2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2020 Acura RDX was a striking vehicle, maintaining the appealing design introduced in the 2019 model. It featured a bold grille and sleek headlights, moving away from the previous decade's "beak" grille. The large logo on the grille, though oversized, fit well within the overall design. The RDX's exterior was characterized by a swooping upper character line and a large spoiler-like appearance created by intersecting lines. Inside, the cabin boasted sharp styling with red leather upholstery, creating a striking red-and-black contrast. The RDX came well-equipped with features like synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The A-Spec trim added unique visual elements, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec offered luxurious features like 16-way power front seats and natural wood trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially in the A-Spec trim, continued to impress with its sporty yet subtle design. It avoided excessive off-road styling cues, focusing instead on a sleek, road-friendly appearance. The A-Spec trim sat in the middle of the trim hierarchy, offering a balance of style and performance. The interior featured sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting. While the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were hard to read, the overall cabin design was sporty and functional. The 2021 RDX maintained its reputation for quality materials and a unique cabin layout, though some controls prioritized form over function.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-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 Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system, enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus modes, adjusting throttle response, shift patterns, and steering feel. The RDX's handling was exceptional, offering a comfortable yet dynamic driving experience. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an observed consumption of 10.6 L/100 km.

The 2021 Acura RDX retained the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission and SH-AWD system contributed to improved handling, making the RDX enjoyable to drive. The Integrated Dynamics System offered similar driving modes, with the Platinum Elite trim featuring adaptive-damping suspension. The A-Spec trim's exclusive 20-inch wheels and performance tires enhanced handling, though adaptive dampers would have been a welcome addition. The RDX's driving experience was rewarding, with precise steering and fade-resistant brakes. The turbo engine's broad torque curve and the SH-AWD system's capabilities made the RDX a fun and engaging SUV.

The 2020 Acura RDX pushed the boundaries of a compact SUV, offering a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats. The second row provided ample headroom and decent legroom. The front row featured storage for large water bottles, while the second row had a fold-down centre console with cup holders. The RDX offered 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,668 litres with the seats folded down. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a liftable panel revealing additional storage.

The 2021 Acura RDX continued to impress with its spacious interior and comfortable front seats. The A-Spec trim included Alcantara and leather seats with 12-way power adjustment and ventilation. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, resulting in a lack of leg support. Storage space was limited, with a large tray under the centre console but not easily accessible while driving. The cargo area offered 835 litres of space, with a deep storage well and three separate compartments under the floor. Folding the rear seats provided 1,668 litres of cargo space, though the maximum capacity of 2,260 litres was based on an unrealistic loading method.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, operated via the True Touchpad Interface. The touchpad's design made it difficult to use, lacking the intuitive scrolling of other systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the touchpad negated their simplicity. The Tech grade added navigation and the ELS premium audio system, while the A-Spec featured the impressive ELS Studio 3D sound system. The Platinum Elite A-Spec included a head-up display.

The 2021 Acura RDX continued with the True Touchpad Interface, which mirrored the screen's layout. While an improvement over Lexus's approach, it still required retraining and was prone to input errors. The system lacked a touchscreen, which would have been more intuitive. Acura included smartphone projection, voice recognition, and a premium audio system in the A-Spec and Platinum Elite trims. Despite getting used to the TTI, it remained less than ideal.

The 2020 Acura RDX came 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 included a head-up display and a 360-degree camera. The 2019 RDX received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2021 Acura RDX also offered a range of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX lacked some features found in the TLX sedan, like pedestrian detection and traffic-sign recognition. Despite this, the RDX's systems were refined and user-friendly. The SUV earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.