2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was marked by bold, large taillights. The Q5 exuded a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. Inside, the Q5 was equally classy and modern, with a technology-packed yet uncluttered interior. The materials were authentic, with real wood and metal, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for optimal driver visibility.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX required a closer look to notice its styling changes, inspired by the larger MDX model. The RDX featured updated grille surrounds, front and rear bumper styling, and new wheel designs. The limited-production PMC Edition stood out with its exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and Orchid white interior. The RDX's interior was spacious, with a sporty driving position and a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. However, the control layout had a learning curve, with unique transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. Despite this, the RDX offered a comfortable and stylish interior with high-quality materials.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, and offered fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD, allowing for various driving modes, including electric-only and hybrid. The handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters provided a smooth driving experience, complemented by Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The RDX's adaptive-damping suspension offered a comfortable ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. Despite its enjoyable driving dynamics, the RDX did not qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, lacking the thrill of some German competitors.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a well-packaged interior with 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,503 litres with the seats folded. The second row provided ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with available heating and ventilation. The interior design was uncluttered, with smartly laid-out controls and storage options.

The 2022 Acura RDX provided ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position, but the control layout required acclimation. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation, while the back seat lacked support for adults. The RDX offered 835 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded, and featured a power liftgate with available hands-free operation.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered customization and ease of use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. A Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Acura RDX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller, requiring a learning curve. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, reducing the need for the TTI. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system available in higher trims.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, electronic stability control, and available driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Acura RDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system and enhanced AcuraWatch driver-assist systems. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems were improved but not as refined as some competitors.