2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Subaru Outback

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 stood out with its exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and 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, justifying its cost despite some controversial design elements like the vertical air inlets.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a more noticeable facelift, featuring a redesigned front end with new LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark grey cladding. The Outback's aggressive appearance was further enhanced by a simulated skid plate, fog lights, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold cladding. The Outback offered seven trim levels, with prices ranging from $32,695 to $46,395, excluding destination charges. The Limited trim, tested in Cosmic Blue paint with Java Brown Nappa leather, provided a cohesive and upscale interior, despite some hard plastic elements. The Outback's practicality was evident in its design, with features like flat door sills for roof rack access and a spacious cabin that accommodated passengers comfortably.

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 lb-ft of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters, offered an engaging driving experience. The RDX's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, standard in Canada, provided excellent torque-vectoring capabilities, enhancing its performance on winding roads. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension contributed to a smoother ride and improved responsiveness. Despite its dynamic prowess, the RDX's fuel consumption averaged 11.4 L/100 km, slightly above its rated 10.3 L/100 km. While the RDX excelled in driving dynamics, it fell short of earning Acura's Type S performance badge, leaving driving enthusiasts to consider German alternatives.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a horizontally opposed engine design, with the standard 2.5-litre flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. While the CVT made good use of this power at lower speeds, the Outback struggled with passing and climbing power. The turbocharged XT models, with a 2.4-litre flat-four engine generating 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, offered more satisfying performance. However, the XT models were less fuel-efficient, with ratings of 9.5 L/100 km combined, and the Wilderness trim rated at 10.1 L/100 km. The Outback's Active Torque Split AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its suspension tuning provided a comfortable ride. Despite its handling prowess, the standard engine's lack of power and fuel efficiency were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered ample space for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the cabin's sense of space. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. While the front seats were comfortable and supportive, the rear seats lacked support, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded, and included a power liftgate with available hands-free operation.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Limited trim offered a comfortable interior with 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated Nappa leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel. The Outback's cabin accommodated passengers comfortably, with ample legroom and storage options. Its cargo space measured 923 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,141 litres with the seats folded. The Outback's design facilitated easy entry and exit, and its roof rails were ready for accessories. However, the vehicle could benefit from additional practical storage solutions.

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 system offered a direct one-to-one relationship between touchpad and screen, it was more complex 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 ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system offering 16 speakers in higher trims. The A-Spec Platinum Elite trim included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate settings. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with available navigation and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. While the Starlink system's usability improved, its graphics and voice recognition system were less impressive. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was not available.

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, which added forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems were mostly accurate but not as refined as some competitors. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, earning top safety marks from the IIHS. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist, with additional features like Automatic Emergency Steering in higher trims. The Outback Premier XT offered a third Wide-Angle Mono Camera for improved pedestrian and cyclist detection. While the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems were effective, they introduced an artificial steering feel. The rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways, requiring manual deactivation.