2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Acura MDX was a stylish crossover SUV, though its design was not particularly groundbreaking or attention-grabbing. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings, offering a sense of understated elegance without drawing undue attention. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to the vehicle's front end. These headlights, with their five LED elements per side, flanked a trapezoidal grille that prominently displayed the Acura logo, creating an expressive and refined face. The MDX's sleek and low-slung profile, combined with its chiseled details and flawless paint and chrome, contributed to its overall appeal. Inside, the MDX boasted a modern and simple design, with a centre stack featuring twin infotainment screens and high-quality materials that provided a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more utilitarian, with styling that closely resembled other compact crossovers in the market. While it didn't stand out for its exterior aesthetics, the CR-V offered a few distinguishing features, such as its grille opening and chromed plastic accents. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though many were variations of grey, black, and white, with limited options for more vibrant hues. Inside, the CR-V's design was modern, with angular front and rear seats and a choice of materials depending on the trim level. While the CR-V's design was not its primary selling point, it provided a functional and comfortable interior for passengers.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options, starting with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The MDX Sport Hybrid variant featured a 3.0-litre V6 engine combined with three electric motors, delivering a total of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, along with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The MDX's performance was characterized by its enthusiastic acceleration and nimble handling, thanks to the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system with torque-vectoring technology. This system enhanced cornering and handling, making the MDX a confident and smooth performer on the road. The four-wheel independent suspension further contributed to a comfortable ride, making it suitable for long journeys.

In comparison, the 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While not designed for high-performance driving, the CR-V offered smooth and steady acceleration, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of approximately 8 seconds. The CR-V's drivetrain was less engaging compared to some competitors, as it lacked a conventional automatic transmission with sport modes. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option on most trims. The CR-V's suspension setup included a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, providing decent handling and ride quality for its class.

The 2020 Acura MDX excelled in providing family-friendly functionality with its three-row seating configuration. The sliding and reclining second-row seats facilitated easy access to the third row and allowed for flexible legroom distribution. The MDX offered 447 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,229 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,574 litres with both rear rows folded flat. The interior featured ample storage options, including a large glove box, a flexible centre console, and various cupholders and storage bins throughout the cabin. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers, making the MDX a practical choice for families seeking minivan-like functionality without the sliding doors.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized interior space and practicality, offering more than 100 litres of additional interior volume compared to the Toyota RAV4. With the rear seats folded, the CR-V provided 1,065 litres of cargo space, accommodating a significant amount of luggage. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured different tailgate options, including a power tailgate and a hands-free version for added convenience. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing the CR-V's versatility for carrying additional gear. The CR-V's interior was designed to comfortably seat five passengers while providing ample cargo space for their belongings.

The 2020 Acura MDX came equipped with a range of technology features, with trim levels organized into packages. The base MDX included standard features such as Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added front and rear parking sensors, navigation, and an upgraded audio system. The A-Spec Package introduced additional features like LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, and 20-inch wheels. The Technology Plus package further enhanced the MDX with heated rear seats and an upgraded audio system, while the Elite Package included advanced features like a surround-view camera and a rear entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity as standard across all trims. Lower trims offered varying audio setups, while the Touring trim upgraded to a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. The CR-V EX-L trim included Sirius XM and HD radio, with satellite navigation available on the Touring and Black Edition trims. Charging ports were abundant throughout the CR-V, with USB ports in the front and second rows, and a wireless phone charger introduced in the Touring trim.

The 2020 Acura MDX was equipped with the AcuraWatch 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 safety credentials were bolstered by its Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure, designed to absorb crash impact and protect occupants. The MDX received high safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it "good" ratings in crash tests and "superior" for front crash prevention. The NHTSA gave the MDX a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. While it didn't achieve the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating due to headlight and side crash test scores, it received "Good" ratings in most categories. The CR-V's Honda Sensing system included standard safety features such as a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring, which became standard on higher trims.