Compare the2025 Acura RDXVS 2025 Nissan Rogue

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

© 1999 - 2024Advanta-STAR Automotive Research, all rights reserved. This vehicle comparison and all of the content in it are provided only by license from Advanta-STAR Automotive Research Corporation of America (“Advanta-STAR”). If you are not a legally licensed user of this vehicle comparison, it is against federal law to access it, copy it, forward it, or use it in any manner whatsoever. Any unauthorized use of this vehicle comparison is a violation of U.S. and international law and is punishable criminally and civilly. Removal of this watermark/notification without prior written license and approval received from Advanta-STAR is an agreement, understanding, and/or stipulation by the person(s), entities, agents, attorneys, and any other persons involved in the removal of this watermark/notification (including but not limited to Search Optics, LLC and any and all parent entities, sister entities, and subsidiary entities of Search Optics, LLC and/or any other entity, agent, attorney, and persons related in any manner to Search Optics, LLC) to: 1) an agreed upon amount of liquidated monetary damages of a minimum of $1,250,000.00 US Dollars in favor of Advanta-STAR; 2) the jurisdiction and enforcement of any legal claims associated with this matter asserted by Advanta-STAR in the United States Federal District Court in Portand, Oregon; and 3) service of process of any legal claims asserted by Advanta-STAR associated with this matter may be accomplished by First-Class Postage by the United States Postal Service or comparable service. XPYNN-M34HG 2a06:98c0:3600::103 2024/11/21

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the RDX. But it costs extra on the Rogue.

Both the RDX and the Rogue have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Acura RDX is safer than the Nissan Rogue:

	RDX	Rogue
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	26%	33%
Neck Stress	262 lbs.	403 lbs.
Neck Compression	23 lbs.	54 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	30%	37%
Neck Stress	99 lbs.	193 lbs.
Neck Compression	84 lbs.	103 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Acura RDX is safer than the Nissan Rogue:

	RDX	Rogue
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	63	95
Hip Force	217 lbs.	339 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	124	162
Hip Force	462 lbs.	513 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	11 inches	13 inches

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Acura RDX is safer than the Rogue:

	RDX	Rogue
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	200	290
Head Peak Forces	no contact	81 G’s
Shoulder Force	223 lbs.	245 lbs.
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	692 lbs.	803 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	206	455
Head Peak Forces	no contact	89 G’s
Neck Tension	67 lbs.	89 lbs.
Neck Compression	156 lbs.	402 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	1.18 in	1.22 in
Shoulder Force	357 lbs.	379 lbs.
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Head Protection	GOOD	MARGINAL

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the RDX is 2.9% less likely to roll over than the Rogue.

The Acura RDX achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Rogue last would have qualified as a “Top Safety Pick” in 2023.

Warranty

The RDX comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Rogue’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Acura’s powertrain warranty covers the RDX 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Nissan covers the Rogue. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Rogue ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the RDX’s reliability 36 points higher than the Rogue.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Acura vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Acura fourth in overall reliability. Nissan is ranked 17th.

Engine

The RDX’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 71 more horsepower (272 vs. 201) and 55 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 225) than the Rogue’s 1.5 turbo 3-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Acura RDX is faster than the Nissan Rogue:

	RDX	Rogue
Zero to 30 MPH	3 sec	3.5 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	7 sec	9.1 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	4.9 sec	5.9 sec
Quarter Mile	15.5 sec	17 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	95 MPH	87 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

The RDX has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Rogue (17.1 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The RDX has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Rogue. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the RDX’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Rogue:

	RDX	Rogue
Front Rotors	12.4 inches	11.7 inches
Rear Rotors	12.2 inches	11.5 inches

The RDX stops shorter than the Rogue:

	RDX	Rogue
60 to 0 MPH	116 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	129 feet	147 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the RDX A-Spec’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Rogue (255/45R20 vs. 235/65R17).

The RDX’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Rogue S’ standard 65 series tires. The RDX A-Spec’s tires have a lower 45 series profile than the Rogue SL/Platinum’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the RDX has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Rogue S. The RDX A-Spec’s 20-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels on the Rogue SL/Platinum.

Suspension and Handling

The RDX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Rogue’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the RDX’s wheelbase is 1.8 inches longer than on the Rogue (108.3 inches vs. 106.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the RDX is 1.8 inches wider in the front and 2.1 inches wider in the rear than on the Rogue.

The RDX A-Spec handles at .82 G’s, while the Rogue Platinum AWD pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The RDX executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Rogue Platinum AWD (27.2 seconds @ .64 average G’s vs. 27.9 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

Chassis

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the RDX has an electronically controlled liquid-filled main engine mount. A computer-controlled electric current in the liquid changes its viscosity, allowing the mount to dampen the engine completely at all RPMs. The Rogue uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The RDX uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Rogue doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The RDX has .1 inches more front legroom, .9 inches more front hip room, 2.6 inches more front shoulder room and .7 inches more rear shoulder room than the Rogue.

Cargo Capacity

The RDX has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Rogue with its rear seat folded (79.8 vs. 74.1 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the RDX. The Rogue doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Servicing Ease

The RDX uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Rogue uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Acura service is better than Nissan. J.D. Power ranks Acura 9th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 10% lower rating, Nissan is ranked 16th.

Ergonomics

The RDX’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Rogue’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the RDX the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Rogue can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The RDX’s standard Smart Entry allow you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Push-Button Start standard on the Rogue only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle. Push-Button Start is not available on the Rogue SV/Rock Creek/SL/Platinum The RDX’s optional 4-Door Smart Entry also allows you to unlock the doors from either rear door handle. The Rogue SV/Rock Creek/SL/Platinum’s available Intelligent Key doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The RDX’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Nissan only offers heated mirrors on the Rogue SV/Rock Creek/SL/Platinum.

Both the Acura RDX and Nissan Rogue offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The RDX offers available power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the Rogue’s foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the RDX A-Spec/Advance keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Rogue doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The RDX has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Rogue SV/Rock Creek/SL/Platinum.

The Acura RDX has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Nissan charges extra for Homelink® on the Rogue.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Acura RDX has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Rogue and isn’t available on the Rogue S/SV.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the RDX owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the RDX will cost $585 to $2125 less than the Rogue over a five-year period.

The RDX will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the RDX will retain 53.7% to 55% of its original price after five years, while the Rogue only retains 50.66% to 53.67%.

Recommendations

The Acura RDX has won recognition from these important consumer publications:

	RDX	Rogue
Consumer Reports® Recommends	TRUE	TRUE
Car Book “Best Bet”	TRUE	n/a