2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Acura RDX underwent subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. These updates included modifications to the grille surround and front and rear bumper styling, along with new wheel designs and paint colours. The limited-production RDX PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, named after Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup featured various trims, including the base model, Technology, A-Spec, A-Spec Platinum Elite, and the PMC Edition, with starting prices ranging from $45,800 to $61,500, excluding a $2,375 destination charge. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package, priced at $60,375 in Canada, offered high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin, justifying its cost. Despite some design quirks, the RDX maintained a stylish flair compared to its rivals.

The 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged with a modern design, riding on the proven Toyota New Global Architecture K platform. Measuring 4,739 mm in length, 1,854 mm in width, and 1,674 mm in height, the Venza was on the shorter side of the midsize crossover SUV segment. Its exterior design featured a deeply scalloped body side, a prominent nose, and a tailgate with LED lighting, giving it a Lexus-like appearance. Inside, the Venza boasted an elegant layout with high-quality materials, a layered dash, and a well-placed touchscreen display. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats comfortably accommodated three adults. The Venza's design was more suited for urban environments than off-road adventures, with standard 18-inch alloy wheels completing its sophisticated look.

The 2022 Acura RDX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, delivering 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters, provided an enjoyable driving experience. The RDX featured Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, capable of delivering up to 70 percent of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel, enhancing its agility on winding roads. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension improved ride comfort and responsiveness. Despite its dynamic capabilities, the RDX did not qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, leaving driving enthusiasts to consider German alternatives.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine combined with three electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. This hybrid setup balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency, with electric motors at the rear axle providing AWD capability. Drivers could choose from EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport modes to tailor performance. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the gas engine's motor-generator provided the main charge. The Venza offered sprightly performance and agile handling, with a wheelbase shared with the Camry, making it maneuverable. Its taller body and higher ground clearance were not conducive to aggressive cornering, but the Venza excelled as a midsize family hauler.

The 2022 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered ample space for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of openness. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. The A-Spec trims included comfortable leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. However, the rear seats lacked support, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor when folded. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats down, and a power liftgate with available hands-free operation.

The 2022 Toyota Venza accommodated five passengers in two rows, with good headroom and legroom. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, ensuring comfort for three adults. The cabin felt spacious, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass sunroof. Convenience features included an overhead console, power-adjustable front seats, and an electric parking brake. The Venza's cabin had ample storage, with cupholders, bottle holders, and a large glove compartment. The lithium-ion battery pack under the second-row seats minimally impacted cargo capacity, offering 816 litres of space, expandable to 1,560 litres with the rear seats folded. Toyota prioritized cabin quietness with sound-blocking and absorbing materials, creating a serene environment.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. While the TTI offered a direct one-to-one relationship between touchpad and screen, it was more complex than traditional touchscreens. However, the RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad, reducing reliance on the TTI. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system available in higher trims. Additional features included satellite radio, AcuraLink connected services, and a head-up display in the A-Spec Platinum Elite trim.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, offering a seamless driving experience without charging infrastructure concerns. The Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The Venza LE came with an eight-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The XLE and Limited trims added a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and navigation. The Limited trim featured a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and a digital rearview mirror. Toyota Connected Services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect, enhancing the Venza's technology suite.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, maintaining its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system and enhancements to the AcuraWatch suite, such as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology package added parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. While AcuraWatch's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were mostly accurate, 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.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. It featured eight airbags, three-point seatbelts, and LATCH anchors for child safety seats. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and hill-start assist were standard, with XLE and Limited trims adding parking assist with automated braking. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.