2020 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that resembled Honda's sedan lineup, giving it a station wagon-like appearance rather than a traditional SUV look. This design approach made the CR-V a modern family transportation staple. However, the interior told a different story, with a mix of textures and materials. While higher trims featured wood-look trim and leather upholstery, these upscale elements clashed with the lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V versions were essentially upgraded commodity cars.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially in the A-Spec trim, was a visually appealing SUV. Its styling changes were subtle yet effective, conveying a sense of sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided giving the RDX an off-road appearance, focusing instead on its suitability for daily driving and road trips. The A-Spec trim sat in the middle of the RDX's trim hierarchy, offering a balance of style and performance. The RDX's interior, with its sport seats, unique gauges, and quality materials, delivered a sporty look and feel, although the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were challenging to read.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), this powertrain provided a smooth driving experience. While CVTs often have a reputation for sluggishness, Honda's engineers managed to create a responsive system that mimicked a conventional automatic transmission. The CR-V's car-like handling, nimble steering, and low curb weight contributed to its excellent road manners. Fuel efficiency was another strong point, with FWD models rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined and AWD models at 8.1, making it one of the most efficient non-hybrid options in its class.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine generating 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the SH-AWD system enhanced its performance, allowing for improved handling and a fun driving experience. The RDX offered various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, which adjusted powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec trim's 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires contributed to its handling capabilities, although the lack of adaptive dampers resulted in some body motion on uneven roads. Despite these minor drawbacks, the RDX's turbo engine, precise steering, and SH-AWD system made it a rewarding vehicle to drive.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was known for its masterful packaging, offering a spacious cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan without feeling oversized. The CR-V provided ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers, thanks to its excellent seating position and low cowl. The cargo compartment was roomy, with a two-position load floor that allowed for flexible storage options. Clever storage solutions, such as the deep centre console and large door pockets, made the CR-V easy to live with, accommodating various items with ease.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. However, the rear seats sacrificed some comfort for utility, resulting in a lack of leg support and an uncomfortable seating position. While the RDX's cargo volume was not class-leading, it provided a deep storage well and three separate compartments under the cargo floor for organizing items. With the rear seats folded, the RDX offered a competitive cargo capacity of 1,668 litres, although Acura's maximum quoted volume of 2,260 litres was based on an unrealistic loading method.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and even Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration felt tacked on. However, the CR-V offered plenty of USB ports, with two in the front and two high-powered ones in the backseat. Higher trims included a wireless phone charger, adding convenience for device charging.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console instead of a touchscreen. While the TTI improved upon Lexus's similar approach, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. Acura included standard satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi tethering, along with a 16-speaker premium audio system in the A-Spec trim. Despite its shortcomings, the TTI represented an improvement over previous systems, although it wasn't ideal for minimizing driver distraction.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. While blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims, the CR-V earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with LED headlights improving nighttime visibility on higher trims.

The 2021 Acura RDX included a collection of safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. Despite lacking some features found in the TLX sedan, the RDX's safety systems were refined and effective. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.