Smaller and extra manageable luxurious SUVs just like the 2025 Volvo XC40 and 2025 Acura RDX could be each frugal and enjoyable. You get the pleasure and status that include a luxury-badged mannequin, minus exceedingly steep costs and massive gasoline payments related to bigger luxurious sport utility automobiles.
The Volvo XC40 competes amongst subcompact luxurious SUVs and final 12 months gained extra horsepower and commonplace all-wheel drive (AWD). This 12 months brings a brand new exterior colour and a few minor characteristic tweaks.
Acura additionally equips the RDX with AWD on each mannequin. Serving because the model’s smallest sport-ute–subsequent to the just-introduced ADX–the RDX is sized one class above the XC40. It competes extra straight with compact luxurious SUV rivals just like the BMW X3, Genesis GV70, and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Does having a measurement benefit make the Acura RDX the higher selection over the Volvo XC40? Let’s discover the highlights of every to search out out.
2025 Volvo XC40
2024 mannequin proven
The Volvo XC40 has a beginning value of $41,945, together with vacation spot charge, and all three trims include a 247-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed computerized and all-wheel drive.
Throughout testing, we’ve discovered this powertrain able to zipping the XC40 from zero to 60 mph in about 6.1 seconds. On the town or on the freeway, the XC40 displays an athletic but relaxed driving demeanor that exudes refinement.
Volvo XC40 Highlights
Roomy and classy inside: We frequently uncover many issues to love within the XC40’s good-looking cabin. The supplies feel and appear trendy and strong sufficient to face up to years of driving obligation. Particular point out goes to the entrance seats for his or her excellent help, and the area within the second row is loads accommodating for 2 adults.
Google-based infotainment system: A 9-inch vertically-mounted infotainment touchscreen takes pleasure of place within the middle of the sprint. It has wi-fi smartphone connectivity and runs Google-based software program, together with Google Maps. This wonderful system consists of voice instructions, a number of USB-C ports, and over-the-air updates.
Horsepower and commonplace options: The usual 247-hp turbo 4-cylinder is vigorous and delivers an EPA-rated 26 mpg mixed. Within the base Core trim, you get wi-fi machine charging, proximity keyless entry, and lots of energetic driver aids.
Learn our Volvo XC40 Knowledgeable Assessment or see 2025 Volvo XC40 fashions on the market close to you.
2025 Acura RDX
The Acura RDX has a beginning value of $46,050, together with transport. That’s about $4,000 greater than the smaller XC40, although Acura is equally beneficiant in equipping the RDX with many consolation, tech, and security options.
For 2025, the RDX will get an up to date grille, a reworked inside, visible updates, and a brand new dual-screen mode for telephone integration.
All trims characteristic a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine working in cooperation with a 10-speed computerized transmission and all-wheel drive. We’ll delve extra into how the RDX feels from behind the wheel in a second as a result of its participating driving dynamics are one in every of our three highlights listed under.
Acura RDX Highlights
Excellent ELS audio: Audiophiles available in the market for a luxurious sport-ute will need to listen. An out there ELS 16-speaker sound system is optionally available and delivers unbelievable sound high quality. This 710-watt system was developed with the steerage of Elliot Scheiner, a Grammy-winning music producer.
Enjoyable to drive: The RDX is a uncommon SUV in that it’s honest-to-goodness enjoyable to drive. A part of the credit score goes to the 272-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and 10-speed computerized transmission that present seamless acceleration. Acura’s Tremendous Dealing with All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) additionally deserves greater than a passing point out. It delivers wonderful grip and sharp steering whereas balancing energy to the wheels that want it most in each moist and dry highway circumstances.
Adaptive suspension: This trick suspension comes with the RDX Advance that begins at $53,800. These adaptive dampers present faster reflexes and improved suspension management, particularly when powering by tight twists and corners. It additionally makes for a fair smoother experience throughout freeway cruising.
Learn our Acura RDX Knowledgeable Assessment or see 2025 Acura RDX fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
The XC40 and RDX show that smaller could be higher if you’re available in the market for a luxurious SUV. Their tidy proportions and balanced steering make them pleasurable to drive and straightforward to position on the highway. And simply because they’re not behemoths doesn’t imply adults can’t get comfy within the first or second row. The Volvo and Acura have upscale cabins with commendable headroom and legroom.
Conclusion
Amongst our rating of the Finest Luxurious Subcompact SUVs, the Volvo XC40 lands in a cushty third place. Wish to guess the place the Acura RDX scores in our rating of the Finest Luxurious Compact SUVs? It scores a equally strong third place, too.
The deciding issue may very well be whether or not or not you want the added inside area and cargo quantity of the Acura or if the extra environment friendly Volvo’s tidier dimensions and lower cost are a greater match on your SUV searching. Acura’s longer guarantee can be value contemplating.
They’re equally entertaining to drive, really feel constructed to final, don’t guzzle gasoline, and have enviable information for security. A back-to-back check drive is a brilliant thought.
New 2025 Volvo XC40 Costs
New 2025 Acura RDX Costs
The Kelley Blue Ebook Truthful Buy Worth for any particular person used automobile can differ significantly in line with mileage, situation, location, and different components.
The costs right here mirror what patrons are presently paying for automobiles and automobiles in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s instructed retail value (MSRP) quoted consists of the vacation spot charge, however doesn’t embrace tax, license, doc charges, and choices.
| 2025 Volvo XC40 | 2025 Acura RDX | |
| In style Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 247 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 272 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm | 280 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed computerized | 10-speed computerized |
| Gasoline economic system MPG | 23 metropolis/30 freeway/26 mixed | 21 metropolis/27 freeway/23 mixed |
| Additionally Accessible | ||
| Specs | ||
| Fundamental Guarantee | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Guarantee | 4 years/50,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| NHTSA Total Security | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.4 inches | 108.3 inches |
| Total Size | 174.8 inches | 187.4 inches |
| Width | 75.2inches | 74.8 inches |
| Peak | 65.2 inches | 65.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.4 ft | 39.0 ft |
| Headroom, Entrance | 37.6 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.3 inches | 38.0 inches |
| Legroom, Entrance | 40.9 inches | 42.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 36.1 inches | 38.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Entrance | 56.7 inches | 60.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 56.3 inches | 57.0 inches |
| Cargo Quantity | 20.4 cubic ft | 29.5 cubic ft |