Smaller luxury SUVs represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the automotive industry. The competition grows more fierce, and the number of vehicles available to consumers continues to expand.
The 2025 Acura RDX and 2025 BMW X2 are two of the best examples. The pair sit at the edge of two classes of vehicles, with the Acura being a bit larger while the coupe-styled BMW retains the luxurious touches it’s known for.
Let’s’ take a closer look at these two SUVs.
2025 Acura RDX
Acura SUVs enjoy an athletic, sporty-looking exterior. It resonates with buyers who want a vehicle that’s much more than basic in its appointments and provides a spirited response from behind the wheel. The 2025 Acura RDX certainly hits the mark.
Powered by a 272-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission, the RDX enjoys plenty of go, but it also gets standard all-wheel drive (AWD).
Actually, it gets Acura’s version of it, dubbed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). It’s standard on every trim. Not only is power getting to the wheels, but the rubber sticks to the road, making your everyday commuter car more fun on curvy roads.
The comfort and convenience tech includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and some advanced driver safety technology. The RDX comes in trims starting with base, Technology Package, A-Spec, Advance Package, and A-Spec with the Advance Package.
Acura RDX Highlights
Concert hall: If your budget allows it, spring for the ELS audio system developed with Elliot Scheiner, Grammy-winning recording engineer for Beyoncé and Fleetwood Mac. This excellent 16-speaker, 710-watt system comes in higher trim levels. A 12-speaker setup is part of the Technology package.
SH-AWD: Named Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, it distributes variable amounts of drive to individual wheels to maximize grip, stability, and efficiency. And it’s standard on all RDX models.
Sunny side up: GPS-linked climate control in the Acura RDX uses a solar sensor to get outside information to control the vehicle’s interior temperature. It’s part of the Technology package.
Read our Acura RDX Expert Review or see 2025 Acura RDX models for sale near you.
2025 BMW X2
2024 model shown
The 2025 BMW X2 offers a great mix of style, performance, technology, and luxury. Perhaps most importantly, it does all that at a reasonable price for this segment.
The X2 is the coupe-style X1, but with an additional 7.6 inches, so passengers in the small luxury SUV enjoy more space and the usual high-end touches for which BMWs are known. Like many luxury vehicles, it features a curved, dual-screen dash that makes everything crystal clear and easy to reach.
While the luxurious, technology-laden interior is a massive selling point, the X2 brings it when it comes to performance. Powered by a 241-hp turbo 4-cylinder and standard all-wheel drive, the X2 ensures the driver can have as much or as little fun as they want behind the wheel. Also, an upgrade to a specially tuned version of the same engine nets you 312 hp. Buyers can choose from two versions: the X2 xDrive28i or the X2 M35i.
BMW X2 Highlights
Ready, Player: The X2 can be had with built-in games in collaboration with AirConsole. The games can be played when the vehicle is stationary, using a phone as a controller. Unsurprisingly, that’s not an option on the Acura RDX.
Sport Boost: X2 models fitted with the M Sport package have a secret: The left paddle on the steering wheel can activate Sport Boost, which BMW says enables “extremely dynamic midrange sprints.”
Two choices: Putting out 241 horses, the standard engine on the X2 is a potent powerplant and will be better than fine for most drivers. However, if you are not “most drivers,” you can upgrade to the 312-horsepower version.
Read our BMW X2 Expert Review or see 2025 BMW X2 models for sale near you.
Similarities
If you’re in the market for a small SUV with good performance characteristics, modern technology, and head-turning style, you can’t go wrong with either the Acura RDX or BMW X2.
Conclusion
Small, cool, and lively: all great ways to describe these two vehicles. Both are good representatives of their respective brands. The Acura RDX is arguably the more practical choice with its roomier interior, better powertrain warranty, and standard AWD. However, the BMW X2 has its brand’s virtues of interior quality and engaging performance you expect from a German luxury vehicle. The right premium SUV for you depends on your priorities.
New 2025 Acura RDX Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (47904)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$46,050 |
$43,890 |
|||
$48,650 |
$46,168 |
|||
$51,650 |
$48,959 |
|||
$53,800 |
$51,551 |
|||
$55,800 |
$53,032 |
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 X2 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.
| 2025 Acura RDX | 2025 BMW X2 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 241 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic/AWD | 7-speed DCT/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 21 city/27 highway/23 combined mpg | 24 city/33 highway/28 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 312-hp 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder. AWD | |
| 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 | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 inches | 106.0 inches |
| Overall Length | 187.4 inches | 179.3 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 72.6 inches |
| Height | 65.7 inches | 62.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.9 feet | 38.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.0 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 37.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.0 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 36.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.0 inches | 56.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 57.0 inches | 55.1 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 29.5 cubic feet | 25.3 cubic feet |
