2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe defied expectations with its pricing. Typically, new vehicles seem overpriced, but the Santa Fe made you question why it didn't cost more. With a choice of two new gasoline engines and a gas-electric hybrid powertrain, the Santa Fe offered a range of trims from SE to Calligraphy, with prices starting at $26,850 and going up to $39,950 MSRP. The exterior featured a redesigned front end with new running lights, grille, and bumper, while the interior boasted new colors, patterns, and textures, elevating the SUV's market position. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, exuded quality with its premium materials and sophisticated design.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX required a closer look to spot its styling changes, inspired by the larger MDX model. The RDX lineup included the base model and packages like Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300. The limited-production PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior. Our test vehicle, the A-Spec Advance package, featured high-quality materials, solid build quality, and a quieter interior, justifying its $53,645 price tag. Despite some controversial design elements, the RDX maintained a stylish edge over many rivals.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims came with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid model combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric drive motor, producing a total of 226 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed wet-plate dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe's driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart, with the latter focusing on fuel efficiency. The turbocharged engine offered impressive performance, with a combined fuel economy rating of 24 mpg for AWD models. Our testing loop averaged 22.4 mpg, primarily in Smart mode.

The 2022 Acura RDX, on the other hand, came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters provided smooth performance, though the new sound-deadening measures made the paddles less enjoyable. The RDX offered FWD as standard, with the SH-AWD system available on higher trims. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, enhancing driving dynamics. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension improved ride comfort and responsiveness. However, the RDX's fuel economy fell short, averaging 20.6 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe provided ample space for passengers and cargo. All trims featured dual-zone automatic climate control, with stain-resistant fabric seats in lower trims and leather in higher trims. The Calligraphy trim offered premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. The SUV's comfort features included power-adjustable seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. The rear seat was spacious and comfortable, with air-conditioning vents, USB ports, and sunshades. The Santa Fe's cargo space measured 36.4 cubic feet, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered plenty of room for four adults and their luggage. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. The control layout required some acclimation, with transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable, with available ventilation. The rear seat, however, lacked support and comfort for adults. The RDX's cargo space measured 29.5 cubic feet, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was loaded with technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch color head-up display (HUD). The basic 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 10.25-inch screen required wired connections but included upgraded voice-recognition technology and enhanced Blue Link connected services. The Harman Kardon surround-sound system with 12 speakers was available with the larger screen. Blue Link provided a range of connected services, including remote engine start and climate control adjustments. However, the Santa Fe lacked a WiFi hotspot.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the TTI infotainment system with a 10.2-inch display screen and a touchpad controller. The system required a learning curve, but Alexa Built-in and steering wheel controls helped mitigate its complexity. The RDX gained wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and satellite radio. The Technology package added a navigation system, while higher trims featured the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system with 16 speakers. The RDX also included a 10.5-inch head-up display in the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered an impressive array of safety features. The forward-collision warning system included pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance. Safe Exit Assist used blind-spot monitoring sensors to warn occupants of approaching vehicles or cyclists. The rear-occupant alert system detected movement within the SUV for up to 24 hours. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video views within the digital instrument cluster. Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and lane-following technologies. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS with LED projector headlights.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology package added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. AcuraWatch's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were mostly accurate but occasionally issued false warnings. The RDX earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings and five-star side-impact ratings.