2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, showcased a mature design that had remained largely unchanged since its last major overhaul in 2008. Despite its age, the Sequoia maintained a classic exterior with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, avoiding the oversized trends seen in other SUVs. Its dimensions were substantial, with a height of 1,956 mm, a width of 2,030 mm, and a length of 5,210 mm, riding on a 3,099 mm wheelbase. Inside, the Sequoia's interior felt dated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen that seemed out of place compared to modern SUVs. However, the interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity, making it suitable for families.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. The RDX's exterior updates included modifications to the grille surround and bumper styling, along with 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 offered various trims, including the base model, Technology, A-Spec, A-Spec Platinum Elite, and the PMC Edition. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package, priced at $60,375 in Canada, boasted high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin, enhancing its appeal in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering a reliable and durable powertrain. The Sequoia's truck roots provided a payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. Despite its hefty weight of around 2,721.5 kilograms, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension. However, its fuel consumption ratings were less impressive, with 18.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 13.9 on the highway.

The 2022 Acura RDX, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, providing a responsive and enjoyable driving experience. The RDX's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system offered excellent torque-vectoring capabilities, enhancing its performance on winding roads. The RDX's fuel consumption rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres, although real-world testing showed an average of 11.4 L/100 km. The RDX's adaptive-damping suspension and Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) provided a comfortable and dynamic ride, making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia excelled in passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. The SUV featured three-zone climate control, a standard power moonroof, and heated front seats. The Sequoia's cargo space was impressive, with 535 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows down. The interior storage options were plentiful, with a large centre console, glove compartment, and door pockets.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, provided ample room for four adults and their luggage, enhanced by a standard panoramic sunroof. The RDX's interior design emphasized a sporty driving position, although its control layout required some acclimation. The RDX offered comfortable and supportive front seats with available ventilation, while the rear seats were less comfortable due to their flat design. The RDX's cargo space was generous, with 835 litres available, expanding to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded. The power liftgate and hidden storage compartments added to its practicality.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims included a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system and navigation. The Sequoia's technology under the hood lagged behind competitors, lacking modern powertrain advancements like turbocharging or electrification. However, it featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety technologies like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

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 required some adjustment, the RDX offered Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The RDX's audio options included a nine-speaker system, a 12-speaker ELS Studio system, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system. The A-Spec Platinum Elite trim added a 10.5-inch head-up display, enhancing the RDX's technological appeal.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also featured a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a full complement of airbags.

The 2022 Acura RDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The RDX's safety features included structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, a rear seatbelt reminder system, and the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assist technologies. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems were mostly accurate, although they occasionally issued false warnings. The Technology package and higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking.