2019 Acura RDX vs 2019 Acura MDX

The 2019 Acura RDX boasted an impressive new exterior design, setting itself apart with modern and sharp lines that echoed some of the design elements of its larger sibling, the Acura MDX. The front end featured angular headlights surrounding a broad, eye-catching grille—a significant shift from the previous "shield" or "beak" grille design that had been a staple since 2013. This more upright layout not only provided a more commanding presence but also contributed to an increase in cabin space with a more upright rear end.

The A-Spec trim was notably enhanced with dark accents and black side panels akin to those on the Porsche Macan. The interiors exuded luxury with soft-touch materials, suede inserts on the seats and dash, and genuine brushed aluminum detailing. However, the aluminum could be blinding under direct sunlight. The center console was redesigned to feature Acura’s unique shifter design and the True Touchpad infotainment system, emphasizing Acura's focus on an intuitive user experience.

Standard equipment was generous, including 19-inch alloy wheels, Jewel Eye LED headlights, LED fog and taillights, a power liftgate, a panoramic moonroof, and power heated side mirrors that tilted down in reverse. Inside, it featured leather upholstery, 12-way power front seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The base infotainment system included a 10.2-inch HD monitor with Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, and two front USB ports. Unfortunately, Android Auto was not available.

Buyers looking for more in the RDX had options like the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, each adding layers of luxury, technology, and driver-assistance features, tailored to enhance the driving experience.

The Acura MDX had long dominated the midsize, three-row crossover segment due to a lack of competitive alternatives until around 2018. With new rivals emerging, the 2019 MDX remained a compelling choice, continuing a program of continuous improvement that started in 2017 with the introduction of the Sport Hybrid and a significant facelift.

The 2019 MDX retained its luxury appeal while adding a sporty A-Spec Package. The A-Spec's distinct look included a unique front bumper, Shark Gray 20-inch wheels, dark chrome and gloss black trim, and darkened lighting elements, contributing to a more aggressive appearance. The vehicle featured distinctive red leather and black Alcantara suede for the heated and ventilated front seats, an A-Spec steering wheel with paddle shifters, metallic pattern trim, metal accents, and red instrument panel illumination.

Despite the A-Spec's sporty upgrades, it avoided a tacky, blacked-out look by using a tasteful mix of dark gray metallic paint on the wheels, and dark chrome for some trim pieces. The MDX’s dual-cowl dashboard design with dual infotainment screens was meant for practicality and a touch of whimsy but lacked the intuitive appeal found in some rivals.

The 2019 RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine, generating 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, powering either the front wheels or the available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). SH-AWD was a torque-vectoring system that could distribute 70 percent of torque to the rear wheels, with the ability to divert 100 percent of that to either rear wheel independently. This setup ensured confident handling in various driving conditions, from icy roads to spirited driving on dry pavement.

Drivers could select from different modes via the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS): Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport+. Sport and Sport+ modes sharpened the throttle response and enhanced the exhaust note, making the driving experience more engaging. On fuel efficiency, the front-wheel-drive RDX delivered 22 mpg city, 28 highway, 24 combined, while the AWD version achieved 21/27/23. During combined driving, it was observed at 22.3 miles per gallon.

The MDX came standard with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The MDX equipped with SH-AWD benefitted from torque-vectoring capabilities, sending up to 70 percent of power to a single rear wheel. A notable improvement was seen in the transmission's responsive shifts, addressing previous complaints. The vehicle also offered a Sport mode, enhancing the Integrated Driving Dynamics' Comfort and Normal modes, with steering that provided solid, predictable feedback.

For driving enthusiasts, the MDX Sport Hybrid was the standout model, combining a 3.0-liter V6 with three electric motors for a combined output of 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. It delivered better fuel efficiency and a thrilling driving experience.

The MDX A-Spec, while quick and enjoyable to drive, returned 19.7 mpg in testing, close to the RDX’s performance but falling short of its official EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving.

The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, an increase from its predecessor. However, folding the 60/40 split rear seats reduced the cargo capacity to 58.9 cubic feet. While this was slightly less than the total space offered by the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, it was still competitive. The cabin was spacious with plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats, even accommodating six-foot-plus passengers comfortably.

Everyday storage solutions were well thought out, with numerous trays and cubbies, including a floating center stack with additional power and USB ports and a traditional center console with a covered cupholder tray. Each door had room for multiple water bottles, and the rear seat armrest housed additional cupholders.

The MDX excelled in cabin comfort and practicality. The front seats were excellent in terms of support and cushioning, with a sliding center armrest for added comfort. The triple-zone climate control kept all passengers happy, and the second-row seats were accommodating for both adults and children. Storage was ample throughout, especially with the Advance Package, which added second-row captain’s chairs.

However, the third row was less impressive, suitable only for occasional use due to limited space. Folding the third-row seats increased cargo capacity to 38.4 cubic feet, with an additional storage bin under the cargo floor. With both second-row and third-row seats folded down, the MDX offered a maximum of 68.4 cubic feet of space, whereas having all seats up left just 15 cubic feet of cargo space.

The new True Touchpad infotainment system was standard across all RDX trims, replacing the older dual-screen setup. Featuring a high-definition display, the system intended to simplify operation through direct touchpad interaction. However, it had a steep learning curve and could turn simple tasks like changing the radio station into multi-step processes.

While navigating the True Touchpad, users could alternatively utilize Apple CarPlay, although there was no Android Auto support. The system's inherent complexity diminished the benefits brought by the new ergonomic layout.

The MDX had updated its infotainment system, now featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite these improvements, the dual-screen setup remained problematic. The top screen handled navigation and vehicle settings controlled by buttons and a central knob, while the lower touchscreen managed the radio and secondary climate functions. This approach often led to confusion, with small screens and a poor voice-recognition system adding to the frustration.

The upper display's resolution felt outdated for a premium SUV, and the voice-recognition regularly failed to interpret commands accurately. The next update to the MDX was expected to replace this system with Acura’s more modern True Touchpad Interface as found in the 2019 RDX.

The RDX came with a full suite of safety features, including a reversing camera, tire pressure monitoring, traction control, and a comprehensive array of airbags. The standard AcuraWatch system provided forward-collision warning, forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, road-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Technology Package added front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Advance Package further enhanced safety with a head-up warning system.

The MDX's safety credentials were highlighted by its impressive crash-test ratings and the standard AcuraWatch suite across all trims. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with limitations due to headlight performance and child safety seat anchor accessibility.

Acura's Jewel Eye LED headlights provided excellent performance, although they lacked adaptive capabilities for curves. The AcuraWatch system, while comprehensive, often lacked the refinement seen in competitors' systems, particularly in adaptive cruise control performance.