2020 Acura RDX vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, which was a positive aspect for many. The vehicle featured a bold grille and sleek headlights, moving away from the outdated "beak" grille design. A notable feature was the oversized logo on the grille, which, despite its size, complemented the overall design. The RDX's exterior was characterized by a swooping upper character line and a large spoiler-like appearance due to intersecting lines. Inside, the RDX boasted a sharp and precise design with eye-catching red leather upholstery, creating a strong red-and-black contrast. The RDX came well-equipped with standard features like synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The A-Spec trim added unique visual upgrades, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec offered luxurious features like 16-way power front seats and natural wood trim.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura MDX presented a more understated design, fitting in comfortably without drawing excessive attention. Its Jewel Eye LED headlights added a touch of sophistication to the front, while the trapezoidal grille anchored the vehicle's expressive face. The MDX's sleek and low-slung profile, combined with flawless paint and chrome, contributed to its refined appearance. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple design with twin infotainment screens and a well-organized centre stack. The high-quality materials and superior fit and finish gave the MDX a solid and well-built feel. The MDX's interior was functional, with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row, and ample cargo space with fold-flat seats.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and the standard Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system (SH-AWD). The RDX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The RDX's fuel efficiency was estimated at 11.3 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 L/100 km on the highway. Despite its sporty performance, the RDX maintained a comfortable ride, making it a versatile choice for both city and highway driving.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, and a Sport Hybrid version with a combined system power of 321 horsepower. The gasoline-only model featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and SH-AWD. The MDX demonstrated good straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to its torque-vectoring technology. This system enhanced cornering by directing power to the outside wheel, providing a smooth and controlled driving experience. The MDX's suspension absorbed road imperfections, ensuring a comfortable ride for long journeys.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, providing ample head- and legroom. The second row also provided good headroom and decent legroom. The RDX featured convenient storage options, including large water bottle holders and a pass-through cargo tray with a USB port. The cargo space was generous, with 835 litres behind the rear seats and up to 2,260 litres with the seats folded down. The load floor was easily accessible, and a hidden cargo area added to its practicality.

The 2020 Acura MDX excelled in providing family-friendly functionality with its three-row seating. The sliding and reclining second-row seats facilitated access to the third row, and headroom was sufficient in all rows. The MDX offered 447 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,574 litres with the seats folded flat. The interior featured numerous storage options, including a flexible centre console, door pockets, and cupholders. The MDX's tri-zone climate control allowed for personalized comfort for all passengers.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a point of contention, as it relied on a touchpad interface that proved cumbersome to use. While it featured a vivid widescreen display, the touchpad's lack of scrolling ability made navigation challenging. Standard tech features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 9-speaker audio system. The Tech grade added navigation and an ELS premium audio system, while the A-Spec trim boasted an ELS Studio 3D sound system with 16 speakers.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered a simplified trim structure with technology-rich packages. The base model included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, parking sensors, and an upgraded audio system. The A-Spec Package introduced additional tech features, while the Technology Plus package offered further enhancements. The Elite Package included advanced features like a surround-view camera and a rear entertainment screen.

The 2020 Acura RDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a rear-view camera, and a range of driver-assistance technologies. These included lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The RDX received a 5-star overall crash test safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured the AcuraWatch suite, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX's advanced body structure was designed to absorb impact energy, enhancing occupant safety. The MDX received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.