2021 Acura RDX vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Acura RDX with its A-Spec Package was a sight to behold. Its exterior design, while subtly sporty, managed to avoid the overwrought use of blacked-out trim often seen in performance SUVs. The A-Spec’s styling cues were effective at conveying its sporty character without making exaggerated promises of off-road capabilities. This model eschewed any pretense of being a boulder-basher; no oversized skid plates or bulging fender flares were needed since it was crafted for daily driving and road-tripping.

Opting for the A-Spec Package placed the RDX in the mid-tier of its lineup, with a base price starting at $38,200. Adding the Technology Package brought the price to $41,100, and the A-Spec raised it further to $44,100. The fully-loaded Advance Package topped at $46,000, exclusive of the $2,000 for the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Our review model, with the optional Platinum White paint and SH-AWD, came to $47,625, including destination charges.

Inside, the A-Spec trim elevated the interior's sportiness with simulated suede inserts on the seats, special piping, sport pedals, and red ambient cabin lighting. The black headliner and dark brushed aluminum trim added to the sleek, sophisticated feel, though the red markings on the gauge cluster were hard to read except at night. Despite a few downsides, such as the True Touchpad Interface system, the RDX’s interior offered a distinct flair uncommon in compact crossovers.

Contrastingly, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 pivoted towards rugged aesthetics. Its exterior, characterized by boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end, gave it a bolder and more aggressive look than previous generations. The RAV4’s design aimed to transcend the typical family car image, setting it apart from other compact crossovers.

Mechanically, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with various Toyota models. While the styling suggested a likeness to the 4Runner, the underpinnings drew closer to a Camry, which is not negative per se. Options like the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models added unique touches like matte black wheels and special exterior accents. Rugged interior touches, such as large rubberized knobs and handles, further distinguished the RAV4’s cabin. However, material quality plateaued at higher trims without matching the price hike, making premium options less appealing for the cost.

Under the hood, the 2021 Acura RDX carried a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced an impressive 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. The A-Spec Package did not boost performance, but paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and the optional SH-AWD system, provided a dynamic driving experience. The SH-AWD system could channel up to 70% of the engine's power to the rear wheels, significantly enhancing handling and driving enjoyment.

Drivers could adjust the Integrated Dynamics System to Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, which tweaked the powertrain response, steering, and suspension settings (with the Advance Package). The A-Spec model, equipped with exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance all-season tires, exhibited agile handling and precise steering. The wish for adaptive dampers and rev-matching during manual shifts was voiced, but notwithstanding these quirks, the RDX was engaging to drive and felt responsive in various situations, including spirited backroad journeys.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4, powered by a 2.5-liter "Dynamic Force" four-cylinder engine, generated 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission with available AWD. The engine emphasized efficiency, achieving 40% thermal efficiency and showcasing a love to rev, with peak power at 6,600 rpm.

Despite an impressive engine, the rest of the RAV4’s driving experience fell short. The transmission hesitated on shifts, and the steering, though responsive, lacked tactile feedback. The "Sport" mode only added heft to the steering without meaningful performance gains. The RAV4 seemed better suited for highway cruising, with commendable noise isolation and a comfortable suspension.

Off-road, Adventure and TRD Off-Road models benefitted from Torque-Vectoring AWD and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. However, the RAV4 lacked the hardcore off-road features seen in true off-road vehicles, such as low-range gearing and significant suspension articulation. Despite these limitations, it offered reasonable off-road capability for light trails and integrated enough practical towing capacity—3,500 pounds for certain trims—to be useful.

When evaluating passenger and cargo space, the 2021 Acura RDX stood out. Despite its compact classification, it offered commendable passenger and cargo room, making it a compelling value. The front seats, offering 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, were notably comfortable. However, the rear seats, designed for utility, compromised leg support and resulted in a slouched seating posture.

The Acura RDX’s cargo capacity measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. While not the largest in the segment, its practical storage solutions, like a deep storage well and multiple under-floor compartments, added functionality. The maximum quoted value of 79.8 cubic feet seemed optimistic and not reflective of realistic loading scenarios.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 maximized headroom with a tall, upright roofline. Although rear legroom fell short compared to competitors, the front seats were notably comfortable. The rear seats, however, proved to be less accommodating for long trips.

The RAV4 offered 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, providing a competitive edge in load capacity. Loading was facilitated by a wide opening, though the higher lip compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V could pose a challenge. The oversized physical controls mirrored the RAV4’s rugged charm and were practical for users, but the console could use better space management.

The Acura RDX’s technology, spearheaded by the True Touchpad Interface (TTI), attempted to innovate but was a mixed bag. The TTI mirrored screen actions based on fingertip placement, offering a theoretically intuitive system but being difficult to master. Despite this, the inclusion of a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system on A-Spec trims was a highlight, delivering an exceptional auditory experience.

Owners also enjoyed key conveniences such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. However, the absence of tactile controls for crucial functions meant the system demanded more attention than a traditional touchscreen setup.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4’s infotainment system, although simpler, proved user-friendly. Standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility met the essential connectivity needs. Depending on the trim, touchscreen sizes ranged from 7 to 9 inches, with the top trims lacking a HUD seen on other models.

Toyota’s interface, while lacking flair, ensured a straightforward user experience. Multiple USB ports across rows and an available premium JBL audio system provided additional convenience, catering to a broader user base without overwhelming tech-heavy features.

Safety was no afterthought in the 2021 Acura RDX. Equipped with the AcuraWatch suite, it provided adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking among others, though crucial features like blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert required an upgrade to the Technology Package.

The RDX earned strong safety ratings, including a 2020 "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. However, it notched four stars in both frontal-impact and rollover categories.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4, when equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, matched the competition with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and several other features. However, higher trims included additional aids like blind-spot monitoring and park assist.

Praise for the RAV4’s safety suite was reaffirmed by its “Top Safety Pick” from IIHS, albeit falling short of the "Top Safety Pick+" due to headlight disparities. NHTSA also awarded it a five-star overall rating, with variances in specific crash tests similar to the RDX.