2020 Acura MDX vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, following its 2019 redesign, presented a bolder and more angular appearance, enhancing its reputation for durability with a tougher look. The Trail trim, introduced the previous year, improved off-roading capabilities with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, multiple driving modes, and downhill assist control. The 2020 model continued this trend with the TRD Off-Road package, featuring smaller, lighter matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a TRD suspension setup, offering a versatile ride across various surfaces. The TRD Off-Road was distinguishable by its unique wheels, tires, and badges, while the interior boasted TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, contrasting with some inexpensive-looking plastic elements.

The 2020 Acura MDX, while not groundbreaking in its styling, offered a sleek and low-slung design with chiseled details and a fast roofline, complemented by Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights. The interior maintained a modern and simple aesthetic, featuring twin infotainment screens and a high-quality level of material selection, contributing to a solid and well-built feel. The MDX's centre stack was a highlight, with an 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation and an On Demand Multi-Use Display touchscreen. The overall design and build quality of the MDX provided a sense of luxury and sophistication, making it a fitting choice for those seeking a stylish yet understated vehicle.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid variant offered 219 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, though it was not available with the TRD Off-Road package. The non-turbo, non-hybrid powertrain delivered satisfactory performance, especially in Sport mode, though a turbocharged engine would have been preferable for high-altitude driving. The eight-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally struggled with gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system, multi-terrain select settings, and 21.8 centimetres of ground clearance, making it adept at handling challenging terrains. Despite its off-road focus, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road excelled in urban environments, with features like a 360-degree surround-view camera and JBL premium sound system enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the MDX Sport Hybrid, which combined a 3.0-litre V6 engine with three electric motors for a total of 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. The gasoline-only model with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system provided excellent straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. This system directed power to the outside wheel during cornering, enhancing turn-in and handling. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension absorbed road imperfections, ensuring a comfortable ride. The vehicle's performance was characterized by smooth power delivery and impressive handling, making it a capable and enjoyable SUV to drive.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy ingress and egress, with seating hip points at an ideal height. The interior featured a low and sporty driving position, with a 4-way power-adjustable driver's seat and SofTex upholstery. Heated and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel, added comfort. The rear seat provided ample legroom for adults and children, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for convenience. Interior storage was generous, with a dashboard shelf and cargo space of 1,062 litres behind the back seat, expandable to 1,974 litres with the seats folded. Roof rails and a roof rack with crossbars further extended the RAV4's utility.

The 2020 Acura MDX, as a three-row SUV, offered sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row, with good headroom across all rows. It provided 447 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 1,229 litres with the third row folded, and 2,574 litres with the second row down. The interior featured a flexible centre console, multiple storage compartments, and tri-zone climate control. The MDX's design catered to families needing minivan functionality without compromising on style, offering a spacious and versatile interior.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system included menu shortcut buttons and knobs for easy operation, with upgrades like an embedded navigation system and JBL premium sound system. The TRD Off-Road's voice-recognition technology was particularly impressive, accurately responding to commands. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a digital rear-view mirror with adjustable camera settings.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard tech features like Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, parking sensors, and Acura/ELS Studio Premium Audio. The A-Spec Package included LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, and Alcantara and leather seating. The Technology Plus package offered heated rear seats and an upgraded audio system, while the Elite Package featured an Active Damper System, surround-view camera, and rear entertainment screen. The MDX's tech offerings were comprehensive, catering to various needs and preferences.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring automatic emergency braking, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. Toyota offered a free 1-year subscription to Safety Connect services, providing collision notification and emergency assistance. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with top marks for crash protection and ADAS performance, though headlight performance varied.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured AcuraWatch, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX's safety features included a rearview camera, airbags, stability control, and Trailer Stability Assist. The IIHS rated the MDX as "good" for crash tests, "acceptable" for headlights, and "superior" for front crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded the MDX a five-star overall safety rating.