2020 Acura RDX vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, with minimal changes that were well-received. The vehicle featured a bold grille and sleek headlights, moving away from the outdated "beak" grille of earlier models. The large logo on the grille, though oversized, complemented the overall design. The RDX's exterior was characterized by a swooping upper character line and a spoiler-like rear design. Inside, the RDX boasted sharp styling with red leather upholstery, creating a striking red-and-black contrast. Standard features included synthetic leather upholstery, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The A-Spec trim added unique visual elements and sportier interior features, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec offered additional luxury touches.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL Platinum trims, maintained an attractive appearance despite its age. The bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells were notable design elements. However, the interior revealed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The Rogue's SL Platinum trim featured padded console sides for added comfort. While the exterior design was appealing, the interior left room for improvement in terms of modernity and material quality.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering an impressive 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and the Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency. The RDX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Despite its sporty performance, the RDX maintained good fuel efficiency, with observed consumption of 10.6 L/100 km. The vehicle excelled in handling and comfort, making it a versatile choice for both city and highway driving.

In comparison, the 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the CVT made the most of the available power, the Rogue struggled with acceleration, especially during highway merging and overtaking. The Rogue's fuel efficiency was also less impressive, with observed consumption of 9.4 L/100 km. The vehicle's ride and handling were improved by brake-induced technologies, but the steering and suspension left much to be desired, resulting in a less engaging driving experience.

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 practical storage solutions, including large door pockets and a pass-through cargo tray. The cargo area offered 835 litres of space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded, and up to 2,260 litres of maximum capacity. The accessible load floor and hidden cargo area added to its practicality.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, presented challenges for taller drivers in finding a comfortable seating position. The rear seats, however, offered excellent thigh support, legroom, and a good backrest angle, making them more comfortable for passengers. The Rogue's cargo area provided 1,112 litres of space, with underfloor storage compartments and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system, offering versatility for carrying various loads.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, despite its vivid widescreen display. The True Touchpad Interface, similar to Lexus's trackpad, lacked intuitive functionality, requiring constant attention to the screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the touchpad negated their simplicity. The Tech grade added navigation and a premium audio system, while the A-Spec featured an impressive ELS Studio 3D sound system. The Platinum Elite A-Spec included a head-up display.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Upgrades included navigation, a Bose audio system, and NissanConnect Services. However, the 7-inch touchscreen and slow response times detracted from the experience. The NissanConnect interface felt outdated, and voice recognition was subpar, impacting the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Acura RDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, LATCH systems, and a rear-view camera. Driver-assistance features included lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tech grade added parking sensors, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec featured a surround-view camera. The RDX received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue offered standard Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional options included ProPilot Assist and a surround-view camera. However, the Rogue's safety ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and issues with frontal-impact protection.