2020 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to its predecessors, with its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and round headlights. It evoked a sense of classic ruggedness, reminiscent of the Land Rovers of old, contrasting sharply with the smoother, more modern lines of the current Discovery. The Defender's design was both functional and stylish, with features like step plates and a ladder for roof access, although some elements were more for show than utility. Its taillights and external spare tire added to its distinctive look, while various design themes allowed owners to customize it for urban or rural adventures. Inside, the Defender's interior was basic and industrial, with cloth seats and exposed screws, emphasizing durability over luxury. Despite its high price, it lacked the opulence of other luxury SUVs, feeling more like a well-built Jeep than a high-end vehicle.

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, was a stylish and sporty SUV without over-the-top design elements. It was not designed for off-roading, focusing instead on daily driving and road trips. The RDX A-Spec sat in the middle of the trim hierarchy, offering a balance of style and performance. Its interior featured sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting, creating a sporty atmosphere. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read. The RDX's design was more about form and function, with quality materials and a unique cabin layout that set it apart from typical compact crossovers.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a choice between a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with 296 horsepower and a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The latter was a mild hybrid, providing smooth power delivery and quick engine restarts. The Defender excelled off-road, with features like Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension, allowing it to tackle challenging terrains with ease. Its on-road performance was less refined, with slow steering, noticeable body lean, and brakes that required a firm press. Despite these quirks, the Defender was a versatile vehicle, comfortable on both pavement and rugged trails.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, enhancing its handling capabilities. The RDX offered various driving modes, including Sport and Sport+, which adjusted powertrain response and steering effort. While the A-Spec trim lacked adaptive dampers, it still provided a rewarding driving experience with precise steering and fade-resistant brakes. The RDX's performance was characterized by its broad torque curve and predictable handling, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized durability and functionality, with a minimalist interior designed for tough conditions. It offered various seating configurations, including an optional jump seat in the two-door 90 model and a third row in the four-door 110 model. The Defender's cabin was spacious, with generous headroom and legroom, and featured a panoramic moonroof or folding fabric roof. Cargo space varied depending on the model, with the two-door 90 offering 297 litres and the four-door 110 providing up to 1,875 litres with seats folded. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 3,719 litres (8,200 pounds).

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample passenger and cargo space. Its front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. The rear seats, however, lacked leg support and had a recline angle that could be uncomfortable. The RDX's cargo area was practical, with 835 litres behind the rear seats and 1,668 litres with them folded. It also featured additional storage compartments for organizing items. While the official cargo volume figures were not class-leading, the RDX's trunk was accommodating and versatile.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Jaguar Land Rover systems. It included two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, affecting up to 16 computer modules. The interface was more user-friendly, though some elements, like map zoom icons, were still challenging to use. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by cameras showing the ground beneath the front hood and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. Standard features included a 12-inch digital instrument panel, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charger.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console instead of a touchscreen. While it improved upon similar systems from Lexus, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX offered standard satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi tethering, with an available navigation system. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, providing excellent sound quality. Despite its innovative approach, the TTI system was not ideal for minimizing driver distraction.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was not rated by U.S. crash testing agencies due to its price and limited volume. It lacked knee airbags and rear side airbags, offering six airbags in total. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and 360-degree cameras.

The 2021 Acura RDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, 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.