2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of production, offered a nostalgic nod to its storied past with the Heritage Edition trim. This version was celebrated for its classic design elements, such as bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima Megawarrior roof basket, which were best showcased in Midnight Black. However, the standard model, which arrived for review, was dressed in Magnetic Gray with Terra leather upholstery. Its exterior, reminiscent of a first-generation Toyota Highlander, was adorned with oversized headlights and a chrome-heavy design, lacking the character of its predecessors. Inside, the Land Cruiser combined Toyota's parts-bin switchgear with Lexus-inspired design, featuring high-quality materials and a traditional hand-operated parking brake, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX presented subtle styling updates inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. The changes included a revised grille surround, updated bumper styling, and new wheel designs. The limited-production PMC Edition stood out with its exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and Orchid white interior. The RDX lineup offered various trims, with the A-Spec Advance package providing a blend of style and luxury. The interior boasted high-quality materials, a quieter cabin, and a sporty driving position. Despite some polarizing design elements, the RDX exuded a sense of modern flair and sophistication.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra. This engine delivered 401 pound-feet of torque, with 90% available at just 2,200 rpm, providing unexpected thrust. The eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system, featuring a Torsen limited-slip differential, contributed to its legendary off-road capability. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was further enhanced by features like Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. On-road, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight affected maneuverability. It was rated to tow up to 8,100 pounds, but its fuel economy was a modest 14.7 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission, paired with Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, provided a dynamic driving experience. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70% of power to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered distinct driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension provided a comfortable ride. Despite its engaging driving dynamics, the RDX averaged 20.6 mpg, falling short of its EPA rating. While not a performance powerhouse, the RDX offered a balanced and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior, though dated, was luxurious with plush leather upholstery and heated, ventilated front seats. The three-passenger second-row bench offered heated cushions, while the third-row seat accommodated adults with limited leg support. The Land Cruiser's cargo space was accessible via a split clamshell-style liftgate, offering 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row and expanding to 82.8 cubic feet with seats folded. Despite its swanky interior, storage space was limited, with a small center console bin and a wireless smartphone charger.

The 2022 Acura RDX, a compact SUV, provided ample room for four adults and their luggage, thanks to a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface. The RDX's front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation and a heated steering wheel. However, the rear seat lacked support, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor. The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, and included a power liftgate with hands-free operation.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was a throwback to simpler times, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Entune technology. The system lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, relying on basic voice commands and a three-month SiriusXM subscription. The dashboard featured large buttons and knobs for easy control, while the rear-seat entertainment system offered DVD playback and HDMI connections. A 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system provided decent sound quality but fell short of high-end competitors.

The 2022 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. While the TTI required acclimation, the RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, reducing reliance on the touchpad. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers in higher trims. Additional features included a wireless charging pad, satellite radio, and a navigation system in the Technology package.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked advanced systems like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, leaving its safety performance uncertain.

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, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were refined but not as sophisticated as some competitors. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.