2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge adhered closely to traditional automotive design, making it a familiar choice for those transitioning from internal-combustion engines to electric vehicles. From the outside, it closely resembled its gasoline counterpart, with subtle differences like a solid panel in place of a traditional grille, trim-specific alloy wheels, and the absence of tailpipes. The XC40's design was a nod to Volvo's Swedish roots, featuring Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion. Inside, the XC40 boasted a Scandinavian design sensibility, offering an airy and roomy cabin with harmonious dash elements, positioning it as a genuine luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. The RDX's grille surround and bumper styling received updates, 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 included various trims, with the A-Spec Platinum Elite package offering high-quality interior materials and a quieter cabin. Despite some polarizing design elements, the RDX maintained a stylish flair, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a sporty and luxurious compact SUV.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge delivered an exhilarating driving experience with its 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack powering two electric motors, producing 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The Recharge featured regenerative braking, offering a one-pedal driving experience that maximized energy recovery. Its lower centre of gravity and familiar suspension setup contributed to its stable and planted handling. The XC40 Recharge boasted an impressive range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, with fast-charging capabilities.

The 2022 Acura RDX, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the RDX offered a spirited driving experience. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided excellent torque vectoring, enhancing cornering performance. The RDX's adaptive-damping suspension and revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. Despite its enjoyable driving dynamics, the RDX fell short of qualifying for Acura's Type S performance badge.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The absence of a gasoline engine allowed for a front trunk, providing additional storage space. Inside, the XC40 featured ample cubbies and nooks, accommodating modern essentials. The front seats were comfortable, while the rear seats were suitable for outboard passengers. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

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 infotainment system. The RDX's front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation and heating. However, the rear seats lacked support, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor. The RDX offered 835 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded, and featured a power liftgate with hands-free operation.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was loaded with technology, including a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems like Pilot Assist. The Recharge featured a heat pump to extend its range and a 9.3-inch touchscreen with Android Automotive operating system, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and more. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates, though its range reporting method, showing a percentage of charge rather than kilometres, could induce range anxiety.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which required a learning curve. The system paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller, offering a direct one-to-one relationship between touchpad and screen. Despite its complexity, the RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system available in higher trims.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with an extensive list of standard safety features, including collision warning, blind-spot information, and lane keep assist. The XC40 Recharge also featured a new sensor platform and Volvo's Connected Safety system, enhancing its active safety capabilities.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, maintaining its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The RDX featured a rear seatbelt reminder system and an updated AcuraWatch suite, including forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. While the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems were mostly accurate, they occasionally issued false warnings. The RDX received a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.