touchpad controls for the infotainment system and cabin trim not as posh as that of several rivals, including the GV70.
With the Genesis GV70, you get an SUV that has few, if any, notable flaws. We wouldn’t mind a few more miles per gallon or, perhaps, a hybrid variant to boost its ho-hum economy figures, although there is an electrified version. But by and large, every time we test the GV70, we’re reminded why it earned those KBB Best Buy awards. In a market full of very good compact luxury SUVs, the GV70 is better.
