2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner had a timeless design characterized by tall slab sides, a high beltline, short overhangs, and a near-vertical front fascia. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of an XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate bulky off-road tires and short overhangs for tackling steep pitches and sharp declines. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the off-road-focused TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. Small, angular headlights highlighted the front end, and the grille varied by trim, with body-color bars on most trims and blacked-out accents on the TRD Pro. The Limited trim featured bright chrome bars.

The 4Runner's trim lineup included SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, and Limited, with the Nightshade Special Edition and Venture Special Edition trims adding a stealth aesthetic and off-road capabilities. Our test model, a Limited trim, aimed at comfort with leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite the chrome and leather, the 4Runner's utilitarian DNA was evident, with plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for off-roading rather than highway cruising.

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a good-looking SUV with subtle yet effective styling changes that conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided making the RDX look like an off-roader, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping. The A-Spec trim sat in the middle of the trim hierarchy, with base prices starting at $38,200 and the A-Spec Package bringing the MSRP to $44,100. Our test model, equipped with SH-AWD and extra-cost Platinum White paint, totaled $47,625.

The A-Spec Package added front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, a black headliner, dark brushed aluminum trim, sport pedals, red exposed stitching, red nighttime illumination, red ambient cabin lighting, and unique gauges. The interior delivered a sporty look and feel, with quality materials and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were hard to read, except at night.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4-liter V6 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine was designed for durability and off-road capability rather than smoothness and efficiency. It offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds but had poor fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. Our test model managed 17.7 mpg over 400-plus miles.

The 4Runner excelled off-road, with body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like Toyota's CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. On-road performance was less impressive, with significant body roll and vague steering. The 4Runner was available with rear-wheel drive, but the full-time 4WD system on our Limited test model and the part-time system in TRD models were better suited for off-roading.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and front-wheel drive was standard, with the SH-AWD system available for improved handling. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels and 100% of that to either rear wheel, enhancing handling and making the RDX fun to drive.

The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. A-Spec models featured exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, but the lack of adaptive dampers resulted in some body motion on rough roads. The RDX's handling was predictable and precise, with fade-resistant brakes and a broad torque curve. Sport+ mode added a more aggressive engine sound, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. The interior featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, with physical buttons lining the 8-inch touchscreen. The steering wheel had an array of buttons for various functions, but they were not illuminated, making them difficult to use in the dark.

The 4Runner's tall seating position and power-retractable running boards made it easy to climb in and out. The optional third row of seats was best for short and occasional use, with narrow and thin jump seats that folded toward the floor. The 4Runner's body-on-frame construction and impressive ground clearance contributed to its off-road capability.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered remarkable passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, resulting in a lack of leg support and an uncomfortable recline angle.

Cargo space measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, with a deep storage well and three separate compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats increased cargo capacity to 58.9 cubic feet, competitive but not class-leading. Acura also quoted a maximum value of 79.8 cubic feet, based on moving the front seats forward and packing cargo behind them.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Toyota's proprietary system was not difficult to understand, but the onboard navigation system was less efficient than Google Maps. The 4Runner also offered Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB media port, and various subscription services like Sirius XM Radio, Safety Connect, and WiFi Connect. Higher trims included a JBL stereo and navigation system.

Despite these updates, the 4Runner lagged behind competitors in total features and usability. The top-of-the-line technological advancements were in the powertrain rather than the dashboard.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. The TTI mirrored the screen, making it easier to use than Lexus's similar system, but it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Key by Amazon In-Car Delivery.

The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which sounded terrific. However, the TTI system was not ideal, and a more straightforward touchscreen interface would have been preferable.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. The 4Runner also had eight standard airbags. The NHTSA awarded it four out of five stars overall, with three stars in the rollover test. The IIHS gave it a Good rating in most crash tests, except for a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings in frontal-impact and rollover resistance tests.