2020 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Acura RDX

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. With 21.8 centimetres of ground clearance, the RAV4 Trail was well-suited for off-road adventures. The 2020 model introduced the TRD Off-Road package, featuring matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a TRD suspension setup, enhancing its performance on various surfaces. The TRD Off-Road was distinguishable by its unique wheels, tires, and badges, while maintaining the RAV4 Trail's overall appearance. The interior featured TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, contrasting with some inexpensive-looking plastic elements.

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, offered a sporty yet subtle design, avoiding excessive blacked-out trim or off-roading features. It was designed for daily driving and road-tripping rather than off-roading. The A-Spec trim sat in the middle of the trim hierarchy, with a base price of $44,505, and offered features like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and unique gauges. The interior delivered a sporty look with quality materials and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were challenging to read. The RDX A-Spec was equipped with a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, providing an excellent sound experience.

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, a separate model, offered 219 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, but the TRD Off-Road package was not available for it. The non-turbo, non-hybrid powertrain delivered satisfactory performance, especially in Sport mode, although 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 downhill assist control, making it capable of handling challenging trails. The RAV4 averaged 10.0 L/100 km in fuel efficiency, slightly missing the official estimate of 8.6 L/100 km.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the SH-AWD system enhanced handling, making the RDX enjoyable to drive. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec trim featured Shark Gray 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, contributing to its handling capabilities. However, the lack of adaptive dampers resulted in some body motion on uneven roads. The RDX A-Spec offered a rewarding driving experience with precise steering, fade-resistant brakes, and an engaging engine sound in Sport+ mode.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy entry and exit with well-positioned seating hip points. The driver's seat was 4-way power-adjustable, while the front passenger's seat lacked height adjustment but provided good thigh support. The RAV4 Trail featured SofTex upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom was generous, accommodating adults and children comfortably. Interior storage was ample, with a dashboard shelf and cargo space of 1,062 litres behind the back seat, expandable to 1,974 litres with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle also had roof rails and a roof rack for added utility.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, resulting in a lack of leg support. Storage space was limited, with a large but not easily accessible tray under the centre console. Cargo volume measured 835 litres behind the rear seat, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats provided 1,668 litres of cargo space, with a maximum value of 2,260 litres when measured with the front seats moved forward.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display, depending on the trim level. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple connected services packages. The TRD Off-Road's infotainment system impressed with its voice-recognition technology, wireless smartphone charging, and available 360-degree surround-view camera and digital rear-view mirror.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console instead of a touchscreen. The system mirrored the screen, allowing drivers to control it by touching the corresponding area on the pad. While an improvement over similar systems, it still required some adjustment and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with top marks for crash protection and ADAS performance.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, 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.