2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade showcased a design evolution influenced by the Escala concept, particularly evident in its front fascia. However, from the side and rear, the Escalade retained its traditional styling cues, featuring crisp creases and tall vertical OLED taillights. It rode on standard 22-inch wheels, a first for the model, and offered a range of trims from the base Luxury to the opulent Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum. The interior of the Escalade was a blend of luxury and practicality, with leather upholstery and various wood trims available. The Premium Luxury trim, tested with Parchment leather and Tamo Ash wood, looked impressive, though the light-coloured carpets showed signs of wear early on. Despite its high price, some interior materials, like the plastic lower dashboard, were less than ideal for a vehicle in this price range.

The 2022 Acura RDX, while subtle in its exterior updates, drew inspiration from the larger MDX model, with changes to the grille surround and bumper styling. The RDX offered a sporty and stylish interior, highlighted by a panoramic sunroof and a dramatic centre dashboard design. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package, tested in Canada, featured high-quality materials and a quieter cabin, thanks to enhanced sound insulation. The RDX's interior was comfortable, with 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats and a new flat-bottom steering wheel. However, the back seat, while spacious, lacked the comfort and support found in the front. The RDX's control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface, required some acclimation, but the overall driving experience was enjoyable and engaging.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine and a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. The V8, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering robust acceleration and a satisfying exhaust note. The V8 featured advanced technologies like Dynamic Fuel Management and an automatic stop/start system to enhance fuel efficiency, achieving a combined rating of 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The turbo-diesel, with 277 horsepower and the same torque as the V8, offered better fuel economy at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The Escalade's ride and handling were significantly improved, thanks to a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension, providing a smooth and controlled driving experience. However, the brake pedal could have offered better modulation.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered a spirited driving experience, though fuel consumption was higher than expected at 11.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The RDX featured Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which enhanced cornering performance by distributing power to individual wheels. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered distinct driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension provided a comfortable ride in Comfort mode and increased responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX's cabin was quieter than before, thanks to sound-deadening measures, making it a more appealing choice for long drives.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a larger and more versatile cabin, thanks to its new independent rear suspension and extended wheelbase. Front-seat occupants enjoyed standard heated seats, with ventilated and massaging options available in higher trims. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and offered improved leg support, while the third-row seat provided ample space for adults, a significant improvement over the previous model. The Escalade's cargo capacity was impressive, with 722 litres behind the third row, expandable to 3,426 litres with all seats folded. The extended-length Escalade ESV offered even more cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, provided ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. The interior featured a sporty design, with a focus on the driver's experience. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation, while the back seat, though spacious, lacked the comfort of the front. The RDX offered 835 litres of cargo space, with hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor. Folding the back seat down expanded the cargo area to 1,668 litres, providing flexibility for various needs.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade was equipped with a cutting-edge OLED display spanning 38 inches, offering high pixel density and vibrant colours. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some users experienced connectivity issues. The Escalade's voice recognition system had limitations, and the physical controls on the centre console were often more practical to use. The AR navigation system was a standout feature, providing real-time directional guidance. The standard 19-speaker AKG sound system delivered impressive audio quality, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Reference system available for audiophiles.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which required a learning curve due to its unique touchpad design. However, the inclusion of Amazon Alexa Built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto made the system more user-friendly. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system providing an immersive listening experience. The A-Spec Platinum Elite trim included a 10.5-inch head-up display, enhancing the driver's situational awareness.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback to the driver, while the Teen Driver technology and rear-seat reminder added peace of mind. Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered additional safety systems, such as blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. However, during testing, the Escalade experienced a couple of false alarms with its advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The standard AcuraWatch suite included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology package added parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. While AcuraWatch's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were generally effective, they occasionally issued false warnings in challenging conditions. The RDX received a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.