2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Acura RDX

The 2022 Acura RDX underwent subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. These included updates 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 featured various trims, with the A-Spec Platinum Elite package offering high-quality interior materials and a quieter cabin, justifying its premium price tag. Despite some design quirks, the RDX maintained a stylish flair compared to its competitors.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 retained its distinctive design, characterized by a flat-roofed profile and clean exterior lines. For 2023, Volvo introduced updates such as pixelated “Thor’s Hammer” headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. The XC40 shared its Compact Modular Architecture platform with other Volvo and Polestar models, making it the only CMA-based model in North America with a combustion engine option. Inside, the XC40 featured a minimalist design with attractive touches, though the all-black interior of the Ultimate test vehicle felt somewhat utilitarian. Despite this, the XC40 offered good fit and finish, reflecting its entry-level status in Volvo’s lineup.

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 an enjoyable driving experience, though fuel consumption was higher than the rated 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The RDX featured Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, capable of delivering up to 70 percent of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel, enhancing its driving dynamics. The revised Integrated Dynamics System and adaptive-damping suspension improved ride comfort and responsiveness, making the RDX a comfortable and communicative SUV, though it lacked the thrill of some German competitors.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The B5 models in Canada were equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo-four-cylinder engine, producing 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC40 offered a refined driving experience, with a smooth ride and composed handling. The XC40 Recharge variant, with its dual electric motors, delivered 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 359-kilometre range. While the XC40 lacked a sport driving mode, it provided a calm and comfortable ride, with the Recharge model offering impressive performance and towing capacity.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample space for four adults and their luggage, enhanced by a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior featured a sporty design, though the control layout required some acclimation. The RDX provided comfortable and supportive front seats, with available ventilation and a heated steering wheel. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor. 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 Volvo XC40, while compact, offered reasonable space for its class, with generous shoulder room and adequate legroom. It provided 566 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,328 litres when folded. The XC40 featured a standard power tailgate and keyless entry, along with innovative interior storage solutions like scalloped door panels. Despite its compact size, the XC40 managed to offer a practical and flexible interior, though larger Volvo models were better suited for family use.

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 unnecessarily complicated compared to 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 also included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 adopted an Android-based infotainment system, featuring Google apps for navigation and voice recognition. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen were standard, with the Ultimate trim offering a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The XC40’s minimalist design meant most controls were accessed via the touchscreen, which could be less intuitive for some users. Despite this, the system provided a seamless integration of Google services, though Apple users might find it less satisfying.

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 and enhanced AcuraWatch systems, offering 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 Volvo XC40 emphasized safety with standard features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Plus trim added parking sensors and a 360-degree camera, while the Ultimate included adaptive cruise control and Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top ratings in most IIHS crash tests, though it scored “Acceptable” in the updated side-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline XC40 a five-star overall safety rating, though the XC40 Recharge was not rated.