2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a nod to the past with its modern retro design, reminiscent of the classic Bronco. It was a unibody crossover that catered to urban dwellers with a penchant for weekend adventures. The vehicle's design featured short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and a tucked-in body, all of which were tailored for trail driving. The Bronco Sport's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with a subtle "SPORT" postscript. The interior was rugged yet tasteful, with an uncluttered design, a rotary gear selector, and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The trim levels offered a progression from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, with practical flooring options for various needs.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX was a compact SUV that exuded a sense of style and sophistication. It featured subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model, with updated grille surrounds and bumper designs. The RDX's interior was characterized by high-quality materials and a quieter cabin, thanks to sound-deadening measures. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package offered a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system. The RDX's interior was equipped with comfortable, power-adjustable seats and a thick-rimmed steering wheel, although the back seat lacked support. The cargo area was spacious, with a power liftgate and hidden storage compartments.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands model featured a more powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and decent ground clearance. On-road, the 2.0-litre engine was better suited to the vehicle's character, while the 1.5-litre engine could feel strained under pressure.

The 2022 Acura RDX, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which provided excellent torque-vectoring capabilities. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered distinct driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension provided a smooth ride in Comfort mode and responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX was quieter than its predecessor, thanks to sound control enhancements. While the RDX was enjoyable to drive, it did not qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, and driving enthusiasts might prefer German alternatives.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was designed with active buyers in mind, offering clever features like a cargo space that could accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford provided a catalog of over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could hold up to 68 kilograms, and the 2.0-litre engine could tow up to 997 kilograms. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table. The front cabin had ample storage compartments, although taller drivers might find visibility challenging.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the TTI infotainment system. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation, while the back seat lacked support. The RDX's cargo area was generous, with a power liftgate and hidden storage compartments. The interior was equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control and Iconic Drive ambient lighting.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with the latest infotainment systems, including an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The terrain management system offered multiple drive modes, and trail control technology provided additional off-road assistance. Intelligent access with push-button start was available on all trims except the Base model.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. The system required a learning curve, but the RDX also included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system available on higher trims. The A-Spec Platinum Elite included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The Bronco Sport received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety and continued to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The AcuraWatch collection of driver-assist features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RDX received a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.