2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of styling that sat between the angularity of the Lexus NX and the more traditional aesthetics of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It featured Cadillac’s signature design elements, such as a bold grille, distinctive daytime running lights, and vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. However, this combination resulted in an awkward mix with the XT5’s compact size and tall profile, making it unmistakably a Cadillac, albeit an ungainly one. The Premium Luxury and Sport models offered different exterior styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome for a traditional look and the latter featuring darker trim and a mesh grille for a sportier appearance. The interior, while luxurious with the optional Platinum Package, lacked a strong design theme and brand-specific markers, leaving little to remind occupants they were in a Cadillac.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX required a closer look to notice its subtle styling changes, inspired by the larger MDX model. The updates included modifications to the grille surround, front and rear bumper styling, and new wheel designs and paint colours. The limited-production PMC Edition stood out with its exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and Orchid white interior. The RDX lineup included various trims, with the A-Spec Platinum Elite package offering high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin. Despite some design quirks, such as the vertical air inlets, the RDX demonstrated more flair for style than many of its competitors, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and well-built compact SUV.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine provided ample power for everyday driving, with smooth and quick shifts from the transmission. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, offering a comfortable and controlled ride. The steering was well-suited to a luxury vehicle, providing nimbleness without being overly sensitive. The XT5’s cabin was notably quiet, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered an enjoyable driving experience. The RDX’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, standard in Canada, provided excellent torque-vectoring capabilities, enhancing cornering performance. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered distinct driving modes, with the adaptive-damping suspension providing a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX’s cabin was quieter than before, thanks to sound-deadening measures, making it a more appealing choice for those seeking a refined driving experience. However, it didn’t qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, and driving enthusiasts might prefer German alternatives for a more thrilling ride.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered favourable interior space compared to its German rivals, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, though less than the BMW X3. It provided more legroom in both rows but trailed in rear headroom. The seats were comfortable but could have used more padding, especially in the rear. The XT5 boasted 850 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing the Q5, X3, and GLC. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen provided additional storage.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample room 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 dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. The control layout required some acclimation, with transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system being unconventional. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation, while the back seat, though flat, offered a flat cargo load floor when folded. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space, with hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor, and 1,668 litres with the back seat down.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An 8-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display were available with the Technology Package. While usability was improved, the tech offerings were merely adequate compared to competitors. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but secondary controls were cumbersome, with a rotary controller and capacitive touchpads lacking physical feedback. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. The system required acclimation, as it differed from traditional touchscreens. However, the inclusion of Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad reduced reliance on the TTI. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system with 16 speakers available in higher trims. The A-Spec Platinum Elite included a 10.5-inch head-up display, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, park assist, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, though it had a “Marginal” headlight rating and an “Acceptable” LATCH rating.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, maintaining its Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder and enhanced AcuraWatch systems. The RDX received a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings. While AcuraWatch systems were mostly accurate, they occasionally issued false warnings in challenging conditions.