2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2020 Acura MDX was a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling was not particularly groundbreaking or attention-grabbing. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings, offering a sense of understated elegance. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to the vehicle's front end. The sleek, low-slung design of the three-row SUV, combined with flawless paint and chrome, contributed to its overall appeal. Inside, the MDX boasted a modern and simple interior, with a centre stack highlighted by twin infotainment screens and a high-quality fit and finish that gave it a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially in the A-Spec trim, was a striking SUV with subtle yet effective styling changes that conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. The RDX avoided off-roading design cues, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping. The A-Spec trim added unique interior features such as front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient cabin lighting. The interior delivered a sporty look and feel, with quality materials and a form-over-function approach to some controls. However, the gauge cluster with red markings on a brushed silver background was difficult to read, except at night.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the MDX Sport Hybrid, which combined a 3.0-litre V6 engine with three electric motors for a total of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The MDX's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhanced its nimbleness in corners, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. This system directed power to the outside wheel during cornering, improving handling and making the MDX easier to drive quickly. The four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, absorbing road bumps effectively.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and the SH-AWD system, which could deliver up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels. The RDX's handling was improved by the torque-vectoring system, making it fun to drive. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between different driving modes, including Sport and Sport+, which altered powertrain response and steering effort. The A-Spec trim featured exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, enhancing its handling capabilities. However, the lack of adaptive dampers on the A-Spec trim resulted in some body motion on uneven roads.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seating, making it a suitable choice for families. The sliding and reclining second-row seats facilitated access to the third row and allowed for flexible legroom distribution. The MDX provided 447 litres of luggage space behind the third row, which expanded to 1,229 litres with the third row folded and 2,574 litres with the second row folded. The interior featured ample storage options, including a large glove box, a flexible centre console, and various cupholders and storage bins. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered impressive passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. However, the rear seats lacked leg support due to the need for a low and flat cargo floor. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats increased cargo capacity to 1,668 litres, with a maximum of 2,260 litres when the front seats were moved forward. The RDX's interior design prioritized utility, though storage space could be improved.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of technology features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a CD/MP3 player. The Technology Package added navigation, parking sensors, and a premium audio system. The A-Spec Package included LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, and Alcantara and leather seating surfaces. The Technology Plus package offered additional features like heated rear seats and an upgraded audio system, while the Elite Package included an Active Damper System and a rear entertainment screen.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console. While the TTI improved upon similar systems from other manufacturers, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX offered standard satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi tethering, with an available navigation system. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker premium audio system, providing excellent sound quality. Acura's approach to technology focused on minimizing driver distraction, with physical knobs and buttons for stereo and climate controls, as well as smartphone projection and voice assistant integration.

The 2020 Acura MDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX's body structure was designed to absorb impact energy, enhancing occupant protection. The MDX received high safety ratings, with a "good" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Acura RDX also came with a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX's safety systems were more refined than those in the outgoing MDX, making them more likely to be used. The RDX earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.