2020 Acura RDX vs 2019 Honda CR-V

The 2019 Honda CR-V offered four trim levels—LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring—each available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices ranged from $24,350 to $34,150, excluding destination charges. The CR-V LX featured standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, while higher trims boasted body-color trim, 18-inch wheels, and rear privacy glass. The CR-V's interior exuded quality, with a 2-tone tan-over-black treatment and well-arranged controls. Despite some hard plastic, the materials didn't feel cheap, enhancing the overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, featuring a beamy grille and rakish headlights. The large logo within the grille, though comical, worked within the overall design. The RDX's sharp styling extended into the cabin, with our test model showcasing eye-catching red leather upholstery. Standard features included synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The RDX offered three packages—Technology, A-Spec, and Advance—each adding various luxury and performance enhancements.

The 2019 Honda CR-V LX came with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Higher trims featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged engine provided better responsiveness and fuel economy but had issues in cold weather and short trips. The CR-V's driving dynamics were impressive, with a MacPherson strut front and multi-link double wishbone rear suspension, and dual-pinion, variable-ratio electric steering. The CR-V averaged 27.7 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA's 29 mpg estimate.

The 2020 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, delivering solid acceleration. Power was routed through a 10-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or available Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD). The RDX offered multiple drive modes—Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus—controlled by a large dial on the dash. The RDX's fuel economy was EPA-estimated at 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg. The RDX excelled in both acceleration and handling, providing a comfortable yet performance-oriented driving experience.

The 2019 Honda CR-V provided ample interior space, though the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The driver enjoyed a 12-way power adjustable seat, and heated front seats were standard on all but the LX trim. The rear seats offered plenty of space and amenities like air vents and USB ports. The CR-V boasted 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 75.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2020 Acura RDX pushed the limits of a compact SUV, offering a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats. The second row provided good headroom and decent legroom. The RDX had 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a helpful cubby and a hidden cargo area beneath the load floor.

Starting with the EX trim, the 2019 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Navigation was optional on the EX-L trim and standard on the Touring trim. The infotainment system, though improved, lacked a tuning knob and had a small screen, making it somewhat distracting to use.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, operated via a touchpad called the True Touchpad Interface. This system was less intuitive than competitors, requiring constant attention to ensure correct selections. Standard tech features included Bluetooth, two USB ports, a WiFi hot spot, and a 9-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added more USB ports, navigation, and the ELS premium audio system. The A-Spec featured the ELS Studio 3D premium sound system with 16 speakers, while the Advance Package added a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2019 Honda CR-V, except for the LX trim, came with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. The EX trim and higher also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The CR-V was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with an Acceptable rating for headlight performance.

The 2020 Acura RDX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, LATCH child-seat mounting systems, a tire pressure monitoring system, hill-start assist, and a rear-view camera. It also included lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, road-departure mitigation, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Technology Package added parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic monitoring. The Advance Package included a 360-degree surround-view camera and a washer nozzle for the rear-view camera. The 2019 RDX received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.