2019 Acura RDX vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2019 Acura RDX showcased a bold new exterior design, drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the Acura MDX. The front end featured angular headlights flanking a broad, assertive grille, a significant improvement from the previous "shield" grille. The RDX's upright layout and rear end design aimed to increase cabin space, presenting a modern and sharp aesthetic. Inside, the RDX boasted soft-touch surfaces, unique stitching, and suede inserts, with actual brushed aluminum brightwork adding a touch of luxury. The redesigned center console featured Acura’s unique shifter design and the new True Touchpad infotainment system. Standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, a power liftgate, and a panoramic moonroof, among others.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner maintained a timeless, utilitarian design with tall slab sides, a high beltline, and short overhangs. The flared wheel wells accommodated bulky off-road tires, and the hood scoop, though non-functional, denoted the off-road-focused TRD trim. The 4Runner's trim lineup included various options, from the base SR5 to the off-road-ready TRD Pro and the comfort-oriented Limited. Our test model, the Limited trim, featured leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite its chrome and leather, the 4Runner's utilitarian DNA was evident, with plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for off-roading rather than highway cruising.

The 2019 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive or Acura's "Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive" (SH-AWD) system. SH-AWD could divert 70 percent of torque to the rear wheels, with 100 percent of that torque going to either rear wheel independently. The RDX offered a sporty ride with agile cornering, thanks to its Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) with Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes. Fuel economy for the front-wheel drive RDX was 22 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, while the AWD version returned 21/27/23 mpg.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4-liter V6 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine was designed for durability and off-road capability rather than fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The 4Runner's body-on-frame construction and high ground clearance made it ideal for off-roading, with advanced traction systems like Toyota’s CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. The 4Runner's steering was heavy and vague, and it exhibited significant body roll on the road, emphasizing its off-road prowess over on-road comfort.

The 2019 Acura RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, increasing by 3 cubic feet from the previous model. With the 60/40 split-fold rear seats down, cargo capacity was 58.9 cubic feet. The RDX's interior was spacious, with ample head- and legroom in both rows. The floating center stack design provided additional storage space, and the cabin featured numerous trays and cubbies for everyday storage.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner prioritized outward visibility and a commanding driving position, essential for off-roading. The dashboard featured large, easy-to-use knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, and the steering wheel housed various controls, though they were not illuminated. The 4Runner offered an optional third row of seats, best suited for short and occasional use. The third-row seats were narrow and thin, lacking legroom and comfort compared to competitors like the Subaru Ascent or Chevrolet Traverse.

The 2019 Acura RDX came standard with the True Touchpad infotainment system, replacing the previous two-screen setup. The high-definition screen was visually appealing, but the touchpad system had a steep learning curve. Simple tasks like changing the radio station required multiple steps, and saving presets was cumbersome. Apple CarPlay integration was available, but navigating within CarPlay was also challenging.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner received a significant technology update with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Toyota’s proprietary system was functional but less intuitive than smartphone projection systems. The 4Runner also offered Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and various subscription services. Higher trims included features like a JBL stereo and navigation system, though the onboard navigation was less efficient than Google Maps via Android Auto.

The 2019 Acura RDX came standard with a reversing camera, tire pressure monitoring system, traction control, and a full array of airbags. The AcuraWatch suite included forward-collision warning, forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, road-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Technology Package added front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance trim included a head-up warning system.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. The 4Runner had eight standard airbags and received four out of five stars overall from the NHTSA, with three stars in the rollover test. The IIHS rated it Good in most crash tests, except for a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test. The adaptive cruise control worked well, but the high center of gravity and imprecise steering highlighted the need for a more active lane-keeping assist system.