Mazda CX-50 vs. Acura RDX
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda CX-50 and Acura RDX 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 Mazda CX-50 and the Acura RDX.
In comparing the Mazda CX-50's and the Acura RDX's specifications and ratings, the Mazda CX-50 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. The Acura RDX has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mazda CX-50's and the Acura RDX's specifications and ratings, the Mazda CX-50 is a better car than the Acura RDX.
Pricing: A used 2025 Mazda CX-50 ranges from $25,355 to $39,867 while a used 2025 Acura RDX is priced between $40,995 to $52,794. For a new model, the Mazda CX-50's price is between $31,811 and $45,135, with the Acura RDX priced between $46,450 and $56,400.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda CX-50 loses 43.5 percent of its value and the Acura RDX loses 47.8 percent of its value. This means the Mazda CX-50 retains 4.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Acura RDX.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda CX-50’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the Acura RDX base engine makes 272 horsepower. The CX-50 is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 493 miles. The RDX is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 462 miles. This gives the Mazda CX-50 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Acura RDX. The CX-50 uses regular unleaded, and the RDX uses premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Acura RDX has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room and rear shoulder room. The Mazda CX-50 has the advantage in the areas of rear head room, rear leg room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Mazda CX-50 and the Acura RDX have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
31811 - 45135
Starting MSRP:
30500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
46450 - 56400
Starting MSRP:
44700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
49635
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
23800 - 79100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
31055
Price Range:
25355 - 39867
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
46256
Price Range:
40995 - 52794
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
51781
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
25863 - 81247
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
13406
Depreciation %:
0.43953951
Resale Value $:
17094
Residual Value %:
0.56046049
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
21505
Depreciation %:
0.48109644
Resale Value $:
23195
Residual Value %:
0.51890356
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
0.53712559
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
0.38326835 - 0.59140478
Mazda CX-50 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Acura RDX Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-50
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Acura RDX
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
14.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
12.0 - 16.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.322
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.484295028044453
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.769386709418236
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
0.8 - 54.4
Mazda CX-50 Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 18Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 56Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 67Ranking
60 out of / 67Acura RDX Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
4 out of / 68Ranking
5 out of / 68Ranking
6 out of / 68Ranking
6 out of / 28Ranking
8 out of / 28Ranking
8 out of / 27Ranking
9 out of / 68Ranking
9 out of / 28Ranking
9 out of / 28Ranking
12 out of / 68Ranking
15 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 64Ranking
19 out of / 68Ranking
19 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
27 out of / 68Ranking
34 out of / 68Ranking
42 out of / 68Ranking
44 out of / 68Ranking
50 out of / 68Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mazda CX-50 Trim Levels
2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Premium Plus, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, 2.5 Turbo Premium, 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
Acura RDX Trim Levels
SH-AWD, SH-AWD w/A-SPEC, SH-AWD w/Advance, SH-AWD w/Advance w/A-SPEC, SH-AWD w/Tech
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 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:
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
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
185 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
280 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.068 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 31 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
398 / 493 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
359 / 462 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
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
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
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
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Cargo Space:
31.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
56.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
131.7 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3741 lbs
Width:
80.8 inches
Height:
63.5 inches
Length:
185.8 inches
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4014 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
65.7 inches
Length:
187.4 inches
Wheelbase:
108.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/55R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Ingot Blue Metallic
Gray
Machine Gray Metallic / Polymetal Gray Metallic / Wind Chill Pearl
Green
Cypress Green
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Majestic Black Pearl
Blue
Canyon River Blue Metallic
Gray
Liquid Carbon Metallic
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Solar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black w/Gray Stitching
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Ebony
Gray
Graystone
