2026 Acura MDX vs. 2025 RAM 1500 Review

Picture of the 2026 Acura MDX

2026 Acura
MDX

MSRP*: $57,200
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Picture of the 2025 RAM 1500

2025 RAM
1500

MSRP*: $40,275 to $87,075
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MPG - City 19 MPG 14 - 20 MPG
MPG - Hwy 26 MPG 16 - 26 MPG
Seating Capacity 7 seats 5 - 6 seats
Cargo Space 95.0 ft3 40.6 - 61.5 ft3
Engine
  • 290-hp, 3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 305-hp, 3.6-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline/Mild Electric Hybrid)
  • 420-hp, 3.0-liter, Straight 6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 540-hp, 3.0-liter, Straight 6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive Four Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive
Horsepower 290 hp 305 - 540 hp
Towing Capacity 3,500 lbs 6,370 - 11,140 lbs
Exterior Length 198.4 in 228.9 - 241.8 in
Exterior Width 78.7 in 82.1 - 88.0 in
Leg Room Front 41.6 in
Rear 38.5 in
Front 40.9 in
Rear 35.6 - 45.2 in
Head Room Front 38.5 in
Rear 38.1 in
Front 40.9 in
Rear 39.2 - 39.8 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Due to its greater head- and legroom, passengers in the extended cab will be able to stretch out a lot more in the RAM 1500 than in the Acura MDX. The RAM 1500 will be a favorite with tall drivers and their passengers since it has much greater head- and legroom than the Acura MDX.

Convenience
With the RAM 1500 you will definitely be making fewer stops at the gas station than with the Acura MDX, due to its tank size and fuel economy.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Acura MDX is somewhat more expensive than the RAM 1500.

Dimensions
Since the Acura MDX is much slimmer than the RAM 1500, it'll be much easier to find a wide enough space in a crowded parking lot. If you go with the Acura MDX, you'll have a much easier time finding a large enough space to park than you will with the RAM 1500.

Handling
The Acura MDX has a significantly smaller turning radius than the RAM 1500, allowing you to more easily maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
In terms of towing capacity, the RAM 1500 is clearly the choice over the Acura MDX for pulling heavy loads. When it comes to horsepower, the Acura MDX is clearly outclassed by the RAM 1500.

Powertrain
The Acura MDX offers much less torque than the RAM 1500, which generally means that it won't feel as fast or powerful.

Utility
The Acura MDX offers a little more seating capacity than the RAM 1500, making it a better choice for those who often have a crew with them. You'll be able to haul more material in the Acura MDX than the RAM 1500, due to its significantly greater cargo capacity.