2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Cadillac XT5

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, featuring a bold grille and sleek headlights that enhanced its visual appeal. The oversized logo on the grille, while initially amusing, blended well with the overall design. The RDX's exterior was characterized by a distinctive upper character line and a large spoiler-like appearance, contributing to its sporty look. Inside, the RDX impressed with its sharp styling and eye-catching red leather upholstery, creating a striking red-and-black contrast. The cabin was 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 elements, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec offered luxurious features like heated rear seats and natural wood trim.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 showcased Cadillac's efforts to regain its reputation for refinement. The XT5's exterior featured a snub-nosed design with LED lights that accentuated its robust proportions. The interior design was more upscale than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, with sweeping horizontal lines and thoughtful material placement. The Premium Luxury trim exuded elegance with cut-and-sewn leather and natural wood accents. The XT5's interior offered a chic design, though it lacked some of the luxury features found in competitors. The SUV's exterior and interior updates from the previous year carried over, enhancing its overall appeal.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering an impressive 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet 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, ensuring excellent performance and handling. The RDX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Despite its sporty nature, the RDX maintained good fuel efficiency, with observed consumption of 10.6 L/100 km. The RDX excelled in both acceleration and handling, making it a versatile choice for city and highway driving.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth upshifts but was less refined during downshifts. The XT5's throttle response was immediate, though it could benefit from more low-end torque. The SUV's fuel efficiency was commendable, with the V6 achieving 9.4 L/100 km during testing. The XT5's handling was smooth, and its AWD system offered confidence in various driving conditions.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, providing ample head- and legroom. The second row also offered good headroom and decent legroom. The RDX's cargo space was generous, with 835 litres behind the rear seats and up to 2,260 litres with the seats folded down. The cargo area was easily accessible, and the load floor was at a convenient height. The RDX also featured a hidden cargo area beneath the load floor, adding to its practicality.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 accommodated four adults comfortably, though the rear seat's headroom was limited for taller passengers. The front seats, while visually appealing, lacked comfort on long trips. The XT5 offered 850 litres of cargo space, though the wheel bump-outs reduced the width of the area. The SUV's cargo-management system allowed for secure storage of loose items. The XT5's interior had limited small-item storage, with a small cubby and map pockets that were not very accommodating.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, operated via a touchpad that lacked the intuitive functionality of competitors. The system's complexity detracted from the simplicity of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the RDX offered standard tech features like Bluetooth, USB ports, and a WiFi hot spot. The Tech grade added navigation and a premium audio system, while the A-Spec featured an impressive ELS Studio 3D sound system.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and a rotary controller. The system offered functionalities like one-touch phone pairing, a Bose sound system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The XT5 also included a rear camera mirror and a digital instrument cluster. The available head-up display provided essential driving information, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Acura RDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, a rear-view camera, and driver-assistance technologies like lane-departure 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 RDX received a 5-star overall crash test safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-change alert. The XT5's Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime visibility, while the Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features. The XT5's safety features provided a sufficient level of alert capability without being intrusive.