2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Toyota Venza

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 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. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package, priced at $60,375, boasted high-quality interior materials and a quieter cabin, enhancing its appeal despite the cost.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Venza stood out with its sleek and sculpted design, resembling a Lexus more than a typical Toyota. Its unique shape, with a tapering rear roofline, avoided the awkwardness of other "coupe-like" SUVs. The Venza's interior borrowed from the RAV4 but featured upgraded materials and details, approaching Lexus's level of luxury. The cabin offered a harmonious blend of curves and soft-touch surfaces, making it one of the best-looking vehicles in Toyota's lineup. The Venza's design and interior quality set it apart from other Toyota models, offering a more refined and cohesive aesthetic.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a dynamic driving experience, although fuel consumption averaged 11.4 L/100 km, slightly above 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% 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 offered distinct driving modes, contributing to a smoother ride and greater responsiveness. Despite its engaging driving dynamics, the RDX did not qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, leaving driving enthusiasts to consider German alternatives.

The 2023 Toyota Venza, equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, produced 219 horsepower. Its all-wheel-drive system utilized a CVT and separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Venza accelerated to 100 km/h in just over 7.5 seconds, with seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The ride prioritized comfort over sporty handling, with light steering and adequate maneuverability. The Venza's ride quality was smoother than the RAV4 Hybrid's but not as plush as a Lexus. It absorbed road imperfections well, providing a comfortable driving experience for those seeking calm transportation.

The 2022 Acura RDX, though compact, offered ample space for four adults and their luggage, enhanced by a standard panoramic sunroof. 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 and a heated steering wheel. However, the back seat 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 hands-free operation.

The 2023 Toyota Venza's front seats offered generous space, with a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of openness. The Star Gaze roof, standard on the Limited trim, could turn opaque at the touch of a button. The rear seats provided ample legroom and foot room, though headroom was limited. The Venza's cargo capacity was 816 litres, less than some competitors, and it was not rated for towing. However, it excelled in holding smaller personal items, with a wireless phone charger, large cupholders, and spacious door pockets.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which required a learning curve due to its unique touchpad-screen relationship. Despite its complexity, the RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The Technology package added a navigation system, while higher trims offered a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system and a head-up display.

The 2023 Toyota Venza came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The base LE trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XLE and above featured a 12.3-inch display with improved graphics and responsiveness. The Venza XLE and Limited trims included a one-year trial of Drive Connect services, activated by voice command. The base audio system had six speakers, with a nine-speaker JBL system available on higher trims.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, maintaining its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It included a rear seatbelt reminder and the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assist features, 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.

The 2023 Toyota Venza achieved five stars in overall and side crash protection from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal and rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick, with "Good" ratings except for an "Acceptable" in the new side impact test. The Venza included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and more. The Limited trim added a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror.