2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was characterized by its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, contributing to its timeless design. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of the XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate off-road tires and short overhangs for tackling steep terrains. The hood scoop, a non-functional element, was a visual cue for the off-road-focused TRD trim. The front end featured small, angular headlights, and the grille varied across trims, with the TRD Pro having blacked-out accents and the Limited showcasing chrome. The Canadian lineup was based on the SR5 trim with five packages, including the Limited package, which aimed at comfort with leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite these features, the 4Runner Limited retained a utilitarian feel with its plastic elements and trail-oriented seating position.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially in the A-Spec trim, presented a sporty and stylish appearance without excessive blacked-out trim or performance design cues. It was not designed for off-roading, lacking oversized skid plates and bulging fender flares, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping. The A-Spec trim sat in the middle of the trim hierarchy, with a base price starting at $44,505 and the A-Spec at $50,305. The RDX featured standard Super Handling All-wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and came with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. The interior of the A-Spec trim included sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting, delivering a sporty look and feel. However, the gauge cluster with red markings on a brushed silver background was hard to read, except at night.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed for a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) but was not known for smoothness or fuel efficiency, with consumption estimated at 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like crawl control and Multi-Terrain Select. The full-time four-wheel drive system on the Limited model was better suited for maintaining progress rather than crawling up boulders.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and SH-AWD. The torque-vectoring system improved handling, making the RDX fun to drive. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, adjusting powertrain response and steering effort. The A-Spec trim had exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, enhancing handling. However, the lack of adaptive dampers resulted in some body motion on uneven roads. The RDX was praised for its broad torque curve, precise steering, and fade-resistant brakes, with Sport+ mode offering a more aggressive driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius of 5.6 metres. The interior featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, with an 8-inch touchscreen. The tall front seat position provided a commanding view, but climbing in and out could be tiring without power-retractable running boards. The 4Runner offered an optional third row of seats, but they were best for short and occasional use due to limited legroom and comfort.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. The rear seats, however, compromised comfort for utility, with a lack of leg support and excessive recline angle. The cargo area measured 835 litres behind the rear seat, with additional storage compartments. Folding the rear seats increased cargo capacity to 1,668 litres, with a maximum of 2,260 litres when measured with the front seats moved forward.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The onboard navigation system was less intuitive than smartphone apps, and the 4Runner lagged behind competitors in terms of total features and usability. The SUV included Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and subscription services like Sirius XM satellite radio.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console. While an improvement over Lexus's approach, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included standard satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi tethering, with a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system in the A-Spec trim.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. It had eight standard airbags and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover test rating. The IIHS gave it a Good score in most crash tests, except for a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with a suite of safety features, including 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. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.