2021 Acura RDX vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements that set them apart. The base LS and LT trims featured different grille patterns, while the RST trim boasted a sporty blacked-out appearance with a slotted grille and 22-inch wheels. The Z71 trim was designed for off-roading, with a rugged front end, red tow hooks, and unique 20-inch wheels. The Premier trim added chrome accents and polished wheels, while the luxurious High Country trim featured a chrome bar grille and bright-finished 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe's design was characterized by its dominant grille and standard LED headlights, with a more expressive rear end compared to its predecessor. Despite its slab-sided appearance, larger wheels enhanced its overall look. Prices for the Tahoe ranged from $57,048 to $81,448, with the Z71 trim tested at $80,293, including various option packages and destination charges. The interior featured a 10.2-inch infotainment screen and electronic transmission controls, though the control layout was somewhat compromised. The Z71 trim's quality met expectations, with a mix of soft-touch surfaces and hard plastics.

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, was praised for its sporty yet subtle design. Unlike some SUVs, it didn't attempt to mimic off-road capabilities, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping. The RDX A-Spec sat in the middle of the trim hierarchy, with pricing starting at $44,505 and reaching $60,371 for the tested model. The A-Spec trim featured sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and unique interior accents. The RDX's interior was noted for its sporty look and quality materials, though the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read. The True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a point of contention, requiring a learning curve for users. Despite this, the RDX A-Spec was considered a rewarding drive, with its turbo engine, SH-AWD system, and precise steering contributing to its enjoyable performance.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options, with the standard 5.3-litre V8 delivering 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country trim featured a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine was also available, providing 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, though it was not compatible with the Z71 trim. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a 4WD system available on higher trims. The Z71 trim included off-road enhancements like a two-speed transfer case and hill descent control. The Tahoe's towing capacity reached up to 3,810 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 831 kilograms. The major engineering change for 2021 was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and interior space. The Z71 trim impressed with its smooth ride, thanks to adaptive damping and air suspension upgrades. The 5.3-litre V8 engine and 10-speed transmission provided ample power and refinement, while the Dynamic Fuel Management technology improved fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the SH-AWD system were standard, enhancing handling and driving enjoyment. 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 rode on 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, though it lacked adaptive dampers. The RDX A-Spec was praised for its predictable handling, precise steering, and fade-resistant brakes. The turbo engine's broad torque curve and the SH-AWD system contributed to its engaging driving experience. However, the lack of adaptive dampers and rev-matching in Sport+ mode were noted as areas for improvement.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from its new independent rear suspension, offering improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The power sliding storage console provided additional storage options, while the second row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs. The third-row seat was more spacious, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe's cargo capacity was impressive, with 722 litres behind the rear seat, 2,056 litres with the rear seat folded, and a maximum of 3,480 litres. These figures surpassed most full-size SUVs, except for longer-wheelbase models.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. The A-Spec trim added Alcantara and leather seats, with ventilation available on higher trims. Rear-seat comfort was compromised by the need to maximize utility, resulting in a lack of leg support and excessive seatback recline. Storage space was limited, though the trunk offered 835 litres of cargo volume, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats provided 1,668 litres of cargo space, with a maximum of 2,260 litres when the front seats were moved forward. While not class-leading, the RDX's cargo area was considered sufficient for most tasks.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with enhanced computing power and over-the-air update capability. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the recessed screen made some controls difficult to access. The voice-recognition system was particularly impressive, responding accurately to natural speech. The test vehicle included a mid-grade Bose audio system and a Rear Seat Media system, though the latter was not fully tested. The Tahoe also offered a 15-inch head-up display, though it was not included in the test vehicle.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console instead of a touchscreen. While an improvement over similar systems from Lexus, the TTI required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included standard satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi tethering, with an available navigation system. The A-Spec trim featured a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. Despite the TTI's challenges, the RDX offered smartphone projection and voice-recognition technology, though it lacked some advanced features like Amazon Alexa integration.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe came with standard safety features like Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward collision alert with pedestrian detection, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety systems worked as expected, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. As of the review, the Tahoe had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Acura RDX included standard safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX's safety systems were praised for their smooth operation and accuracy. The SUV 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.