2020 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV with a clean, albeit somewhat uninspiring, design. Its styling was considered timeless, appealing to those planning to keep the vehicle for many years. The King Ranch variant stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and unique grey-painted lower exterior trim. The Star White metallic paint added to its appeal, though some design elements like the taillights and roof C-pillar could have been improved. Inside, the King Ranch featured Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, adorned with King Ranch logos, though the presence of hard plastics, especially in lower trims, was a drawback for a vehicle in this price range.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, was a stylish compact SUV that balanced sportiness with subtlety. It avoided the rugged off-road look, focusing instead on a sleek design suitable for daily driving. The A-Spec trim, positioned mid-range, offered a sporty interior with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read. Despite these minor issues, the RDX's interior was praised for its quality materials and sporty feel, though the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a point of contention.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power and a pleasant exhaust note. The Expedition's 4WD system, standard in Canada, offered a towing capacity of up to 4,173 kilograms. Despite its size, the Expedition handled well in urban environments, thanks to its tight turning radius and adaptive damping suspension. However, the ride could be busy on imperfect roads, partly due to the large wheels and tires. Fuel consumption was rated at 14.1 L/100 km in the city and 10.6 on the highway.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. The 10-speed automatic transmission and SH-AWD system enhanced handling, making the RDX enjoyable to drive. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between different driving modes, affecting powertrain response and steering effort. The A-Spec trim's 20-inch wheels and performance tires contributed to its sporty handling, though the lack of adaptive dampers was noted. The RDX's performance was characterized by its broad torque curve, precise steering, and effective brakes, with Sport+ mode adding an aggressive edge.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo, and passenger capacity. Its power running boards facilitated easy entry, and the interior offered comfortable seating, especially in the King Ranch trim with heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults, thanks to the independent rear suspension. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,962 litres with seats folded, though the Expedition MAX offered even more.

The 2021 Acura RDX, while a compact SUV, offered impressive passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, affecting leg support. Cargo space was competitive, with 835 litres behind the rear seat and up to 1,668 litres with seats folded. The RDX also featured useful storage compartments, though the infotainment system's design limited accessible storage.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While easy to use, the system was sometimes slow to respond. Additional features included FordPass Connect with a WiFi hotspot, a navigation system, and an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a notable feature for those who frequently towed trailers.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface, a touchpad-based system that mirrored the screen. While an improvement over similar systems, it required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi tethering, with an available navigation system. The A-Spec trim featured a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D audio system, praised for its sound quality.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of safety features including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Adaptive cruise control was optional. The Expedition earned 5-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2021 Acura RDX included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, but blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.