2025 Acura RDX vs. 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL Review

Picture of the 2025 Acura RDX

2025 Acura
RDX

MSRP*: $44,700 to $54,450
See details & photos

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Picture of the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL

2026 Cadillac
Escalade IQL

MSRP*: $130,405 to $151,205
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MPG - City 21 MPG Info not available
MPG - Hwy 26 - 27 MPG Info not available
Seating Capacity 5 seats 7 seats
Cargo Space Info not available 125.2 ft3
Engine
  • 272-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 750-hp, Electric Motor (Electric Fuel System)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 272 hp 750 hp
Towing Capacity 1,500 lbs 7,300 - 7,500 lbs
Exterior Length 187.4 in 228.5 in
Exterior Width 74.8 in 82.4 in
Leg Room Front 42.0 in
Rear 38.0 in
Front 45.2 in
Rear 41.4 in
Head Room Front 40.0 in
Rear 38.0 in
Front 43.5 in
Rear 40.6 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
Passengers in the backseat will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Cadillac Escalade IQL than in the Acura RDX, due to its greater head- and legroom. The Cadillac Escalade IQL will be a hit with tall drivers and their front seat passengers, since it has greater front head- and legroom than the Acura RDX.

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). Clearly, the Acura RDX is a better financial choice over the Cadillac Escalade IQL, when considering MSRP.

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

Handling
The Acura RDX has a smaller turning radius than the Cadillac Escalade IQL, allowing you to more easily maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
In terms of towing capacity, the Cadillac Escalade IQL is clearly the choice over the Acura RDX for pulling heavy loads. When it comes to horsepower, the Acura RDX has a lot less horsepower than the Cadillac Escalade IQL.

Powertrain
Due to its much higher torque, the Acura RDX does a much better job of transmitting its engine's horsepower to its wheels than the Cadillac Escalade IQL.

Utility
The Acura RDX has less seating than the Cadillac Escalade IQL, making the Cadillac Escalade IQL the better choice, if you need to chauffeur many passengers.