The 2025 Acura RDX and Cadillac XT5 have a lot to offer anyone in the market for a luxury SUV that won’t break the bank. They’re similarly packed with standard features, and their starting prices undercut European rivals.
With the Acura RDX, your sole powertrain choice is a zesty turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that works in unison with a quick-witted 10-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is strong and linear, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard.
The Cadillac XT5 occupies an intriguing middle ground, slightly above smaller, compact luxury SUVs—such as the RDX—and larger, more pricey models with 3-row seating. This translates into a lot of passenger space and plenty of cargo volume for weekday chores and weekend getaways.
Want to see which one we think is the better deal? Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of the RDX and XT5.
2025 Acura RDX
The 2025 Acura RDX lineup includes the base RDX, RDX Technology, RDX A-Spec, RDX Advance, and RDX A-Spec Advance. And yes, we agree, some of the upper trims are a bit of a mouthful, but the wordy names won’t bother you once you get a few minutes behind the wheel.
Other notable standard features include a 10.2-inch infotainment display, Amazon Alexa, and safety features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The 2025 RDX earned Top Safety Pick status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Pricing starts at $46,050.
Acura RDX Highlights
Standard all-wheel drive: Acura makes its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system standard on every RDX trim. Rain or shine, SH-AWD provides fantastic grip and makes this SUV feel both more confident and more fun to drive.
Adaptive suspension: This clever suspension comes with the Advance package. It has selectable drive mode settings and responds to driving behavior. Hustling quickly around a curvy road? The adaptive suspension will get firmer and provide sharper steering inputs. Gently cruising along? The steering will get more relaxed, and the ride will be softer.
Fun to drive: The 272-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder has great responses, and we enjoy its balance of speed and fuel economy. Adding to the Acura RDX’s refinement are the fast shifts provided by the 10-speed automatic transmission. Hit the accelerator pedal from a standstill, and you’ll zoom to 60 in a little over six seconds.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the RDX models for sale near you.
2025 Cadillac XT5
The 2025 XT5 is offered in three trims: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the XT5’s pricing remains on par with the RDX and is significantly less than rival midsize luxury SUVs such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. Serving as the base powertrain is a dutiful turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that sends power to the front wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. Front- and all-wheel drive can be equipped on the Luxury and Premium Luxury models, whereas the Sport has all-wheel drive standard. Pricing starts at $45,690.
Cadillac XT5 Highlights
User-friendly touchscreen: The 8-inch touchscreen looks small compared to newer SUVs, though we can’t argue that it’s extremely easy to navigate. Clear menus make inputting commands simple while driving. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports, Amazon Alexa, and voice recognition are standard. It’s altogether nicer to use than the quirky center-console-mounted touchpad you need to use in the Acura RDX.
Sport trim: The XT5 Sport employs a 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 under its hood that significantly boosts its straight-line speed. A pair of Brembo performance brakes up front bridle that increased power. A real-time damping suspension smooths out the ride when the going gets rough. This muscular engine is optional to the Premium Luxury model, but it does not bring the Sport’s other trimmings.
Light shows: Both luxury automakers take pride in the appearance and function of their headlight assemblies. Available through the Technology package, Cadillac’s Intellibeam LED headlights adapt to the traffic and ambient conditions, corner with the XT5, and self-level so a heavy cargo load doesn’t misdirect the lighted path. Even if they’re not as versatile as the Intellibeam system, Acura’s standard Jewel Eye LED headlights sparkle day or night, hence the name,
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the XT5 models for sale near you.
Similarities
There is much to recommend about both the Acura RDX and Cadillac XT5. Each has all the room and utility we expect in a luxury SUV. Compared to many of their competitors, they represent a solid value. Fuel economy is about equal with either 4-cylinder engine, and premium-grade octane is recommended for all three mills. The difference between the two SUVs in cargo capacity with the rear seats occupied is half of a cubic foot.
Pricing
New 2025 Acura RDX Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$46,050 |
$43,088 |
|||
$48,650 |
$45,322 |
|||
$51,650 |
$48,060 |
|||
$53,800 |
$50,615 |
|||
$55,800 |
$52,061 |
New 2025 Cadillac XT5 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$45,790 |
$43,546 |
|||
$52,090 |
$49,949 |
|||
$58,690 |
$56,383 |
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 Cadillac XT5 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 Cadillac XT5 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 235 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,500 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1,500-4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic, AWD | 9-speed automatic, FWD |
| Fuel economy MPG | 21 city/27 highway/23 combined | 22 city/29 highway/24 combined |
| Also Available | 3.6-liter V6, AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 inches | 112.0 inches |
| Overall Length | 187.4 inches | 189.6 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 74.9 inches |
| Height | 65.7 inches | 66.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.0 feet | 38.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.0 inches | 39.7 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 38.4 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.0 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.0 inches | 58.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 57.0 inches | 56.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 29.5 cubic feet | 30.0 cubic feet |
Conclusion
As much as we like many aspects of the Cadillac XT5—not the least of which is its infotainment system and available V6 engine—this generation dates back to the 2017 model year, and newer models have higher degrees of tech, more upscale interior designs, and sharper driving manners. The simple fact is it’s feeling overdue for an update, and the all-electric Optiq will take its place in the Cadillac lineup in 2026.
In all regards except one, that would sum up why the Acura RDX takes the win here. One caveat is the touchpad for the infotainment system, which some drivers might find finicky. Acura would be wise to consider going touchscreen like the rest of the cool kids. Still, this is an enjoyable and attractive choice in a highly competitive field. This is why it landed near the top of our Best Luxury Compact SUVs ranking.
