2018 Acura RDX vs 2018 Lexus NX 300
Cardinaleway Acura a Luxury Auto Dealer in Las Vegas

Luxury compact crossovers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and the 2018 Acura RDX is one of the top choices in this class. It features great value for its price, with high-quality materials, a sophisticated cabin and a long list of standard safety equipment. The 2018 Lexus NX 300 is another popular compact crossover. At first glance, a comparison of the two vehicles might lead you to believe they’re evenly matched. But as we’ll see, a closer look yields some important differences. So, when looking at Las Vegas Lexus dealers or any luxury car dealer it's also important to consider the Acura RDX.

Trim Levels
The 2018 Acura RDX has three trim levels that come as options packages, AcuraWatch Plus, Technology and Advance. If you’re looking for choice with the 2018 Lexus NX 300, you’re out of luck. The NX is offered in just one trim.

Engine
The 2018 Acura RDX features a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 279 horsepower and 272 lb.-ft. of torque. The Lexus NX’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine just doesn’t measure up, with 235 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.

Paddle Shifters
Paddle shifters make driving an automatic transmission fun again. They let drivers manually shift an automatic, allowing more control over the transmission. Paddle shifters are standard equipment on the 2018 Acura RDX, but they aren’t available at all on the Lexus NX.

Handling
The Acura RDX has a smaller turning radius than the Lexus NX, making it easier to drive through tight city streets or small parking spaces. In fact, Edmunds gave the Acura RDX four-out-of-five stars for its nimble handling. The Lexus NX 300 received just three stars, with Edmunds observing that the vehicle tends to lean when cornering. And the Lexus NX 300 just can’t match the RDX’s overall athleticism.

Comfort
With 103.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, the Acura RDX is spacious and comfortable. The Lexus NX 300 only provides 71.6 cubic feet.

Utility
Both the Acura RDX and the Lexus NX 300 seat five passengers. When it comes time to put your bags in the cargo area, you’ll appreciate the RDX’s 61.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The NX 300 only gets you 55.6 cubic feet.

Noise
The Acura RDX is engineered with noise insulating materials, resulting in a quiet cabin. If you’re looking for a quiet cabin, you’ll probably want to pass up the Lexus NX 300. Consumer Reports stated that the NX’s cabin isn’t particularly quiet.

Moonroof
If you love the night sky, you’ll enjoy the power moonroof that comes standard on the RDX. If you’d like a moonroof on the NX, you’ll have to pay extra; it’s available as part of an options package.

Styling
The Acura RDX is known for its undeniably attractive styling. The Lexus NX, on the other hand, features aggressive styling that’s been described as polarizing. Some people like it, but many are put off by its design.

Putting It All Together
While both the 2018 Acura RDX and the 2018 Lexus NX 300 are admirable luxury crossovers, there’s only one that can win this head-to-head contest. The Acura MDX wins this comparison.