2023 Acura RDX vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 was a standout in the automotive world, particularly for its unique styling that set it apart from the rest of the Genesis lineup. The vehicle featured the brand's signature two-line lighting design, creating an illusion of a continuous circle around the car, although it was not as seamless as the larger GV80. The GV70's design diverged with its distinct shoulder line and unique accent lines around the side windows. The Sport and Sport Plus grades, equipped with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, showcased a sculpted hood aligning with the Genesis crest logo, and sported dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the exterior, including the 21-inch alloy wheels.

The GV70 offered a wide array of colour combinations, with 12 exterior paint options and nine interior choices, allowing for over 100 different combinations. The interior featured an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings, with Sport trims offering genuine carbon fibre inserts. The cabin boasted quilted leather seats and door panels in premium grades, with some interiors offering a backlit graphic design using multicolour ambient lighting. While the interior surfaces were mostly of high quality, some plastic elements were present, particularly in areas mimicking chrome or metal, though these were generally in less frequently touched areas.

The 2023 Acura RDX, on the other hand, was known for its sharp, angular style, though it remained conventional enough to blend in with the crowd. The front featured the signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights, and deep creases in the bodywork gave it a sporty look. The side was marked by a distinctive character line suggesting forward movement, while the rear was more conventional, resembling other small SUVs. Inside, the RDX took a different approach with a vertical cockpit layout, dominated by gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial, emphasizing performance. The 10.2-inch infotainment display sat atop the dash, with a digital centre display flanked by analog gauges, enhancing the sporty feel.

The RDX's interior, while not as modern as some rivals, offered a familiar layout for those averse to the new glass cockpits. It featured a mix of digital and analog elements, with a focus on performance rather than cutting-edge design. The cabin was more of an updated older design, appealing to those who preferred a more traditional setup.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 being the highlight, producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 against mid-level performance competitors like the BMW X3 M40i and Audi SQ5, boasting higher power figures than many German counterparts. Fuel consumption was estimated at 11.6 L/100 km combined, with real-world testing showing slightly lower figures. The GV70 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada, prioritizing the rear axle for torque distribution. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, allowing up to 100% of torque to be sent to a single rear wheel.

The GV70 offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes, with terrain modes for mud, sand, and snow. Sport+ mode delivered aggressive throttle response and partial traction control disabling, while Sport mode provided a balance of responsiveness. The electronically controlled suspension system used a forward camera to detect road changes, balancing comfort and feedback. The GV70's tight turning radius was a bonus in urban environments.

The 2023 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Standard all-wheel drive, known as "super-handling all-wheel drive" (SH-AWD), provided ample traction. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, with immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine sound. The transmission efficiently selected gears, and the brake pedal offered reassuring firmness.

The RDX's handling inspired confidence, with well-managed body roll and adaptive dampers on the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim. It cornered with prowess while maintaining ride comfort, smoothing over road imperfections. The RDX's performance range and comfortable ride made it appealing to many shoppers.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized the driver with a tall centre console and intuitive controls within easy reach. The infotainment system was controlled by a raised dial, offering a pleasant user experience. Climate controls were under a single pane, providing haptic feedback for inputs. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available. The rear passenger could adjust the front passenger seat for legroom, and a panoramic sunroof added natural light. Cargo volume was 819 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,610 litres with seats folded.

The 2023 Acura RDX offered generous front seat space, with additional power adjustments in the top trim. Standard heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic moonroof enhanced comfort. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. Cargo space was 835 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,668 litres with seats folded. A deep bin under the cargo floor featured a centre drain plug, useful for wet gear. Front passengers had ample storage options, though the centre stack's design took up unnecessary space.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with high-resolution graphics, though response times were slower than average. The screen allowed for a split-screen layout, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The premium Sport Plus grade included a 3D digital instrument cluster, offering a unique visual experience. A fingerprint recognition system allowed keyless vehicle start. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system on top grades.

The 2023 Acura RDX used a touchpad infotainment controller, which was challenging to use while driving. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto improved the experience. The system featured sharp graphics and quick responses. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio premium audio system.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 included ten standard safety features, such as blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance. A new rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist system offered lane centring and automatic lane changing, though it required hands on the wheel. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Acura RDX received five stars from NHTSA for overall and side crash protection, and four stars for frontal and rollover protection. IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ with "good" crashworthiness scores. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and parking sensors. The Platinum Elite A-Spec package added a surround-view camera and head-up display.