2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, was a luxurious SUV that offered a blend of practicality and opulence. Originally known as the GL-Class, the GLS evolved to cater to families seeking a lavish alternative to the likes of the Navigator and Escalade. Despite its size, the GLS appeared more streamlined than its predecessors, thanks to softened angles and clever design elements. Inside, it boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen, emphasizing its tech-centric nature. The GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63, each offering a range of standard and optional features to enhance comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX presented subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. The RDX's updates included modifications to the grille surround, bumper styling, and wheel designs, along with new paint colours. The limited-production PMC Edition, hand-built in Ohio, stood out with its exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and Orchid white interior. The RDX lineup featured various trims, including the base model, Technology, A-Spec, A-Spec Platinum Elite, and the PMC Edition. Our test vehicle, the A-Spec Platinum Elite, showcased high-quality materials, solid build quality, and a quieter interior, making it a compelling choice in the compact luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engines, starting with the entry-level GLS 450, which featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 4MATIC took it up a notch with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63, however, was the pinnacle of performance, equipped with a hand-crafted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine generating an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 280 km/h. The GLS 63's adaptive air suspension and multiple drive modes ensured a smooth and dynamic driving experience, while its EQ Boost system added extra power when needed.

The 2022 Acura RDX, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine across all trims, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the RDX offered a spirited driving experience, though it fell short of its fuel consumption rating during testing. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, standard in Canada, provided excellent torque-vectoring capabilities, enhancing the RDX's agility on winding roads. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension improved ride comfort and responsiveness, while sound-deadening measures contributed to a quieter cabin. Despite its engaging driving dynamics, the RDX did not qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, leaving driving enthusiasts to consider German alternatives.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS excelled in interior space, offering three rows of seating with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. While the third row was less spacious, it could still accommodate full-size adults comfortably. The GLS provided 355 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,209 litres with the third row folded, and a total of 2,400 litres with both the second and third rows down. The power-folding third row and numerous storage compartments added to its practicality, making it a strong contender in the full-size luxury SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX, a compact SUV, offered generous space for four adults and their luggage, enhanced by a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. While the front seats were comfortable and supportive, the rear seats lacked support, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor when folded. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats down, along with hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor. A standard power liftgate with available hands-free operation added convenience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a trackpad for navigation. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, though it required a USB-C cable. The MBUX's voice-control system allowed for complex commands, while the digital dash extended to the fully digital instrument panel, controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. Despite a learning curve, the system offered a comprehensive and user-friendly experience.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which paired a 10.2-inch display screen with a touchpad controller. While the TTI offered a direct one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and screen, it was more complex than traditional touchscreens. However, the RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad, reducing the need for the TTI. The RDX also offered three premium sound systems, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. Additional safety tech included lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system, ensuring a safe driving experience.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system and enhancements to the standard AcuraWatch suite, such as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RDX also received 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.