2023 Acura RDX vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was a pioneer 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 modernized with a layered dashboard, authentic materials, and a unique gear selection system. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen, although not a touchscreen, was strategically placed for safety. The MDX's interior offered comfort and quality, with a variety of colour options for both the exterior and interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX was known for its sharp, angular style, though it maintained a conventional appearance. The signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek headlights, gave the RDX a sporty front look, while the side featured a distinctive character line. The rear, however, was more conventional. Inside, the RDX opted for a vertical cockpit layout, with a focus on performance through its gear-selector buttons and drive-mode dial. The infotainment display was not a touchscreen, and the interior design felt more like an updated older model. While it lacked the modernity of some rivals, the RDX's cabin was familiar and easy to navigate for those averse to new glass cockpits.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with 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 to a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality and handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor performance to their preferences.

The 2023 Acura RDX, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It also featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard SH-AWD in Canada. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, with a responsive throttle and a sporty engine sound. The transmission was adept at selecting the right gear, and the brake pedal offered reassuring firmness. The RDX's handling was confident, with well-managed body roll and ample traction from the AWD system. Adaptive dampers on the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim provided a sporty yet comfortable ride.

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 third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX's seating capacity was appreciated for carpools. The vehicle offered between 461 and 512 litres of luggage space behind the third row, with additional hidden storage. Folding down the seats expanded cargo capacity significantly. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access. Interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes to choose from.

The 2023 Acura RDX provided ample space in the front seats, with additional power adjustments in the top trim. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's sense of space. The RDX offered up to 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a deep bin under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats expanded capacity to 1,668 litres. The centre stack's design, however, took up unnecessary space, contrasting with Honda's efficient use of space.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System on higher trims, delivering exceptional sound quality. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, offering configurability and connectivity options like Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A head-up display and surround-view camera were available on the Platinum Elite trim. The MDX also offered a WiFi hotspot and over-the-air software updates.

The 2023 Acura RDX's infotainment system used a touchpad controller, which was challenging to use while driving. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto improved the experience by allowing easier navigation. The system featured sharp graphics and quick responses. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio audio system.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. It was engineered with a higher percentage of high-strength steel and advanced safety structures. The MDX featured a low-speed braking control system, collision mitigation throttle control, and the AcuraWatch suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring.

The 2023 Acura RDX earned five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Platinum Elite A-Spec package added a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.