2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered Canadians a range of six models, with prices starting from $47,799 to $66,759, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline trim and introduced the sporty ST-Line for the XLT version. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long and tall hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars created a "floating roof" effect, popular from previous generations. Inside, higher-trim Explorers mixed quality and questionable materials, mostly justifying their price but occasionally revealing the base trim's influence.

The 2022 Acura RDX, with subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model, featured updated grille surrounds, bumper styling, wheel designs, and paint colours. The limited-production RDX PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior. The RDX lineup included the base model, Technology, A-Spec, A-Spec Platinum Elite, and PMC Edition, with prices ranging from $45,800 to $61,500, excluding a $2,375 destination charge. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package, priced at $60,375 in Canada, offered high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter interior, enhancing its appeal despite the cost.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada. It had a towing capacity of 2,400 kg and consumed between 10.3 and 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer Limited offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-litre V6 engine, producing 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 2,268 kg, and achieving 9.6 L/100 km. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, standard in the ST and Platinum trims, generated 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,540 kg and fuel consumption of 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer provided a robust ride, suitable for off-roading, with athletic handling and optional sport-tuned features in the ST trim.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel. The RDX averaged 11.4 L/100 km, slightly above its rated 10.3 L/100 km. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX offered a quieter ride with enhanced sound insulation and Active Sound Control, making it a comfortable and communicative SUV, though not a genuine thrill ride compared to some German rivals.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform and low roofline. Higher trims offered features like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with available massaging, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. The third-row seat was difficult for adults to access, with limited legroom. The Explorer offered 528 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,264 litres with the third row folded, and 2,132 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a dramatic IDS driving mode knob. The control layout required acclimation, with transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. The RDX had comfortable 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, with available ventilation and leather in A-Spec trims. The back seat, though flat for cargo purposes, lacked support for adults. The RDX offered 835 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,668 litres with the back seat folded, and included hidden storage compartments.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen integrated well with the interior, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The system included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and navigation. Higher trims offered wireless charging, a surround-view camera, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Explorer's Sync 3 system lagged behind the newer Sync 4, particularly in voice recognition. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, with a 10.2-inch display and a touchpad controller. The TTI required acclimation, as it differed from standard touchscreens. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and AcuraLink connected services. Three premium sound systems were available, with the top trims featuring a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system. The RDX also offered a 10.5-inch head-up display in the A-Spec Platinum Elite trim.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings. The Explorer featured Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable functions.

The 2022 Acura RDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The RDX featured structural upgrades for side-impact safety and a rear seatbelt reminder system. The standard AcuraWatch system included forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. AcuraWatch's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were mostly accurate but not as refined as some rivals.