Under the hood of the 2026 Acura RDX sits a turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC four-cylinder rated at 272 hp, with its 280 lb-ft of torque spread from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. A 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters feeds SH-AWD, which actively shifts torque between the rear wheels, and four Integrated Dynamics System modes include Snow and Sport.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 with 48-volt mild-hybrid drive, rated at 255 hp and 295 lb-ft; its Integrated Starter-Generator can supply up to 23 hp and 148 lb-ft of electric assist. Both GLC 300 versions shift through a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic, and the 4MATIC model keeps all-wheel drive engaged at all times.

• Acura RDX: 272 hp and 280 lb-ft from a turbo 2.0L
• Acura RDX: SH-AWD standard on all five configurations
• Acura RDX: Adaptive Damper System on both Advance Package trims
• Mercedes-Benz GLC: GLC 300 rated at 255 hp and 295 lb-ft
• Mercedes-Benz GLC: DYNAMIC SELECT modes plus selective damping standard
• Mercedes-Benz GLC: Torque Vectoring Brake on the GLC 300 4MATIC

A 10.2-inch HD Dual-Content Center Display anchors the dash of the 2026 Acura RDX, operated through the True Touchpad Interface, with a 7-inch color Multi-Information Display for the driver. Every trim offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Alexa Built-In and AcuraLink; the Technology Package brings Qi wireless charging and Acura Navigation, and Advance Package trims project a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 takes a touch-led approach: an 11.9-inch touchscreen central display pairs with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and third-generation MBUX brings "Hey, Mercedes" voice control. Wireless smartphone integration, front wireless charging, fingerprint authentication and over-the-air updates are standard, and Pinnacle Trim brings a head-up display that projects a 9-inch-wide virtual image.

• Acura RDX: available 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium audio
• Acura RDX: Wi-Fi hotspot standard on every trim
• Acura RDX: 12-speaker ELS Studio system with the Technology Package
• Mercedes-Benz GLC: available 15-speaker, 710-watt Burmester 3D sound
• Mercedes-Benz GLC: MBUX Augmented Video with Pinnacle Trim
• Mercedes-Benz GLC: MB Navigation included with Exclusive Trim

The full AcuraWatch suite rides along on every 2026 Acura RDX. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) brings Low-Speed Follow, the Collision Mitigation Braking System is joined by Traffic Sign Recognition, and Road Departure Mitigation sits alongside the Lane Keeping Assist System. Every trim also includes Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, front knee airbags and Blind Spot Information, while the Technology Package adds parking sensors.

Standard safety on the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 includes DISTRONIC adaptive cruise, Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, PRE-SAFE, a Surround View System and PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist. Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Assist come in the available Driver Assistance Package, and a front center air bag is standard.

• Acura RDX: Pedestrian Detection and Auto High-Beam on every trim
• Acura RDX: Multiview Camera System on both Advance Package trims
• Acura RDX: Low Speed AEB joins with the Technology Package
• Mercedes-Benz GLC: Adaptive Highbeam Assist standard on the GLC 300
• Mercedes-Benz GLC: Evasive Steering Assist in the Driver Assistance Package
• Mercedes-Benz GLC: driver knee air bag standard

Upholstery in the 2026 Acura RDX climbs from leatherette-trimmed sport seats to perforated Milano Premium Leather with the Technology Package, and the A-Spec pairs that leather with Ultrasuede. Every trim heats the front seats, while A-Spec and both Advance trims ventilate them too. Legroom measures 42.0 inches up front and 38.0 in back, and 29.5 cubic feet of cargo room sits behind the second row.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 comes with MB-Tex upholstery, heated front seats and power front seats with memory, and buyers can pick leather or Nappa leather from 13 upholstery choices. Its 64-color LED ambient lighting is standard. Mercedes lists 41.3 inches of front headroom and 39.7 inches in the rear, with 21.9 to 56.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

• Acura RDX: 16-way power front seats on Advance trims
• Acura RDX: 79.8 cu ft maximum cargo volume by Acura's measure
• Acura RDX: 27-theme Iconic Drive lighting from Technology up
• Mercedes-Benz GLC: 40/20/40-split folding rear seats standard
• Mercedes-Benz GLC: legroom of 40.7 inches front and 37.4 rear
• Mercedes-Benz GLC: ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel optional

Wheel choice tracks the trim on the 2026 Acura RDX: the RDX, Technology and Advance ride on 19-inch alloys, the A-Spec on 20-inch Shark Gray wheels and the A-Spec with Advance Package on Berlina Black Machine-Finished 20s. The whole lineup gets Jewel Eye LED headlights, LED Dragon Tail taillights and a panoramic roof with tilt and slide, and ground clearance measures 8.2 inches unladen.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is fitted with 19-inch AMG 5-spoke wheels with black accents, LED headlamps and taillamps and a Panorama roof, with wheel options up to 20 inches. Its power liftgate opens with a HANDS-FREE ACCESS kick, and Pinnacle Trim adds DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps. Mercedes lists 185.7 inches of length on a 113.1-inch wheelbase.

• Acura RDX: LED fog lights on A-Spec and Advance trims
• Acura RDX: hands-free power tailgate with the Advance Package
• Acura RDX: 187.4 inches long on a 108.3-inch wheelbase
• Mercedes-Benz GLC: power-folding mirrors and rain-sensing wipers standard
• Mercedes-Benz GLC: AMG Line styling offered as an option
• Mercedes-Benz GLC: 64.6 inches tall, 74.4 wide without mirrors