2020 Acura RDX vs 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle whose design elements became more appreciated over time. It wasn't flashy, but its subtle styling choices, like the dished hood, were functional, improving forward sight lines for better navigation. The fenders bulged slightly to accommodate wheel travel, hinting at the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with its leather-trimmed seating and functional, albeit plain, dashboard. The interior was comfortable and well-executed, though it leaned towards a more subdued aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura RDX maintained its striking appearance from the previous model year, with a bold grille and sharp headlights. The large logo on the grille was a notable feature, and the vehicle's character lines added a sporty flair. Inside, the RDX impressed with its red leather upholstery, creating a strong contrast with the black interior. The cabin was well-equipped, offering features like a power moonroof and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The RDX came in various trims, each adding unique features, with the A-Spec trim offering sporty upgrades and the Advance Package providing additional luxury touches.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, provided the Land Cruiser with impressive capability. It was designed to handle both urban and off-road environments, with features like a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene driving experience, with controlled body roll and excellent visibility. However, its fuel economy was modest, achieving 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined.

The 2020 Acura RDX, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration, and the 10-speed automatic transmission managed power efficiently. The RDX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The RDX's fuel economy was more favorable, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The RDX excelled in both performance and comfort, offering a balanced driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was designed for versatility, with features like skid plates, tow hooks, and a roof rack. The standard model offered a three-row configuration, accommodating up to eight passengers, while the Heritage Edition had a two-row setup. The interior was spacious, with heated second-row seats and a cooling box in the center console. The Land Cruiser's split tailgate was a unique feature, making loading and unloading easy. It also had a towing capacity of up to 8,100 pounds, making it suitable for hauling.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable front seats and ample head- and legroom. The second row was also roomy, with a fold-down center console and in-door cup holders. The RDX provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a hidden storage compartment beneath the load floor. The RDX's interior was well-designed, offering practical storage solutions and a comfortable driving position.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Premium Audio and Integrated Navigation. It included 14 JBL speakers, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio, but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera was a useful feature, providing selectable views for navigating challenging terrain. The Land Cruiser also offered a Qi-compatible charging station for smartphones.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a mixed bag. While it featured a vivid widescreen display, it was operated via a touchpad, which could be cumbersome to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the touchpad interface detracted from their simplicity. The RDX offered a range of audio systems, with the A-Spec trim featuring the impressive ELS Studio 3D premium sound system. The Technology Package added navigation and additional USB ports, while the Advance Package included a head-up display.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also included the Star Safety System, with stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Land Cruiser had 10 airbags and a range of safety features, but it had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic monitoring. The Advance Package included a 360-degree camera and a head-up display. The 2019 RDX, which was mechanically identical, received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS.