2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, evolved from the GL-Class, which debuted in 2006. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GLS instead found its niche among affluent families seeking a luxurious, spacious alternative to the Navigator and Escalade. The GLS's design softened its angles and lines, making it appear less bulky than its predecessors. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dashboard, emphasizing its tech-centric controls.

The GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63. Standard features on the GLS 450 included remote keyless entry, nine USB ports, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. The GLS 580 added a V8 engine, heated-and-cooled front seats, and massaging front seats. The AMG GLS 63, our test model, featured aggressive bodywork, a quad-outlet exhaust, and a performance-inspired interior with a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel. The GLS 63's luxurious touches included a leather stripe on the Alcantara wheel, adding to its high-end appeal.

The 2022 Acura RDX received subtle styling updates inspired by the larger MDX model, including changes to the grille surround and bumper designs. The limited-production RDX PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior. The PMC Edition, named after the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, topped the RDX lineup, which included the base model and packages like Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300.

Our test vehicle, the A-Spec Advance package, featured Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, totaling $53,645. The RDX A-Spec Advance justified its price with high-quality materials, solid build quality, and a quieter interior. Despite some controversial design elements, the RDX maintained a stylish edge over many rivals. The 2022 RDX's enhancements, including sound-deadening measures and a re-tuned adaptive-damping suspension, contributed to a smoother, more comfortable ride and a quieter cabin, making it a compelling choice in the compact luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engines. The entry-level GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 upgraded to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission.

The AMG GLS 63's performance was remarkable, achieving 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph, despite its 5,400+ pound weight. The adaptive air suspension system allowed for adjustable ground clearance, enhancing both cornering and obstacle clearance. The GLS 63's drive-mode settings, including Individual, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, offered customizable driving experiences, controlled via a dial and buttons on the sport steering wheel. The GLS's E-Active Body Control ensured a smooth, composed ride, even on rough roads, making it maneuverable in urban settings.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The engine's quick spool-up contributed to the RDX's enjoyable driving character, though heavy-footed driving reduced fuel economy from the EPA-rated 23 mpg to an average of 20.6 mpg. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, providing smooth performance, though the new sound-deadening measures diminished the paddles' enjoyment.

Front-wheel drive was standard on the base, Technology, and A-Spec packages, while the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. This torque-vectoring AWD system enhanced handling on winding roads. The 2022 RDX's revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered more distinct driving modes, and the re-tuned adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX's quieter ride and improved driving dynamics made it a strong contender in the compact luxury SUV market.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Standard seven-passenger seating could be reduced to six with optional second-row captain's chairs. The front-row seats, controlled via door-mounted controls, provided plenty of space, while the third row, though less spacious, accommodated full-size adults. The GLS boasted 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The power-folding third row and numerous storage compartments added to its practicality.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. The RDX's interior emphasized a sporty driving position, though its control layout required a learning curve. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation. The new-for-2022 thick-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel was a pleasure to hold, and dual-zone automatic climate control was standard.

The RDX's back seat, though less comfortable, provided a flat load floor when folded. Heated rear seats were available on some models. The standard power liftgate, with available hands-free operation, revealed 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor added to its practicality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system, with a massive touch screen and a trackpad controller. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like "Find me a gas station," and the digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The system's learning curve was offset by its comprehensive functionality.

The 2022 Acura RDX's TTI infotainment system paired a 10.2-inch display screen with a touchpad controller. The system's one-to-one relationship between touchpad and screen required acclimation, though Alexa Built-in and steering wheel controls reduced the need for the TTI. The 2022 RDX added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a navigation system starting with the Technology package. Three premium sound systems were available, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with numerous driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additional safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, aiming to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. 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 and higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. 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.