2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2022 Acura RDX presented 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 offered a range of trims, from the base model to the A-Spec Platinum Elite, with prices starting at $45,800 and reaching up to $61,500, excluding destination charges. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package, priced at $60,375 in Canada, boasted high-quality interior materials and a quieter cabin, although the new vertical air inlets on the front fascia were not universally loved.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, redesigned for the model year, was tested in Santa Barbara, California. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance hybrid versions were the focus, with the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid arriving later. Visually, the RX 350h was nearly indistinguishable from the standard RX 350, save for a badge on the liftgate. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. The RX models maintained their blunt-nosed appearance, with a wheelbase stretch that reduced rear overhang, making the 2023 RX appear smaller despite its similar size to the outgoing model. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic design with fewer controls and a new Lexus Interface infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury trim featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance offered a sportier all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by 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 and 4,500 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a spirited driving experience, although fuel consumption averaged 11.4 L/100 km, higher than the rated 10.3 L/100 km. The RDX featured Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, capable of directing up to 70 percent of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension improved ride comfort and responsiveness, while sound-deadening measures contributed to a quieter cabin. Despite its dynamic prowess, the RDX did not qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, leaving driving enthusiasts to consider German alternatives.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a more efficient powertrain with the RX 350h, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. It achieved a combined fuel consumption of 6.5 L/100 km, although real-world testing averaged 7.4 L/100 km. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 100 km/h in about 6 seconds. However, its fuel consumption was higher, averaging 11.3 L/100 km. The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering, and Active Sound Control, enhancing its driving dynamics. The RX 350h, with its lower centre of gravity and electric assist motor, offered a secure and comfortable ride, making it a preferred choice over the standard RX 350.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, provided ample space for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. The A-Spec trims offered comfortable leather seats with available ventilation, while the back seat, though spacious, lacked support. The RDX boasted 835 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded, and included a power liftgate with hands-free operation.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort, with the RX 350h Luxury trim offering ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and a three-zone automatic climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard-grade leather. The rear seats, positioned higher due to the battery pack, provided excellent leg support but limited headroom. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,308 litres, a significant improvement over the previous model, although still slightly less than some competitors.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which paired 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 considered more distracting than traditional touchscreens. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Three premium sound systems were available, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system offering 16 speakers. The A-Spec Platinum Elite trim included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring activation of connected services plans for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered cloud-based navigation, an Intelligent Assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system worked well, it had limitations, such as the inability to view multiple screen menus simultaneously and issues with screen reflections. The available head-up display included dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be problematic for drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

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 RDX earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings and five-star side-impact ratings.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and a new Traffic Jam Assist system were also available. While the safety features generally operated with refinement, some, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations. The RX Hybrid models benefited from regenerative braking, contributing to battery recharging.