2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance style with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, was priced at $58,806, including destination charges. While the interior boasted quality materials, the design felt more akin to a minivan, which, along with its exterior, did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model, with updates to the grille, bumpers, wheels, and paint colours. The PMC Edition, hand-built in Ohio, stood out with its exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint. The RDX lineup included several trims, with prices starting at $45,800. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package, priced at $60,375, offered high-quality materials and a quieter interior. Despite some design quirks, the RDX maintained a stylish edge over many competitors.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring AWD, provided a smooth and responsive driving experience. The Pilot's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.0 L/100 km, with a test average of 10.9 L/100 km. Its suspension offered a comfortable ride and agile handling, though off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission and SH-AWD system enhanced its dynamic driving character. The RDX's fuel consumption was rated at 10.3 L/100 km, but testing showed an average of 11.4 L/100 km. The revised Integrated Dynamics System and adaptive-damping suspension improved ride comfort and responsiveness. The RDX excelled in driving dynamics, though it lacked the thrill of performance-oriented rivals.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults. The Pilot provided generous cargo space, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded. Storage solutions were abundant throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, provided sufficient room for four adults and their luggage. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position, but the control layout required acclimation. The RDX featured standard 12-way power-adjustable front seats, with available ventilation and heated rear seats. Cargo space was generous, with 835 litres behind the rear seats and 1,668 litres with seats folded. The power liftgate and hidden storage compartments added convenience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The system was adequate but lacked a tuning knob and had limited HondaLink services. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system with various connectivity options.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the TTI infotainment system with a 10.2-inch display and touchpad controller. While complex, it offered a direct relationship between touchpad and screen. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a wireless charging pad. Three premium sound systems were available, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D system offering 16 speakers. The A-Spec Platinum Elite trim included a head-up display.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and high scores from IIHS.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, maintaining its Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. New features included a rear seatbelt reminder and enhanced AcuraWatch systems. The RDX earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though some systems showed limitations in challenging conditions.