2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, maintained a robust presence with its large silhouette and subtle updates from its 2018 facelift. The Nightshade Special Edition added a touch of modernity, but the overall design still reflected its 2007 origins. Inside, the Sequoia's cabin was spacious, though the front seats felt bulky, limiting headroom for taller drivers. The second-row seats, however, offered ample space and comfort. The Sequoia's trims ranged from the entry-level SR5 to the off-road-ready TRD Pro and the luxurious Platinum, each offering a variety of features and packages to suit different needs.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX presented a more contemporary and stylish design, inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. The RDX's interior was marked by high-quality materials and a sporty driving position, though its control layout required some acclimation. The A-Spec Advance package, with its unique color options and premium features, highlighted the RDX's appeal. Despite some challenges with the True Touchpad Interface, the RDX offered a quieter and more refined ride, making it a strong contender in the compact luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration, even for an SUV weighing up to 6,000 pounds. The six-speed automatic transmission, while somewhat outdated, contributed to the Sequoia's truck-like driving dynamics, which some drivers appreciated. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached up to 7,400 pounds, though it lagged behind competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the RDX offered a responsive and enjoyable driving experience. The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, available on higher trims, enhanced the RDX's agility and cornering capabilities. The RDX's adaptive-damping suspension and revised Integrated Dynamics System provided a smoother ride and improved handling, though it still fell short of earning Acura's Type S performance badge.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious interior, with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 120 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. Its power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, offering convenient access to the cargo area. Despite its generous storage options, the Sequoia's front-row space felt underutilized compared to newer SUVs, though it provided ample storage compartments and cupholders.

The 2022 Acura RDX, while a compact SUV, offered sufficient room for four adults and their luggage, thanks to its standard panoramic sunroof. The RDX's interior design emphasized a sporty driving position, though its control layout required some adjustment. The back seat, while spacious, lacked comfort for adults on longer journeys. The RDX's cargo area provided 29.5 cubic feet of space, with additional hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. While the system was dated, its simplicity and ease of use were appreciated. The Sequoia's digital trip computer was small but functional, offering straightforward menu navigation.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, paired with a 10.2-inch display screen. While the TTI required a learning curve, the RDX offered modern connectivity options, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-in, and a wireless charging pad. The RDX also provided a range of premium sound systems, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system available on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. While it lacked more advanced technologies like lane-keeping assist, the Sequoia provided a comprehensive set of safety features. However, its older platform resulted in a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety and aimed to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The RDX's AcuraWatch suite included new features like pedestrian detection and rear cross-traffic alert. While the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were generally effective, they occasionally issued false warnings. The RDX earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.