2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, was a visually appealing SUV. Its design changes were subtle yet effective, conveying a sense of sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided the rugged off-road look, focusing instead on a sleek design suitable for daily driving and road trips. The A-Spec trim sat in the middle of the RDX's hierarchy, with a starting price of $50,305, and offered features like sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and unique gauges. However, the red markings on the gauge cluster were difficult to read during the day.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, particularly in the Limited AWD trim, had a more understated appearance, resembling a rental car rather than a fully loaded model. Despite this, the RAV4's styling was tough for a compact SUV, though it could have benefited from larger wheels. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was stylish and practical, with a mix of quality materials and some hard plastics. The interior was functional, with clear instrumentation and easy-to-use controls. However, a rattle from the license plate was noted during testing.

The 2021 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which improved handling by distributing power to the rear wheels. The RDX offered various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, which adjusted powertrain response and steering effort. The A-Spec trim had exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, enhancing its sporty feel. However, the lack of adaptive dampers and rev-matching in Sport modes was noted as a drawback.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with electric motors, generating 219 horsepower. It offered several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The RAV4 Hybrid's instant electric-motor torque made it feel lively, though the engine sounded unpleasant at high revs. It achieved a fuel efficiency of 5.9 L/100 km during testing. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension and steering provided a comfortable and agreeable driving experience, though the tires lacked grip in corners.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered remarkable passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low cushion and excessive recline angle. The cargo area measured 835 litres behind the rear seats and 1,668 litres with the seats folded. Acura also quoted a maximum cargo volume of 2,260 litres, though this figure was based on unrealistic loading conditions.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom and foot space were decent, though the seat felt a bit low. The cargo area offered 1,059 litres of space, expanding to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded. The RAV4 Hybrid's interior featured practical storage solutions, including dashboard shelves and a centre armrest with cupholders.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad instead of a touchscreen. While it improved upon Lexus's approach, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, both compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen included SiriusXM satellite radio and various connectivity features. The test vehicle had an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system with dynamic navigation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs for easy operation. Toyota also offered advanced camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

The 2021 Acura RDX came equipped with a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, 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, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. While the system was generally effective, some functions behaved erratically in heavy traffic. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.