2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the luxury SUV market, had the advantage of a fresh design approach, unburdened by a legacy of past models. This allowed Genesis to innovate and create a distinctive look, characterized by a long hood, short front overhang, and a signature grille with a Quad Lamp LED headlight array. The GV80's design was both elegant and bold, with large wheel arches and a cohesive rear design featuring Quad Lamp taillights. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling updates inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. The RDX's design changes included a revised grille surround, updated 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 emphasized a sporty driving position and included high-quality materials, a quieter cabin, and a unique control layout. Despite some challenges with the True Touchpad Interface, the RDX offered a comfortable and stylish interior with features like a panoramic sunroof and heated front seats.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The GV80's suspension system, particularly in the 3.5T models, featured electronically controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride comfort. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was rated at 11.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway, while the 3.5T was rated at 12.9 L/100 km city and 10.4 highway.

The 2022 Acura RDX, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured 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 fuel consumption was rated at 10.3 L/100 km, though real-world testing showed an average of 11.4 L/100 km. The RDX's driving dynamics were enhanced by a revised Integrated Dynamics System and adaptive-damping suspension, offering a smoother ride and improved responsiveness.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The centre console featured a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power-adjustable seats and window shades. The GV80 offered a third row of seats in the 3.5T models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. Luxury features included a sunroof, three-row climate control, and power rear-door closure.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, provided ample space for four adults and their luggage. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface. The RDX offered comfortable and supportive front seats with available ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The rear seat, while not as comfortable as the front, provided a flat cargo load floor when folded. The RDX also featured a power liftgate and generous cargo space, with hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen with user-configurable split-screen displays. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with over-the-air updates and cloud profiles for personalized settings. The GV80 also offered a digital key function for Android users and five years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, along with a premium Lexicon audio system.

The 2022 Acura RDX's True Touchpad Interface paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller, offering a unique but complex user experience. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Standard features included satellite radio, AcuraLink connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system available on higher trims. A 10.5-inch head-up display was included with the A-Spec Platinum Elite package.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured 10 airbags, a vehicle stability management system, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features. The GV80's adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist provided advanced safety and convenience, while the Remote Smart Parking Assist offered automated parking capabilities.

The 2022 Acura RDX also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety and a rear seatbelt reminder system. The standard AcuraWatch suite included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added front and rear 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.