2021 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 the higher trims, Limited and Platinum, boasting prettier LED running lamps and new 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior of the Highlander was where it truly shone, with quality fit and finish, silver-painted accents, and a multi-layered dash. The Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with rich textures and padded surfaces, making it a standout in its class.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially in the A-Spec trim, was a visually appealing SUV with subtle yet effective styling changes that conveyed sportiness. The RDX avoided off-roading design cues, focusing instead on a sleek, road-friendly appearance. The A-Spec trim added sporty interior elements like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting. The interior was designed to offer a sporty look and feel, with quality materials and a unique approach to controls. However, the gauge cluster with red markings on a brushed silver background was difficult to read, except at night.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. It offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, though it required a heavy foot for a kickdown. The Highlander had a soft suspension and loose steering, which, while providing a comfortable ride, lacked the control expected from a new chassis. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway. The AWD version had slightly different figures, and the hybrid variant offered even better fuel economy.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and the torque-vectoring SH-AWD system, enhancing handling and driving enjoyment. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between different driving modes, affecting powertrain response and steering effort. The A-Spec trim had exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, contributing to its sporty handling. However, the lack of adaptive dampers and rev-matching in Sport or Sport+ mode were noted drawbacks. Despite these, the RDX was praised for its predictable handling and precise steering.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The vehicle's ergonomics were designed for ease of ingress and egress, with wide-opening rear doors and comfortable seat heights. Cargo space was ample, with 453 litres behind the third row and up to 2,378 litres with seats folded. The Highlander also featured practical storage solutions, though the wireless charging pad's placement was inconvenient.

The 2021 Acura RDX, while a compact SUV, provided remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, affecting leg support. Cargo volume was competitive, with 835 litres behind the rear seat and up to 1,668 litres with seats folded. The RDX also offered useful storage compartments, though access to some areas was limited while driving.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system was outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was underutilized, with limited usable area. However, the vehicle included a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, providing useful information. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and a JBL audio system on higher trims.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface, a touch-sensing pad on the centre console. While an improvement over similar systems, it 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 audio system on the A-Spec trim. The system offered smartphone integration and voice-recognition technology, though it wasn't without its challenges.

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

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. 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.