2022 Acura MDX vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Acura MDX was a standout in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a spacious interior that belied its compact exterior appearance. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant design. The exterior boasted standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to a sportier and modern look. Inside, the MDX's cabin was refined with authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard design emphasized cabin width, and the unique gear selection system added a touch of sophistication. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen, though not a touchscreen, was strategically placed for safety, and the front seats offered exceptional comfort and adjustability.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4, a leader in the crossover SUV market, had evolved significantly since its introduction. The exterior design, while fitting in with current crossover trends, featured angular wheel arches and expressive headlights that gave it a playful yet aggressive look. The RAV4's interior was marked by a layered dash with contrasting textures and a straightforward centre stack. The touchscreen interface was conveniently positioned for minimal driver distraction. The cabin design included a circuit-board-inspired pattern that tied various elements together, and the 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels added a distinctive touch. Overall, the RAV4's design was both functional and stylish, appealing to a broad range of drivers.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which was standard in Canada. The SH-AWD system offered torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving both handling and ride quality. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly enhanced, contributing to a solid ride feel. The 10-speed transmission worked seamlessly with the engine, offering smooth gear shifts and five drive modes for tailored performance.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrain options. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor, producing 217 net horsepower and using an eCVT. The RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid, delivered 302 horsepower and could run up to 68 kilometres on electricity alone. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring in AWD models. The gasoline AWD models also featured a fuel-saving rear-driveline disconnect. The RAV4's performance was versatile, with three drive modes to suit different driving preferences.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a versatile three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable centre section. The second row could slide and recline, providing balanced legroom for passengers. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX's seating capacity was ideal for families. The cargo space was adaptable, with up to 2,690 litres available when the second and third rows were folded. The power tailgate featured a "Walk Away Close" function and hands-free access, adding convenience. The interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes to enhance the cabin ambiance.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while classified as a small SUV, offered impressive cargo capacity with up to 1,977 litres available when the second row was folded. The RAV4's towing capacity varied by model, with Trail and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 1,588 kilograms. Inside, the RAV4 provided ample space for four adults, with comfortable front seats and a practical centre console. The second-row bench seat was less spacious, but the overall interior design was functional, with plenty of storage options and cupholders throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification in higher trims. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, offering a customizable and intuitive interface. Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot were also included. The MDX featured a head-up display, CabinTalk interior PA system, and over-the-air software updates, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of technology features, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and six-speaker audio in base trims. Higher trims included a 9-inch touchscreen, 11-speaker JBL audio system, and navigation. The RAV4 Prime featured additional tech, such as five USB ports, a 120-volt power outlet, and a digital rear-view mirror. The available bird’s-eye view camera system and head-up display added to the RAV4's tech appeal, making it a well-equipped crossover.

The 2022 Acura MDX was rated as a "Top Safety Pick +" by the IIHS, with top marks in every category. It featured a high-strength steel structure and advanced safety systems, including a low-speed braking control system and collision mitigation throttle control. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, offering comprehensive driver assistance technologies.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota's Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, providing a robust suite of safety features. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid five stars. Standard safety features included a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert, with additional features available on higher trims.