2019 Acura RDX vs. 2019 Subaru Forester
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2019 Acura RDX and 2019 Subaru Forester contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2019 Acura RDX and the 2019 Subaru Forester.
When comparing the 2019 Acura RDX's and the 2019 Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Acura RDX has the advantage in the areas of reliability and base engine power. The 2019 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2019 Acura RDX's and the 2019 Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Subaru Forester is a better car than the 2019 Acura RDX.
Pricing: A used 2019 Acura RDX ranges from $22,412 to $35,991 while a used 2019 Subaru Forester is priced between $17,149 to $27,767.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2019 Acura RDX loses 46.4 percent of its value and the 2019 Subaru Forester loses 34.5 percent of its value. This means the 2019 Subaru Forester retains 11.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2019 Acura RDX.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Acura RDX is 8.4 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Acura RDX being ranked 2 out of 29 Best Luxury Small SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 6 out of 19 Best Small SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Acura RDX is 8.5 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Acura RDX a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Forester.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2019 Acura RDX’s base engine makes 272 horsepower, and the 2019 Subaru Forester base engine makes 182 horsepower. The RDX is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 479 miles. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles. This gives the 2019 Subaru Forester the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2019 Acura RDX. The RDX uses premium unleaded, and the Forester uses regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2019 Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2019 Acura RDX has the advantage in the area of front shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2019 Acura RDX and the 2019 Subaru Forester have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$37,400
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$41,166
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$31,995 - $52,400
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$24,295
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,516
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,350 - $26,345
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$28,357
Price Range:
$22,412 - $35,991
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$27,629
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$21,628 - $38,409
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
293
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
70,501
# Good or Great Deals:
32
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$22,587
Price Range:
$17,149 - $27,767
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,157
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$16,854 - $25,234
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
534
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
70,537
# Good or Great Deals:
108
Acura RDX Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Acura RDX
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
7.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
5.7 - 8.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
35.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
5.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
4.9 - 8.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
0.9 - 15.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
8.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.7 - 21
Acura RDX Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 68Ranking
6 out of / 68Ranking
7 out of / 68Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 27Ranking
8 out of / 68Ranking
8 out of / 29Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
14 out of / 59Ranking
18 out of / 68Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
21 out of / 68Ranking
21 out of / 29Ranking
25 out of / 68Ranking
33 out of / 68Ranking
38 out of / 68Ranking
45 out of / 68Ranking
50 out of / 68Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 59Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2019 Acura RDX Trim Levels
Base, SH-AWD, SH-AWD w/A-SPEC, SH-AWD w/Advance, SH-AWD w/Tech, w/A-SPEC, w/Advance, w/Tech
2019 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
280 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.072 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
376 / 479 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 33 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
432 / 548 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
60 inches
Rear Head Room:
38 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Cargo Space:
29.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
58.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
133.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
35.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
76.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
147.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3783 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
65.7 inches
Length:
186.8 inches
Wheelbase:
108.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3449 lbs
Width:
80.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
182.1 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/55R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Majestic Black Pearl
Blue
Fathom Blue Pearl
Brown
Canyon Bronze Metallic
Gray
Gunmetal Metallic / Modern Steel Metallic
Red
Performance Red Pearl
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
White Diamond Pearl
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Brown
Not available
Gray
Dark Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Green
Jasper Green Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Parchment
Black
Ebony
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
