2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, presented a sleek and sporty appearance without excessive embellishments. Its design was subtle yet effective, conveying a sense of sportiness without overpromising on performance. Unlike some SUVs, the RDX did not attempt to mimic an off-road vehicle, avoiding features like oversized skid plates and bulging fender flares. This approach highlighted its focus on daily driving and road-tripping rather than off-roading. The A-Spec trim, positioned in the middle of the RDX's trim hierarchy, offered a sporty interior with features like front sport seats 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, except at night.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, especially in the Wilderness trim, emphasized functionality over aesthetics. Its rugged appearance, with features like a suspension lift and protective cladding, was designed for practicality rather than style. The interior focused on durability, with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and all-weather floor mats. The Forester's cabin combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, creating a sense of quality construction. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy access. While the Wilderness trim's exterior design might not appeal to everyone, the Forester's overall build quality and practicality were undeniable.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and the torque-vectoring SH-AWD system, provided a dynamic driving experience. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70% of the engine's output to the rear wheels, enhancing handling and 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 exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, contributing to its sporty handling. However, the lack of adaptive dampers and rev-matching in Sport modes were noted as areas for improvement.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. While it lacked a turbocharger, the Forester's CVT and AWD system provided a 25% increase in initial torque supply in the Wilderness model, doubling its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios, simulating an automatic transmission feel, and the SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for more lively response. The dual-function X-Mode system improved off-road capability, and the re-tuned suspension enhanced ride and handling. The Forester excelled in various driving environments, though its engine power and wind noise at higher speeds were noted as drawbacks.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being classified as a compact SUV, offered impressive passenger and cargo space. The front seats were notably comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in higher trims. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, resulting in a lack of leg support. The cargo area measured 835 litres behind the rear seat, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo capacity to 1,668 litres, with a maximum value of 2,260 litres when measured with the front seats moved forward.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms, allowing for a three-person roof tent. The Forester's interior offered high comfort levels, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the panoramic sunroof, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded. The squared-off cargo area and new cargo hooks added to its practicality.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console instead of a touchscreen. While it mirrored the screen for intuitive control, it required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. The RDX also offered smartphone projection, voice recognition, and physical controls for stereo and climate functions.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition system had mixed effectiveness.

The 2021 Acura RDX was 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 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear automatic braking. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a five-star overall crash-test rating, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2022 model, but it was expected to retain the previous year's "Top Safety Pick+" rating.