2023 Acura RDX vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was based on the SR5 trim level and added a nostalgic flair with retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, and bronze accents. This special edition was priced at $54,380, including a $3,330 upcharge from the SR5. The 4Runner's design harkened back to the truck-based SUVs of the past, with a robust and enduring appeal. Inside, the cabin was practical, with solid materials and easy-to-use controls, even when wearing gloves. The 4Runner's aesthetic was a nod to the 1970s, with its groovy stripes and bronze alloy wheels, making it a unique choice for those who appreciated a retro vibe.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX featured a sharp, angular style that was distinctive yet conventional enough to blend in with other small SUVs. The signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights, gave the RDX a sporty and aggressive look. The side profile was marked by a character line suggesting forward movement, while the rear was more conventional. Inside, the RDX had a vertical cockpit layout, with a centre stack of controls flowing into the centre console. The interior design was more traditional, with a focus on performance, featuring a digital centre display with analog gauges. While not as modern as some rivals, the RDX's cabin offered a familiar feel for those averse to the latest tech-heavy designs.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive (4WD), with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems: a part-time system and a full-time system on the Limited trim. Its fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test averaging 13.9 L/100 km. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a lack of tire grip on dry roads.

The 2023 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), known as "super-handling all-wheel drive" (SH-AWD). The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, with immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine sound. The transmission was adept at selecting the right gear, and the brake pedal offered reassuring firmness. The RDX's handling was confident, with well-managed body roll and ample traction. The adaptive dampers on the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim provided a sporty yet comfortable ride, smoothing over road imperfections with ease.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seats and dual-zone climate control. However, storage locations lacked rubber liners, leading to vibrations and rattles. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom and USB charging ports. A third-row seat was available but compromised cargo space and comfort. Without the third-row seat, the 4Runner offered 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers.

The 2023 Acura RDX provided ample space in the front seats, with additional power adjustments in the top trim level. The standard heated and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel and dual-zone climate control, enhanced comfort. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The RDX offered 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a deep bin under the cargo floor for wet gear. Folding the rear seats expanded capacity to 1,668 litres. The centre stack's design took up space, but overall, the RDX provided adequate storage options for personal items.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with available upgrades like a navigation system and JBL premium sound. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons suitable for gloved use. Voice recognition performed well, though it couldn't handle all commands. Despite its dated graphics, the system's functionality was appreciated by those who preferred simplicity.

The 2023 Acura RDX used a touchpad infotainment controller, which was challenging to use, especially while driving. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity improved the experience. The system featured sharp graphics and quick responses, but the interface was one of the least user-friendly in its class. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio premium audio system, which delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the 4Runner's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating from the IIHS for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2023 Acura RDX received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. 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 system and a head-up display. The RDX's safety systems performed well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and effective lane-keep assist.