2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Volvo XC40

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 class. The oversized logo on the grille, while initially amusing, blended well with the overall aesthetic. The RDX's exterior was further enhanced by its dynamic character lines, creating a sporty and sophisticated look. Inside, the RDX impressed with its sharp styling and eye-catching red leather upholstery, which contrasted beautifully with the black interior. 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 and sportier interior touches, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec offered luxurious upgrades.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 showcased a more traditional SUV design with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with Volvo's signature styling elements like the "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights. The XC40 Recharge variant featured subtle distinctions, such as a blanked-off grille and model-specific alloy wheels, catering to those seeking an understated electric vehicle. The interior of the XC40 was minimalist yet premium, with high-quality materials and a cohesive design. The gasoline models offered competitive interior space compared to rivals, while the Recharge model included clever storage solutions to compensate for its limited space. The XC40's interior was thoughtfully designed, with features like a removable trash bin and large door bins, enhancing practicality.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder 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, ensuring excellent performance and handling. The RDX offered multiple 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 an observed consumption of 10.6 L/100 km. The RDX excelled in both acceleration and handling, offering a balanced driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a diverse powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with either 187 horsepower in the T4 or 248 horsepower in the T5. The Recharge model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasted 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized comfort and quietness, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. The Recharge model featured one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 900 kilograms, adding to its versatility. The XC40's performance was characterized by a focus on luxury and comfort rather than outright speed.

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, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The RDX excelled in cargo space, with 835 litres 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.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not as spacious as some competitors, offered clever storage solutions to maximize utility. The gasoline models were more competitive in terms of interior space, while the Recharge model had limited legroom and cargo space. The XC40 featured practical elements like a removable trash bin and large door bins, enhancing its functionality. Despite its smaller size, the XC40's interior was thoughtfully designed, providing a premium feel with high-quality materials.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, with its True Touchpad Interface proving cumbersome to use. The system lacked the intuitive scrolling ability found in competitors, making it challenging to navigate. Despite this, the RDX offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a WiFi hotspot and a 9-speaker audio system. The Tech grade added navigation and an ELS premium audio system, while the A-Spec featured the impressive ELS Studio 3D sound system. The Platinum Elite A-Spec included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. This system provided a seamless user experience, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge model also offered OTA update capability, allowing for software improvements without visiting a dealership. The XC40's technology suite was comprehensive, with built-in Google features and optional wireless charging.

The 2020 Acura RDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, a rear-view camera, and a range of driver-assistance technologies. These 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 360-degree surround-view 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 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 came standard with a host of safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, allowing for future advancements in driver aids. The XC40's safety credentials were bolstered by its robust construction and advanced safety technologies.