2020 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Acura RDX

2020 Toyota RAV4
2020 Toyota RAV4
$25,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Acura RDX
2021 Acura RDX
$38,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota RAV4
$25,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Acura RDX
$38,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$25,950

MSRP

$38,400

Listings

256

Listings

115

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Pros

  • Easy-to-use technology

  • Comfortable

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Poor fuel economy

Pros

  • Great handling

  • Excellent value for money

  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Unintuitive technology

  • Not much cargo space

2020 Toyota RAV4 Reviews Summary

Americans love the Toyota RAV4. The compact crossover SUV is the most popular vehicle in the U.S. that isn’t a pickup truck, and when you live with one for a while, it’s easy to understand why so many people buy a RAV4. Available with a gasoline 4-cylinder or a gas-electric hybrid powertrain (covered as a separate model), and in a wide range of configurations including sporty XSE, luxurious Limited, and rugged Adventure, the 2020 RAV4 meets a variety of customer wants and needs.

2021 Acura RDX Reviews Summary

When Acura last redesigned the RDX for the 2019 model year, the company began a transformation that is now accelerating with the debut of the all-new 2021 TLX sedan and soon-to-arrive 2022 MDX SUV. Adopting the company’s latest exterior styling and interior design philosophies, as well as the completely rethought True Touch Interface infotainment system, the third-generation RDX confirmed Acura’s intent to return to the performance ethos that guided the brand during its early years. Now, according to Acura, the RDX is the bestselling model in its segment and one of the bestselling luxury vehicles in America. It is deserving of this stature.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 203 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 272 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

Horsepower

272 hp @ 6500 rpm

MPG City

27

MPG City

22

MPG Highway

35

MPG Highway

28
2020 Toyota RAV4
2020 Toyota RAV4
$25,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Acura RDX
2021 Acura RDX
$38,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota RAV4
$25,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Acura RDX
$38,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$25,950
$38,400
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.6

4.7

Expert reviews

8.7 out of 10

Read full review

8.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Easy-to-use technology

  • Comfortable

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Poor fuel economy

Pros

  • Great handling

  • Excellent value for money

  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Unintuitive technology

  • Not much cargo space

Summary
Americans love the Toyota RAV4. The compact crossover SUV is the most popular vehicle in the U.S. that isn’t a pickup truck, and when you live with one for a while, it’s easy to understand why so many people buy a RAV4. Available with a gasoline 4-cylinder or a gas-electric hybrid powertrain (covered as a separate model), and in a wide range of configurations including sporty XSE, luxurious Limited, and rugged Adventure, the 2020 RAV4 meets a variety of customer wants and needs.
When Acura last redesigned the RDX for the 2019 model year, the company began a transformation that is now accelerating with the debut of the all-new 2021 TLX sedan and soon-to-arrive 2022 MDX SUV. Adopting the company’s latest exterior styling and interior design philosophies, as well as the completely rethought True Touch Interface infotainment system, the third-generation RDX confirmed Acura’s intent to return to the performance ethos that guided the brand during its early years. Now, according to Acura, the RDX is the bestselling model in its segment and one of the bestselling luxury vehicles in America. It is deserving of this stature.
Video

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.5L 203 hp I4
2.0L 272 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
272 hp @ 6500 rpm
MPG City
27
22
MPG Highway
35
28
Look and feel

2020 Toyota RAV4

8/10

2021 Acura RDX

9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Toyota RAV4 as 8 out of 10 and the 2021 Acura RDX as 9 out of 10. The 2020 Toyota RAV4, known for its durability, received a bold redesign in 2019, giving it a tougher appearance. The RAV4 Adventure and the new TRD Off-Road trim offer enhanced off-roading capabilities, with the latter featuring unique wheels, all-terrain tires, and a special suspension setup. The 2021 Acura RDX, especially when equipped with the A-Spec Package, exudes a subtle yet effective sporty look, emphasizing its performance without compromising on daily driving comfort.
Picture of 2020 Toyota RAV4
Picture of 2020 Toyota RAV4
Picture of 2020 Toyota RAV4
Picture of 2020 Toyota RAV4
Picture of 2020 Toyota RAV4
Picture of 2020 Toyota RAV4
Picture of 2020 Toyota RAV4
Picture of 2020 Toyota RAV4
Picture of 2020 Toyota RAV4
Performance

