2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling updates inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. Changes included a refreshed grille surround, updated bumper designs, and new wheel options. The limited-production PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, built at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup offered various trims, with prices starting from $45,800 to $61,500, excluding a destination charge. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package, priced at $60,375 in Canada, boasted high-quality materials and a quieter cabin, enhancing its appeal despite some controversial design elements.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia made a bold statement with its redesigned exterior, drawing inspiration from the Tundra pickup truck. Its distinct styling offered a more commanding presence than its predecessor. Inside, the Sequoia shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, featuring leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. A massive 14-inch infotainment system dominated the dashboard, though some materials reminded occupants of its pickup roots. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $79,335 to $95,335, including destination charges. Despite its luxurious appearance, the Sequoia's off-road capabilities were less impressive than before.

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. Its 10-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided a dynamic driving experience, with torque-vectoring enhancing cornering performance. The RDX offered a smoother ride with its revised adaptive-damping suspension and Integrated Dynamics System. Despite its engaging drive, the RDX fell short of earning Acura's Type S badge, leaving driving enthusiasts to consider German alternatives.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a hybrid powertrain with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 437 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 583 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 rpm. This setup improved towing capacity to 4,137 kilograms, surpassing the previous model. Fuel efficiency also improved, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in 4WD. The Sequoia offered multiple driving modes, but its ride quality varied, with Sport mode providing the best balance. The steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive, impacting overall driving satisfaction.

The 2022 Acura RDX, a compact SUV, provided ample space for four adults and their luggage, enhanced by a panoramic sunroof. Its interior featured a sporty design with a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface. The RDX offered comfortable front seats with available ventilation and a heated steering wheel. However, the rear seats lacked support, prioritizing a flat cargo floor. The power liftgate revealed 835 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, offering a quiet cabin with comfortable leather seats and a premium audio system. The second-row captain’s chairs provided comfort but lacked adjustability, impacting third-row space. The third-row seat, positioned above the battery pack, offered limited comfort and legroom. Cargo capacity was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, with only 325 litres available behind the third row, expandable to 2,460 litres with seats folded. The Sequoia's utility was reduced compared to its predecessor and rivals.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface, pairing a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. While innovative, it required acclimation. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Premium sound systems ranged from a nine-speaker setup to a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D system. The A-Spec Platinum Elite trim added a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia offered a new Toyota Audio Multimedia system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with connected services for user accounts and an Intelligent Assistant. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, glare on the display and occasional tech glitches were noted during testing.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, maintaining its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured AcuraWatch with forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were refined but not as sophisticated as competitors. The RDX earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The Sequoia's safety tech was effective, though crash-test ratings were unavailable. The Tundra's high IIHS rating suggested promising safety for the Sequoia.