2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but mundane, standing out among midsize SUVs with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille gave it a commanding presence. The character line along its side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and Lexus-like taillights added to its unique appeal. The Highlander XSE trim introduced a sportier look with a restyled front end and 20-inch alloy wheels, though it was more about appearance than performance. Inside, the Limited trim offered a luxurious experience with high-quality materials, including tan leather seats and wood details, making it a comfortable choice for families prioritizing comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model, with updates to the grille surround and bumper styling. The RDX PMC Edition stood out with its exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and Orchid white interior. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package, priced at $60,375 in Canada, offered high-quality interior materials and a quieter cabin. Despite some design quirks, such as the vertical air inlets, the RDX maintained a stylish edge over its competitors, providing a comfortable and communicative driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. While not a powerhouse, the Highlander provided smooth and reliable performance, comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained more focused on comfort than performance.

The 2022 Acura RDX, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system contributed to its enjoyable driving dynamics. The RDX's adaptive-damping suspension and Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. Despite its engaging performance, the RDX didn't quite match the thrill of German competitors like the Audi SQ5 and BMW X3 M40i.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space, with shelves ahead of the front seats for storage and a wireless charging pad in the centre console. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with available captain's chairs for added comfort. However, the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage. Its interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. The RDX's front seats were comfortable and supportive, while the back seat, though less comfortable, provided a flat load floor when folded. Cargo space was generous, with 835 litres available, expanding to 1,668 litres with the rear seats down.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch display available on the Platinum trim. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the navigation struggled with points of interest. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The JBL audio system, available from the Limited grade, provided decent sound quality.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system with a 10.2-inch display. While the TTI required a learning curve, it offered a direct one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and screen. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Three premium sound systems were available, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system offering impressive audio quality.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. The Highlander received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety and continued to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system and enhanced AcuraWatch systems, such as forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The RDX received a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.