2020 Toyota RAV4

7/10

2021 Acura RDX

9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Toyota RAV4 7 out of 10 and the 2021 Acura RDX 9 out of 10. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 is available with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid offers up to 40 mpg in combined driving and 219 horsepower. On the other hand, the 2021 Acura RDX boasts a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) for improved handling.
Form and function

2020 Toyota RAV4

9/10

2021 Acura RDX

8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Toyota RAV4 9 out of 10 and the 2021 Acura RDX 8 out of 10. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 provides a spacious and practical interior, with comfortable seating, generous legroom, and ample cargo space. The 2021 Acura RDX offers remarkable passenger and cargo space, featuring comfortable front seats with 12-way power adjustment and a sporty driving position. However, rear-seat comfort and storage space in the RDX could be improved.
Technology

2020 Toyota RAV4

10/10

2021 Acura RDX

6/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Toyota RAV4 10 out of 10 and the 2021 Acura RDX 6 out of 10. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 features a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The 2021 Acura RDX utilizes the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) for infotainment control, which, while innovative, may require a learning curve and could be distracting for some users.
Safety

2020 Toyota RAV4

9/10

2021 Acura RDX

8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Toyota RAV4 9 out of 10 and the 2021 Acura RDX 8 out of 10. Both vehicles come equipped with advanced safety features, with the 2020 Toyota RAV4 featuring Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 and the 2021 Acura RDX offering AcuraWatch. Both models have received high safety ratings from reputable organizations, ensuring comprehensive protection for occupants.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Toyota RAV4 is 8.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Acura RDX scores 8.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 emerges as the recommended choice, offering a well-rounded package with strong off-road capabilities, practicality, advanced technology, and compelling cost-effectiveness.

Choose the 2020 Toyota RAV4 if:

8.7of 10overall
  • You prioritize off-road capability and rugged design, as the TRD Off-Road trim offers enhanced performance and a distinctive appearance.
  • You seek a practical and spacious interior with generous cargo space and comfortable seating for both adults and children.
  • You value advanced technology features, including a user-friendly infotainment system and comprehensive safety offerings.
256 results
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Choose the 2021 Acura RDX if:

8.2of 10overall
  • You desire a sporty and stylish SUV with a powerful turbocharged engine and precise handling, especially when equipped with the A-Spec Package.
  • You prioritize passenger and cargo space, as the RDX offers remarkable roominess and quality interior materials.
  • You appreciate a mix of advanced technologies and high safety ratings, making the RDX a compelling choice for modern drivers.
115 results
See all

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Toyota RAV4 is 8.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Acura RDX scores 8.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 emerges as the recommended choice, offering a well-rounded package with strong off-road capabilities, practicality, advanced technology, and compelling cost-effectiveness.

Choose the 2020 Toyota RAV4 if:

Shop Now
8.7of 10overall
  • You prioritize off-road capability and rugged design, as the TRD Off-Road trim offers enhanced performance and a distinctive appearance.
  • You seek a practical and spacious interior with generous cargo space and comfortable seating for both adults and children.
  • You value advanced technology features, including a user-friendly infotainment system and comprehensive safety offerings.
256 results

Choose the 2021 Acura RDX if:

Shop Now
8.2of 10overall
  • You desire a sporty and stylish SUV with a powerful turbocharged engine and precise handling, especially when equipped with the A-Spec Package.
  • You prioritize passenger and cargo space, as the RDX offers remarkable roominess and quality interior materials.
  • You appreciate a mix of advanced technologies and high safety ratings, making the RDX a compelling choice for modern drivers.
115 results
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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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