2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX continued to impress with its modern and sporty design, a carryover from its 2020 facelift. Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the RX 350 offered seating for five, while the L model accommodated up to seven passengers. The hybrid RX 450h also came in both wheelbase lengths, with seating for six in the L variant. The RX's exterior was characterized by sharp character lines and angular features, creating an aggressive yet restrained design. The F Sport models added a touch of athleticism with 20-inch wheels and unique styling elements. Inside, the RX maintained its luxury appeal, with F Sport models featuring sporty accents like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. However, the centre stack felt dated, and the seats lacked comfort, particularly in the F Sport variant.

The 2022 Acura RDX, on the other hand, featured subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model. The RDX lineup included the base model, Technology, A-Spec, A-Spec Platinum Elite, and the limited-production PMC Edition. The RDX's interior boasted high-quality materials and a quieter cabin, thanks to sound-deadening measures. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package offered a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. While the front seats were comfortable and supportive, the rear seats lacked comfort for adults. The RDX's cargo space was generous, with hidden storage compartments and a flat load floor when the rear seats were folded down.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined a V6 with two electric motors for a total of 308 horsepower. All RX models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of engine growl and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport models included performance dampers and adaptive variable suspension, but the drive modes offered minimal changes in driving dynamics. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, making it a pleasant companion for long drives. Fuel consumption for the RX 350 was rated at 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 7.9 L/100 km combined.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The RDX's 10-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system contributed to its enjoyable driving character. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered distinct driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX's cabin was quieter than before, thanks to sound-insulation measures. While the RDX was enjoyable to drive, it didn't qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge. Fuel consumption was rated at 10.3 L/100 km, but real-world testing averaged 11.4 L/100 km.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 2,826 litres of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models had a tight third row, suitable for short trips or groceries. Cargo space in the standard RX was 453 litres behind the second row, expanding to 923 litres with the seats folded down. The three-row models offered 210 litres with all seats up, increasing to 1,657 litres with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, but the rear seats didn't fold completely flat.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, provided ample room for four adults and their luggage. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, while the rear seats lacked comfort for adults. The RDX offered 835 litres of cargo space, with hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor. Folding the rear seats down created 1,668 litres of cargo area, with a flat load floor.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available. The touchscreens were positioned atop the centre stack, creating access issues. The infotainment system included voice commands and a touchpad, but both were frustrating to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start and vehicle settings.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. The TTI required a learning curve, but the RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in for natural voice recognition. The RDX also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a wireless charging pad. Three premium sound systems were available, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers.

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, but missed the "plus" designation due to its headlights. The NHTSA gave the RX a four-star overall rating, with five stars in side crash tests.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The AcuraWatch suite included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems were mostly accurate, but not as refined as some rivals. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal-impact and rollover resistance tests.