2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Honda CR-V

The 2022 Acura RDX underwent subtle styling changes that required a keen eye to spot. Influenced by the design of Acura’s larger MDX model, the RDX featured updated grille surrounds and refined front and rear bumper styling. Acura also introduced new wheel designs and paint colors. Notably, the limited-production, hand-built RDX PMC Edition returned sporting an exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint with an Orchid white interior. The PMC Edition, named after Acura’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, topped the lineup, which also included base models and trim packages named Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance. Prices ranged from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding a $1,045 destination charge. The test vehicle, adorned with the A-Spec Advance package and extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint, brought the total to $53,645 including the destination charge. High-quality materials and a quieter cabin justified the cost, despite the controversial vertical air inlet features on the front fascia.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Honda CR-V adopted a more conservative yet subtly aggressive appearance for its sixth generation. With a blunt nose, long hood, and stretched wheelbase, the CR-V’s new design was destined for longevity. The EX and EX-L trims both sported 18-inch alloy wheels with a multi-spoke design and dark-tinted rear privacy glass. Interiors revealed a Civic-inspired dashboard with metal mesh trim across both trims. The EX-L upgrade introduced leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob, in comparison to the EX’s cloth upholstery. In addition to this, the EX-L promised larger touchscreen infotainment, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a power rear liftgate. Starting prices for the CR-V were $31,110 for the FWD EX trim and $35,260 for the AWD EX-L trim, with a destination charge of $1,245. The EX-L AWD test vehicle with Radiant Red Metallic paint and Gray leather seats came to $36,900.

The 2022 Acura RDX packed a punch with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. The 10-speed automatic transmission, with standard paddle shifters, complemented the engine’s quick response. While exhilarating, heavy-footed driving impacted its fuel efficiency, which averaged 20.6 mpg versus the projected 23 mpg. Front-wheel drive was standard in the base, Technology, and A-Spec packages, while the Advance and A-Spec Advance trims came equipped with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system capable of directing up to 70% of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel. 2022 improvements introduced a refined Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and retuned adaptive-damping suspension, enhancing ride comfort in Comfort mode and agility in Sport mode. Furthermore, a quieter interior, courtesy of Active Sound Control and extensive sound insulation, improved the overall driving experience. While the RDX was engaging to drive, it did not reach the heights of performance offered by German alternatives like Audi SQ5, BMW X3 M40i, and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from its predecessor, producing 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 179 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 and 5,000 rpm. It utilized a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for power delivery, which fared poorly under hard acceleration, emitting a droning noise that detracted from an otherwise polished driving experience. Despite this minor annoyance, the CR-V excelled with its well-rounded suspension, precise steering, and responsive brakes, offering a smooth and engaging ride. Whether handling speed bumps, rough pavement, or sharp curves, the CR-V maintained its composure. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving, and the test vehicle achieved an impressive 29.1 mpg on a mountainous evaluation route.

Despite being a compact SUV, the 2022 Acura RDX comfortably accommodated four adults and their luggage, under a standard panoramic sunroof. The design emphasized a sportier driving position, but its interior layout required acclimatization. Features like the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system and the transmission controls beneath the IDS knob were unconventional. Metallic gauges with red markings in higher trims were difficult to read in low light. Nonetheless, the interior provided comfort with 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats, available ventilation, and dual-zone automatic climate control. While the rear seats were flat and less supportive, ensuring a flat cargo floor, they did offer optional heating. The RDX boasted a generous 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, and included hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor.

Honda claimed the new 2023 CR-V to be the roomiest iteration yet, though the driving position felt relatively low. Outward visibility was excellent, and the redesigned seats provided ample comfort. Heated front seats were standard, but ventilated front seats and heated rear seats were unavailable. The rear seating area felt more spacious, offering sufficient thigh support and legroom, though taller passengers might find headroom lacking. Multiple seatback recline positions helped resolve this issue. The EX-L trim featured air conditioning vents for rear passengers, but a USB charging port was an extra-cost accessory. Storage was ample with large bins under the center armrest, door trays, and a tray forward of the shifter. However, hard plastic linings in storage compartments could cause unwanted noise. The CR-V offered 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space, increasing to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, accessible via a power liftgate equipped in the EX-L trim.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Honda CR-V adopted a more conservative yet subtly aggressive appearance for its sixth generation. With a blunt nose, long hood, and stretched wheelbase, the CR-V’s new design was destined for longevity. The EX and EX-L trims both sported 18-inch alloy wheels with a multi-spoke design and dark-tinted rear privacy glass. Interiors revealed a Civic-inspired dashboard with metal mesh trim across both trims. The EX-L upgrade introduced leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob, in comparison to the EX’s cloth upholstery. In addition to this, the EX-L promised larger touchscreen infotainment, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a power rear liftgate. Starting prices for the CR-V were $31,110 for the FWD EX trim and $35,260 for the AWD EX-L trim, with a destination charge of $1,245. The EX-L AWD test vehicle with Radiant Red Metallic paint and Gray leather seats came to $36,900.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) paired with a 10.2-inch display screen. This system’s touchpad corresponded to specific screen areas, adding complexity compared to traditional touchscreen systems. Although this required getting used to, it became more intuitive over time. The RDX also integrated Amazon Alexa Built-in for voice commands, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features included satellite radio and AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Technology package introduced a navigation system. Three premium sound systems were available: a nine-speaker system in the base model, a 12-speaker setup in the Technology package, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround sound system in higher trims. The Advance and A-Spec Advance packages also included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Honda CR-V incorporated a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel that paired with a similarly sized touchscreen infotainment system in the EX trim. This system included volume and tuning knobs, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EX-L trim added a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless charging, and an upgraded eight-speaker sound system. However, advanced features like a Bose premium sound system, HondaLink subscription services, and an integrated navigation system required opting for the top-tier CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid. Despite this, the EX-L’s infotainment system provided adequate functionality for most users due to its impressive mid-grade stereo speakers and user-friendly app integration.

The 2022 Acura RDX implemented structural upgrades to enhance side-impact safety, aiming to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Additional safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system and enhancements to the standard AcuraWatch suite, which now included pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims featured parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. In practice, AcuraWatch’s adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were generally reliable but sometimes misinterpreted road conditions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2022 RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings and five-star side-impact ratings.

For 2023, the Honda CR-V introduced significant advancements in its driver-assist systems under the Honda Sensing umbrella, featuring adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping and lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, seatbelt and rear-seat reminders, driver monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. New camera and radar units enhanced accuracy and smooth operation, while the Traffic Jam Assist feature offered added assistance in low-speed traffic. Despite some minor limitations in lane-centering functionality, the CR-V’s safety features met modern standards. Built to Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) standards with new front airbag designs, the CR-V awaited new safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.