2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, featuring a bold grille and sleek headlights that made it one of the most attractive vehicles in its segment. The oversized logo on the grille, while initially amusing, blended well with the overall design. The RDX's exterior was further enhanced by its dynamic character lines, creating a sporty and aerodynamic appearance. Inside, the RDX boasted a sharp and precise cabin design, highlighted by eye-catching red leather upholstery that contrasted beautifully with the black interior. The vehicle came well-equipped with standard features like synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, offering a luxurious experience even at the base trim level.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80 was a fresh entry into the luxury SUV market, showcasing a clean-sheet design that balanced innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. The GV80's exterior was marked by a long hood, a massive trapezoidal grille, and distinctive Quad Lamp LED headlights, creating a bold and elegant presence. The interior of the GV80 was a testament to luxury, with a sleek and uncluttered dashboard, authentic materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display. The GV80's design was both sophisticated and functional, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin with advanced technology seamlessly integrated into its layout.

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, making it a joy to drive. The power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and the standard Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, which enhanced 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 to their preferences. Despite its sporty nature, the RDX maintained excellent fuel efficiency, with observed consumption of 10.6 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80's 3.5T models featured electronically controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride comfort by anticipating road conditions. The 2.5T engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T offered a smoother and more powerful experience. Fuel consumption for the GV80 ranged from 10.5 L/100 km combined for the 2.5T to 11.8 L/100 km combined for the 3.5T.

The 2020 Acura RDX pushed the boundaries of a compact SUV, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin with supportive front seats and ample head- and legroom. The second row also provided good headroom and decent legroom, making it suitable for passengers. The RDX excelled in cargo space, with 835 litres available behind the rear seats and up to 2,260 litres with the seats folded down. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a convenient load floor height and additional storage options like a hidden cargo area beneath the load floor.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology, design, and ergonomics. The centre console and stack housed advanced controls, including a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The GV80's second row was spacious and comfortable, with available luxury features like power rear seats and window shades. The 3.5T models included a third row, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was a blend of luxury and functionality, offering a premium experience for both driver and passengers.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a notable drawback, with its True Touchpad Interface proving cumbersome to use. While the system featured a vivid widescreen display, the touchpad's lack of scrolling ability made it challenging to navigate. Standard tech features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The Tech grade added navigation and an ELS premium audio system, while the A-Spec boasted the ELS Studio 3D sound system with 16 speakers. The Platinum Elite A-Spec included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen with user-configurable split-screen displays. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with cloud connectivity for over-the-air updates and personalized driver profiles. The GV80 offered a digital key function for Android users, allowing keyless entry and vehicle configuration via a smartphone app. The vehicle came with five years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services, providing a range of remote and safety features. The GV80's audio system ranged from a standard nine-speaker setup to a premium Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system with 21 speakers.

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

The 2021 Genesis GV80 also boasted an impressive array of safety features, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The GV80 included 10 airbags, vehicle stability management, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80's adaptive cruise control featured machine learning to tailor its function to the driver's behaviour, and the vehicle offered advanced parking assistance with Remote Smart Parking Assist.