2020 Acura RDX vs 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

2019 Chevrolet Equinox
2019 Chevrolet Equinox
$23,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2020 Acura RDX
2020 Acura RDX
$37,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Chevrolet Equinox
$23,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura RDX
$37,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$23,800

MSRP

$37,800

Listings

522

Listings

138

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Pros

  • Powerful engine

  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • Unintuitive technology

2019 Chevrolet Equinox Reviews Summary

The 2019 model year sees the Equinox gain some clarity in the form of HD rear-view and surround-view cameras. Those are important upgrades in a vehicle that does not offer great visibility, and with a new infotainment system and a newly available Lights and Bright package making LED lights and chrome wheels an option for the LT trim, the Equinox is better than ever. But it’s still missing a lot, leaving it as an also-ran among its competition.

2020 Acura RDX Reviews Summary

It should no longer be breaking news that, to new-car buyers, crossovers are king. Within that market, the small luxury crossover segment has been growing at an incredible rate. Every automaker wants to get a piece, but Acura has long been an early adopter with its 2-row, 5-passenger RDX.

The Acura RDX, built at Honda's Marysville, Ohio, assembly plant, was first introduced for the 2007 model year. It’s a crossover built in America for American shoppers. From the start, the RDX enjoyed great success. It entered its third generation with the 2019 model year, and it offers plenty of space, creature comforts, and safety tech. That 2019 model carries over to the 2020 vehicle we tested.

The RDX competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Audi Q5, and BMW X3, and it holds its own against all three. It offers more content at a lower price, and in some cases, it has better safety technology. It also competes with the Lexus NX, Jaguar F-PACE, and Lincoln MKC.

We reviewed the 2019 RDX and came away with a very favorable conclusion. But seeing as this is one of the best selling small luxury SUVs—and Acura’s best selling vehicle—it seemed like a good time to take a closer look and unpack more of what we like and dislike about the RDX. We’ll also determine which trim of the RDX provides the best value to shoppers.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.5L 170 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 272 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

Horsepower

272 hp @ 6500 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

22

MPG Highway

32

MPG Highway

28
2019 Chevrolet Equinox
2019 Chevrolet Equinox
$23,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura RDX
2020 Acura RDX
$37,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Chevrolet Equinox
$23,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura RDX
$37,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$23,800
$37,800
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.7

4.8

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Read full review

8.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Powerful engine

  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • Unintuitive technology

Summary
The 2019 model year sees the Equinox gain some clarity in the form of HD rear-view and surround-view cameras. Those are important upgrades in a vehicle that does not offer great visibility, and with a new infotainment system and a newly available Lights and Bright package making LED lights and chrome wheels an option for the LT trim, the Equinox is better than ever. But it’s still missing a lot, leaving it as an also-ran among its competition.

It should no longer be breaking news that, to new-car buyers, crossovers are king. Within that market, the small luxury crossover segment has been growing at an incredible rate. Every automaker wants to get a piece, but Acura has long been an early adopter with its 2-row, 5-passenger RDX.

The Acura RDX, built at Honda's Marysville, Ohio, assembly plant, was first introduced for the 2007 model year. It’s a crossover built in America for American shoppers. From the start, the RDX enjoyed great success. It entered its third generation with the 2019 model year, and it offers plenty of space, creature comforts, and safety tech. That 2019 model carries over to the 2020 vehicle we tested.

The RDX competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Audi Q5, and BMW X3, and it holds its own against all three. It offers more content at a lower price, and in some cases, it has better safety technology. It also competes with the Lexus NX, Jaguar F-PACE, and Lincoln MKC.

We reviewed the 2019 RDX and came away with a very favorable conclusion. But seeing as this is one of the best selling small luxury SUVs—and Acura’s best selling vehicle—it seemed like a good time to take a closer look and unpack more of what we like and dislike about the RDX. We’ll also determine which trim of the RDX provides the best value to shoppers.

Video

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
1.5L 170 hp I4
2.0L 272 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
272 hp @ 6500 rpm
MPG City
26
22
MPG Highway
32
28
Look and feel

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

7/10

2020 Acura RDX

9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox as 7 out of 10 and the 2020 Acura RDX as 9 out of 10. The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox had a starting price of just $23,800 when new, but the base L trim isn’t readily available and lacks essential features. The Equinox offers front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, as well as three engine choices. On the other hand, the 2020 Acura RDX boasts a sleek design, spacious cabin, and comfortable seats. It comes with various packages offering upgraded features, making it one of the best-looking vehicles in its segment.
Picture of 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Picture of 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Picture of 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Picture of 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Picture of 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Picture of 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Picture of 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Picture of 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Performance

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

7/10

2020 Acura RDX

9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox 7 out of 10 and the 2020 Acura RDX 9 out of 10. The Equinox offers three engine options, with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 2020 Acura RDX is equipped with a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It also features a 10-speed automatic transmission and offers solid acceleration.
Form and function

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

6/10

2020 Acura RDX

9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox 6 out of 10 and the 2020 Acura RDX 9 out of 10. The Equinox provides ample room for passengers but falls behind in cargo capacity compared to its competitors. In contrast, the 2020 Acura RDX offers a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive seats, along with a generous cargo space of 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
Technology

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

8/10

2020 Acura RDX

6/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox 8 out of 10 and the 2020 Acura RDX 6 out of 10. The Equinox features a new infotainment system, HD options, and LED lights. However, the touchscreen infotainment system in the 2020 Acura RDX, operated via a touchpad, has been a letdown for many users. It also offers standard tech features such as Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot.
Safety

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

9/10

2020 Acura RDX

9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox 9 out of 10 and the 2020 Acura RDX 9 out of 10. The Equinox excels in government and independent safety tests but lacks standard advanced safety features in lower trims. The 2020 Acura RDX comes with a full complement of driver-assistance features, including lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2019 Chevrolet Equinox is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Acura RDX scores 8.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Acura RDX emerges as the more highly recommended vehicle, offering a superior blend of style, performance, safety, and technology, making it a compelling choice in the luxury compact SUV segment.

Choose the 2020 Acura RDX if:

8.5of 10overall
  • You seek a stylish and spacious luxury SUV with a comfortable and well-equipped interior.
  • You value advanced driver-assistance features and are willing to invest in additional packages for enhanced safety and technology.
  • You are looking for a vehicle that offers a good balance of performance, comfort, and safety.
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Choose the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox if:

7.2of 10overall
  • You are looking for a budget-friendly option with a low starting price.
  • You prioritize a variety of engine choices and drivetrain options.
  • You need a vehicle with good safety ratings and are willing to invest in higher trims for advanced safety features.
522 results
See all

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2019 Chevrolet Equinox is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Acura RDX scores 8.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Acura RDX emerges as the more highly recommended vehicle, offering a superior blend of style, performance, safety, and technology, making it a compelling choice in the luxury compact SUV segment.

Choose the 2020 Acura RDX if:

Shop Now
8.5of 10overall
  • You seek a stylish and spacious luxury SUV with a comfortable and well-equipped interior.
  • You value advanced driver-assistance features and are willing to invest in additional packages for enhanced safety and technology.
  • You are looking for a vehicle that offers a good balance of performance, comfort, and safety.
138 results

Choose the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox if:

Shop Now
7.2of 10overall
  • You are looking for a budget-friendly option with a low starting price.
  • You prioritize a variety of engine choices and drivetrain options.
  • You need a vehicle with good safety ratings and are willing to invest in higher trims for advanced safety features.
522 results

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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