2020 Acura RDX vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtly refined from its predecessor, with a slanted tailgate glass and more pronounced body panel creases. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout and the grille. The vehicle featured projector-beam LED headlights across all trims, with more attractive LED running lamps reserved for the Limited and Platinum trims. The introduction of 20-inch alloy wheels and new paint colours, such as the Blueprint, added a touch of elegance. Inside, the Highlander boasted a well-crafted cabin with quality fit and finish. Silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash with an 8-inch touchscreen created a sophisticated atmosphere. The Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with rich textures, although some areas lacked the same level of detail. Overall, the Highlander excelled in interior quality, rivaling even the Kia Telluride.

The 2020 Acura RDX maintained its striking appearance from the previous year, with a bold grille and sleek headlights. The large logo on the grille, while initially comical, fit well within the overall design. The RDX's styling was characterized by sharp lines and a distinctive upper character line that added a sporty flair. Inside, the RDX featured eye-catching red leather upholstery, creating a strong contrast with the black interior. The cabin was well-equipped, offering synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The A-Spec trim added unique visual elements, such as 20-inch wheels and sport pedals, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec offered additional luxury features. The RDX's interior was both stylish and functional, providing a comfortable and visually appealing environment.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing smooth and brisk acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission efficiently utilized the engine's power, although it required a heavy foot for quick acceleration. The Highlander's steering was somewhat loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a floaty ride. However, it offered a comfortable and isolating driving experience, ideal for long road trips. The AWD system on higher trims included torque vectoring and selectable driving modes, enhancing the vehicle's handling. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model achieving 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway, while the AWD variant had slightly different figures.

The 2020 Acura RDX featured a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided impressive acceleration and a pleasing engine note. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, paired with the standard Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system (SH-AWD). The RDX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to their preferences. The RDX's fuel efficiency was competitive, with an estimated 11.3 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway. The vehicle excelled in both acceleration and handling, offering a balanced driving experience that combined comfort and performance.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander accommodated up to eight passengers, with the option for seven with second-row captain's chairs on the Platinum trim. The second-row seats were highly versatile, offering generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with three-zone automatic climate control and ample cargo space. It provided 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,359 litres with the third row folded, and 2,378 litres with both rows down. The vehicle featured numerous storage solutions, including cupholders and integrated dash shelves, although the wireless charging pad could obstruct access to the centre armrest cubby.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats. The second row provided ample headroom and decent legroom, ensuring passenger comfort. The RDX's cargo space was generous, with 835 litres available behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,668 litres with the seats folded, and up to 2,260 litres of maximum capacity. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a load floor at a convenient height. The RDX also featured practical storage solutions, including a pass-through cargo tray and hidden compartments.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system was somewhat outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was limited in its functionality, as it couldn't fully display maps or vehicle options. However, the Highlander included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The vehicle's technology was enhanced by a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display. Safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a semi-automated driving system. The JBL audio system on higher trims provided decent sound quality, and the vehicle offered various connectivity options, including WiFi and USB ports.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, primarily due to its True Touchpad Interface. The touchpad's design made it challenging to navigate the system, detracting from the overall user experience. Despite this, the RDX included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Tech grade added navigation and the ELS premium audio system, known for its exceptional sound quality. The A-Spec trim featured the ELS Studio 3D premium sound system with 16 speakers, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear emergency braking. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a 2020 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. The Tech grade added parking sensors, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec included a 360-degree surround-view camera. The RDX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.