Acura RDX vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2023 Acura RDX stood out with its sharp, angular style while managing to remain conventional enough to blend in with other SUVs. Its front end featured the recognizable Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights. Despite its sporty and aggressive look, the grille design seemed a bit dated, suggesting it was time for a refresh. The side profile of the RDX was marked by a distinctive character line that slashed diagonally, giving a sense of forward motion even when stationary. In contrast, the rear end presented a more conventional design similar to other small SUVs.

Inside, the RDX took a different approach from the horizontal dashboard layouts trending among competitors. The vertical cockpit layout emphasized the center stack of controls, flowing into the center console and dominated by gear-selector buttons and drive-mode dials. This setup highlighted Acura’s focus on performance, with a 10.2-inch infotainment display positioned atop the dash and a digital center display with analog gauges in the instrument panel. Modern tech features were integrated, but the interior overall felt like an older design updated for 2023, appealing to those who preferred familiarity over the newest edgy styles.

As for the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, its redesign in 2019 shifted from a softer crossover appearance to a more substantial, blocky look. The trapezoidal grille adopted from Toyota’s truck line added visual heft, framed by beveled, angled bodywork and headlights. This design approach sparked a trend evident in models like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50.

The RAV4 Hybrid's interior followed the angular theme with a multi-tiered dashboard and beveled cutouts, adding visual interest to an otherwise plain surface. The basic layout, typical of the period, had an infotainment touchscreen atop the dash, flanked by physical buttons and knobs for primary controls. Materials quality was average for its class, with plenty of hard plastics softened by padding on frequently touched surfaces. The base and new Woodland trims oddly omitted a leather-wrapped steering wheel, opting instead for a polyurethane wheel and armrest that felt rubbery and cheap. Higher trims fortunately included leather coverings. The build quality was dependable, contributing to a creak- and squeak-free ride over rough terrain.

The 2023 Acura RDX featured a robust 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Standard with front-wheel drive, it offered Acura’s "SH-AWD" as an option across all trims. The RDX could accelerate to 60 mph in a respectable 6.7 seconds, with immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine and exhaust note. The transmission efficiently selected gears, and the brake pedal provided firm, smooth stops.

The RDX’s handling was impressive, with well-managed body roll and an advanced AWD system ensuring abundant traction. It handled corners sportily without compromising ride comfort, smoothing out road imperfections and mid-corner bumps with ease.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid utilized a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 219 horsepower via a CVT and standard AWD, thanks to a second electric motor on the rear axle. The RAV4 Hybrid’s 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds was respectable, surpassing the standard RAV4 by half a second but trailing behind the RAV4 Prime. Within its class, it was quicker than the Honda CR-V Hybrid but slightly slower than the Kia Sportage Hybrid.

The RAV4 Hybrid’s braking system effectively used regenerative braking for smoother stops and additional battery charging. The suspension provided a smooth ride over bumps and potholes, ensuring confident cornering without aiming for sportiness. Overall, its driving dynamics were competent and satisfying but not particularly thrilling.

The 2023 Acura RDX offered generous front seat space, with additional power adjustments for side bolsters and thigh extension in higher trims. Comfortable cushioning and efficient heated and ventilated seats made long drives pleasant. The rear seats comfortably accommodated average-sized adults, though six-footers might find headroom limited. A panoramic sunroof added to the cabin's airy feel.

Cargo space in the RDX was substantial at 31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 79.8 cubic feet with seats folded flat via remote seatback levers. Additional storage included a deep bin under the cargo floor with a center drain plug, ideal for wet gear. Interior storage options were ample, including small cupholders, a narrow tray, and a moderate bin under the armrest, although the center stack’s design took up unnecessarily much space.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also provided ample front seat room, and rear seats that easily fit average-sized adults, albeit with less legroom compared to some rivals and low seat cushions that might affect long-trip comfort. It boasted 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, nearly matching the non-hybrid variant and not sacrificing capacity for the battery pack. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, though their long reach posed a challenge for shorter owners.

Interior storage was well-considered, with a wide dashboard shelf, phone tray, and large cupholders. A large center armrest bin and average-sized door pockets added practicality. The lack of a wireless charging pad was a minor downside.

The 2023 Acura RDX’s infotainment was driven by a touchpad controller, inheriting a flawed concept previously attempted by Lexus. Although Acura's version was better, it was still challenging to use, especially while driving. The 10.2-inch display wasn’t a touchscreen, potentially reducing distraction. The system improved with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing easier control through swiping rather than precise touchpad use. The system’s graphics were sharp and responses quick, but the interface remained one of the least user-friendly.

Standard tech included a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote vehicle monitoring via the Acuralink app. Higher trims boasted a 16-speaker ELS sound system with clear audio.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced an improved infotainment system with modern graphics and logically arranged menus, standardizing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though wireless charging was optional. Most trims came with an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims featured a 10.5-inch screen. The infotainment supported over-the-air updates, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote vehicle control via smartphone. Higher trims also upgraded to a fully digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL sound system.

The 2023 Acura RDX excelled in safety, earning five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection, and four stars for frontal and rollover protection. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+, with high scores in all crashworthiness tests. Standard features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. All systems performed reliably in testing, with the adaptive cruise control praised for smooth operation but lane-keep assist found overly assertive.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also fared well, earning five stars from the NHTSA overall and side protection, and four stars for frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS gave it a Top Safety Pick rating, though it scored "Acceptable" in new overlap tests. Standard safety included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. Advanced trims added blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and an optional surround-view camera and digital rearview mirror. These systems operated smoothly without false alarms.