2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Acura RDX

The 2023 Acura RDX was known for its sharp, angular style, which, while unique, did not make it stand out dramatically from its competitors. The front featured the signature Acura grille, which, despite its evolution over the years, seemed to be showing its age. The sleek wraparound headlights and deep creases in the bodywork gave the RDX a sporty and aggressive look. The side profile was marked by a distinctive character line that suggested forward movement, even when stationary. However, the rear design was more conventional, resembling many other small SUVs.

Inside, the RDX took a different approach from the horizontal dashboard trend, opting for a vertical layout. The centre stack flowed into the console, 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. While the interior wasn't as modern as some rivals, it offered a familiar feel for those averse to the latest glass cockpit designs. The RDX's cabin seemed like an older design updated with newer tech features, which might not appeal to those seeking the newest, edgy design.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, in its gas-powered form, offered four trim levels in Canada, ranging from the RAV4 LE to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited. The design closely followed the 2019 model, with the Trail trim standing out due to its two-part face and more aggressive styling. The Trail trim featured blacked-out wheels, a faux skid plate, and beefier black cladding, giving it an off-road-ready appearance, though it was more of a style statement than a functional upgrade. Inside, the Trail trim added orange accents, with seats featuring a stripe and contrast stitching, and orange plastic borders enhancing the basic centre console.

The RAV4's interior included a frameless rearview mirror, adding a touch of premium feel. While the interior was fairly pedestrian, the Toyota Venza offered a more premium experience on the same platform. The RAV4's LE and XLE trims came with fabric upholstery and standard heated front seats, while the XLE Premium package upgraded to synthetic leather. The Limited trim offered heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats with memory settings, providing a more luxurious experience.

The 2023 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, all-wheel drive (AWD) was standard, branded as "super-handling all-wheel drive" or "SH-AWD." The RDX did not offer a more fuel-efficient or powerful engine option. It accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which was average for its class. The throttle response was immediate, and the turbo powertrain was adequate for most drivers. The engine and exhaust produced a pleasing deeper tone, and the transmission efficiently selected gears for power delivery. The brake pedal was firm and easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The RDX's handling inspired confidence, with well-managed body roll and abundant traction from the advanced AWD system. The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured adaptive dampers, allowing for sporty cornering without sacrificing ride comfort. Road imperfections were smoothed over, and mid-corner bumps were barely noticeable. The RDX's performance, easy-to-drive nature, and comfortable ride made it an attractive option for many shoppers.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, with its single gas-powered engine option, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the transmission was preferable to a CVT, it did not enhance acceleration, which was more "unobjectionable" than "exciting." The engine was not as loud as some competitors but was not quiet either. The RAV4 Trail trim, with its 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, shared the same suspension setup as other RAV4s, offering a similar driving experience.

The 2023 Acura RDX offered ample space in the front seats, with additional power adjustments for side bolsters and thigh extension in the top trim. The generous cushioning ensured comfort during long drives. Standard features included heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel with paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, and a panoramic moonroof. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's open and airy feel.

Cargo space behind the rear seats was 835 litres, slightly larger than competitors. A deep bin under the cargo floor with a centre drain plug was useful for wet gear or as a cooler. Folding the rear seats expanded capacity to 1,668 litres, with remote seatback levers for easy transformation. Front passengers had various storage options, including cupholders, a centre console bin, and a wireless charging pad. However, the centre stack's design took up unnecessary space.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 seated five, with 958 mm of headroom in the front and 1,001 mm in the back with the moonroof. It offered less front headroom than the Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester but more rear headroom. Legroom measured 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the back, aligning with the CR-V's front legroom but falling short in the rear. The back seat was narrower than competitors. Storage options included a shelf along the glove compartment, generous door pockets, and side-by-side centre cupholders. The lever-style gear shifter added a rugged touch.

Cargo space was 1,059 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded. This placed the RAV4 in the middle of the pack, ahead of the Mazda CX-5 but behind the Honda CR-V.

The 2023 Acura RDX featured a touchpad infotainment controller, which was challenging to use, especially while driving. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen and was out of reach. The system improved with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, allowing for easier operation. Despite the interface issues, the infotainment system had sharp graphics, quick responses, and logical menus. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote monitoring via the Acuralink app. A 16-speaker ELS Studio premium audio system was standard in Canada.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. The system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and voice command. Toyota's connected services, including Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Drive Connect, were available. The Trail trim did not have the upgraded system, which was limited to the Limited trim with an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version in the Limited trim. Both Trail and Limited trims included a wireless charging pad.

The 2023 Acura RDX received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, and parking sensors. The Platinum Elite A-Spec package added a surround-view camera and head-up display. The adaptive cruise control was smooth, but lane-keep assist was better suited for straight highways.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with standard safety features like lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Higher-end features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 was equipped with TSS 2.5, which included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash-testing.