2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Toyota Venza

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 The vehicle featured a bold grille and sleek headlights, moving away from the outdated "beak" grille of past models.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, 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 upgrades like heated rear seats and wood trim.

The 2021 Toyota Venza, though shorter and lower than the RAV4, was often compared to a Lexus in terms of design. Its elongated profile and grille drew inspiration from the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. The Venza was available in three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited, with a choice of seven paint colours. Standard features included LED headlights, a wireless charging pad, and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The XLE trim added black bumper garnishes and a 12.3-inch screen, while the Limited trim featured a digital rearview mirror and a Star Gaze panoramic roof. The Venza's design was elegant, with premium appointments and a unique cabin 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 powertrain provided strong acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The RDX featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and a Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency. The Integrated Dynamics System 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, with observed consumption at 10.6 L/100 km. The RDX excelled in handling and comfort, offering a balanced driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, producing a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. While not as powerful as some competitors, the Venza provided smooth acceleration and confident handling. The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) contributed to the Venza's fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.4 L/100 km on the highway. The Venza's hybrid system was backed by a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty, ensuring long-term reliability. Despite some engine noise during acceleration, the Venza offered a comfortable and efficient driving experience.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats. The second row provided ample headroom and decent legroom. The RDX featured convenient storage options, including large water bottle holders and a pass-through cargo tray. The cargo area offered 835 litres of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,668 litres with the seats folded down. The RDX's cargo area was easily accessible, with a liftable panel revealing additional storage.

The 2021 Toyota Venza prioritized practicality with a unique cabin design. The centre stack featured premium appointments, including piano black capacitive buttons and a wireless charging pad. The Venza's seats were comfortable for both front and rear passengers, offering more headroom than the RAV4. The Venza provided 816 litres of cargo space, with quick-flip releases for the 60/40 split-folding rear seats. While not as spacious as some competitors, the Venza's cargo space was sufficient for daily use.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, operated via a touchpad that lacked intuitive functionality. Despite the vivid widescreen display, the True Touchpad Interface was cumbersome to use. Standard tech features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. 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 2021 Toyota Venza's infotainment system featured an 8-inch screen on the LE trim and a 12.3-inch screen on the XLE and Limited trims. The Entune system, while improved, was not the most user-friendly. The Venza offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a JBL premium audio system on higher trims. Toyota connected services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were standard. Dynamic navigation was available on models with the larger screen.

The 2020 Acura RDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, a rear-view camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. 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 head-up display and a 360-degree camera. The RDX received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered a robust set of safety features as part of the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite. Standard features included airbags, a rearview camera, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The XLE and Limited trims added automatic braking. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA.