2022 Acura MDX vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior, reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and most compact crossovers, enhancing its appeal as more than just an ordinary vehicle. Despite its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models, which meant its mechanical components were more akin to a Camry than a 4Runner. The RAV4 offered options like the Trail model with a retro Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road package with matte black alloy wheels and red interior accents, adding to its rugged appeal.

Inside, the RAV4 featured rugged styling touches such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, distinguishing its cabin from other Toyota models. While material quality was decent on lower trims, it did not elevate with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model came with SofTex upholstery, which was lighter and durable, fitting the outdoorsy theme. However, real leather was not an option, even on the top-tier Limited trim.

The 2022 Acura MDX, on the other hand, was built on a new dedicated platform, enhancing its proportions with a longer wheelbase, wider body, and increased dash-to-axle distance for a more elegant look. The MDX featured standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to a sportier and modern exterior design. Built in Ohio, the MDX showcased high craftsmanship and quality. Inside, the MDX's cabin was modernized with a layered dashboard, authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, and a unique gear selection system. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel added to the tech-savvy interior, while the comfortable front seats and customizable interior lighting themes enhanced the luxury feel.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, and the steering lacked feel, making the driving experience less dynamic. The RAV4 offered a "Sport" mode, but it only added weight to the steering without enhancing responsiveness. Off-road capabilities were a focus, with the Trail and TRD Off-Road models featuring torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, 21.7 cm of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2022 Acura MDX came with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, standard in Canada, offered torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup for sporty handling, and the rear multi-link suspension improved ride quality. The MDX's overall stiffness and rigidity were enhanced, providing a solid ride feel. The 10-speed transmission worked seamlessly with the engine, offering smooth shifts and five drive modes for customizable performance. The MDX impressed during test drives, feeling closer to the benchmark Audi Q7 and outperforming competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing good headroom and visibility, but legroom was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. The RAV4 featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, but it didn't slide like some competitors. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres with rear seats in place and 1,977 litres with them folded. The oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls were user-friendly, but storage space on the console was limited.

The 2022 Acura MDX, as a three-row SUV, offered versatile seating with dual bucket sport seats in the front and a second row with a removable centre section. The second row could slide and recline, providing flexibility for legroom. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX offered ample seating capacity and USB connections in all rows. Cargo space ranged from 461 to 512 litres behind the third row, with up to 2,690 litres available with seats folded. The power tailgate featured a "Walk Away Close" function and hands-free access, while customizable interior lighting added to the cabin's ambiance.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with most trims featuring a 7-inch touchscreen. Trail and Limited models had an 8-inch screen, while the RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly flashy, lacking features like a head-up display available on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2022 Acura MDX boasted the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System on higher trims, with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. Navigation was standard on Tech and above trims, and all models featured a 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with Qi-compatible wireless charging. The MDX also offered a head-up display, HD rearview camera, and a WiFi hotspot, with software updates available over the air.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it missed the "Top Safety Pick+" rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. The RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system were also available.

The 2022 Acura MDX earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in all categories. The MDX featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, and a low-speed braking control system was included. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, offering collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.