2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, presented a sporty yet understated design. Its styling changes were subtle, avoiding excessive blacked-out trim or aggressive performance cues, which conveyed a sense of sportiness without overpromising on performance. The RDX was not designed for off-roading, evident from its lack of oversized skid plates or fender flares, making it ideal for daily driving and road trips. The A-Spec trim sat in the middle of the hierarchy, with a starting price of $50,305, and featured a sporty interior with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that announced wealth and taste. Its exterior was a scaled-down version of the big Range Rover's profile, featuring a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a distinctive grille. The Velar's design included a sloping roof and flush door handles, contributing to its streamlined appearance. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek, with high-quality materials and a polished black centre stack. Despite being a base trim, the interior maintained a luxurious feel, though it lacked some of the premium features of higher trims.

The 2021 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and the SH-AWD system, which improved handling by distributing power to the rear wheels. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between different driving modes, enhancing the driving experience. The A-Spec trim included exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, though it lacked adaptive dampers, which could have improved handling on uneven roads. Despite some limitations, the RDX offered a rewarding drive with precise steering and effective brakes.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower centre of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Velar's optional electronic air suspension provided a plush ride and could raise the body for increased clearance. The optional 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system delivered higher performance, with up to 395 horsepower. However, the Velar's off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

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 due to the need for a flat cargo floor. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,668 litres with the seats folded. Additional storage compartments were available under the cargo floor, enhancing utility.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a tighter interior, with reduced headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was limited, with 552 litres behind the rear seats and 1,358 litres with the seats folded. The Velar's design included some frustrating features, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a simplified layout and useful features like voice activation and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad instead of a touchscreen. While it mirrored the screen for easier control, it required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D audio system, providing excellent sound quality. The RDX also offered smartphone integration and voice recognition technology.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. It included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation capabilities. The Velar also offered standard features like LED headlights, power seats, and a Meridian sound system, enhancing the overall driving experience.

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 stars for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for impact tests. It included standard safety features like forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.