2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling was not particularly groundbreaking or attention-grabbing. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings without drawing much attention, yet it maintained a respectable appearance. 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, creating an expressive face. The MDX's sleek and low-slung design, combined with flawless paint and chrome, contributed to its overall appeal. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple interior, highlighted by twin infotainment screens and high-quality materials, providing a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 embraced a rugged-looking exterior reminiscent of traditional SUVs. Its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and scowling front end set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and other compact crossovers. While the RAV4's exterior was aggressive for a family car, it stood out against the competition, enhancing its perception as more than just an ordinary vehicle. The RAV4's interior featured rugged styling touches, such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, which added functionality and distinction. However, material quality on lower trim levels did not elevate with higher trims, and real leather was not available, even on the top-tier Limited trim.

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 standard all-wheel drive. Alternatively, the MDX Sport Hybrid combined a 3.0-litre V6 engine with three electric motors, delivering a total of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The gasoline-only model with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system demonstrated impressive straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a suitable choice for long journeys.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. While the engine achieved impressive thermal efficiency and revved enthusiastically, the transmission struggled to keep up, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4's steering lacked feel, and the Sport driving mode only added weight to the steering. On the highway, the RAV4 excelled with low cabin noise levels and a suspension that absorbed road imperfections well. Off-road capability was a focus, with Trail grade and TRD Off-Road models featuring torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, though suspension articulation and approach angles limited its off-road prowess.

The 2020 Acura MDX, as a three-row SUV, offered sliding and reclining second-row seats, facilitating access to the third row and allowing for flexible legroom distribution. It provided 447 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 1,229 litres with the third row folded and 2,574 litres with the second row folded. The MDX featured a range of storage options, including a big glove box, a flexible centre console, and door panel pockets. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers, making the MDX a stylish alternative to minivans for families.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 boasted a tall, upright roof, providing ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The rear seats, while offering a 60/40 split-folding bench, lacked sliding functionality. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres available with the rear seats in place and 1,977 litres with them folded. The RAV4's interior featured oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, but storage space on the console was limited. While the RAV4's styling emulated old-school SUVs, it lacked large cupholders and loose change storage.

The 2020 Acura MDX came equipped with a range of technology features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a CD/MP3 player. The base model featured an eight-speaker audio system, while higher trims offered additional tech features through packages. 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. The Technology Plus package offered heated rear seats and an upgraded audio system, while the Elite Package included an Active Damper System and a rear entertainment screen.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with most trims offering a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had larger screens. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons for essential functions. However, it lacked flashiness, and the gasoline RAV4 did not offer a head-up display. The RAV4's infotainment system provided a straightforward interface, making it easy to use for most drivers.

The 2020 Acura MDX came 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, known as "Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering," was designed to absorb crash impact. The MDX received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with "good" ratings in crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests. The RAV4 featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard.