2020 Acura MDX vs 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

When the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came out, its design drew heavily from Toyota’s classic trucks, shedding the softer look of the previous generation. Its front resembled the 4Runner, sporting a rugged appearance with trapezoidal shapes and multiple flexing surfaces. The hood had a gentler angle, moving away from the extreme cab-forward design. The fenders and wheel wells were defined by hard creases, and the side glass echoed the original RAV4’s spacious greenhouse. The tail section featured distinct sections with raked glass and chiseled taillights, complemented by a stylish lower black trim. The XSE trim added a glossy black finish to various elements, including the roof, mirrors, and wheels, giving it a sporty yet upscale appearance. Internally, the RAV4 boasted a high-grade cabin with padded dash and door trims, blue stitching, and silver accents around the center stack. The oversized knobs, thick gear selector, and snug seats with blue-striped cloth inserts gave it an upscale feel, reminiscent of Toyota’s larger trucks.

Contrastingly, the 2020 Acura MDX had a sleek and understated design. While not groundbreaking, its styling was clean and elegant, ensuring it fit in anywhere without standing out too much. Its Jewel Eye LED headlights provided a sophisticated look and enhanced functionality with five LED elements per side. The trapezoidal grille with a prominent Acura logo anchored the front, creating an expressive face. For a three-row SUV, the MDX was remarkably sleek with chiseled details and a flowing roofline. Inside, the MDX was simple and modern. It featured twin infotainment screens and a clean center stack with a command wheel. The material quality was high, and the fit and finish were excellent, giving the cabin a solid and well-built feel. Knobs and switches operated with precision, contributing to a user-friendly interior environment.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered a surprisingly peppy performance for an eco-minded vehicle. The combination of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine running on the Atkinson cycle and two electric motors produced 219 horsepower. The use of nickel-metal hydride batteries, known for their reliability and consistency, albeit heavier, contributed to seamless driving dynamics. The RAV4 Hybrid handled well, with stable and flat-footed dynamics despite the CVT sometimes straining at high revs. The steering was responsive, and the sport-tuned dampers and springs of the XSE trim delivered a noticeable improvement in ride quality. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with an average of 36 mpg over extended highway trips and an EPA rating of 41 mpg city, 38 highway, and 40 combined. However, the braking system felt squishy, needing more refinement for better user confidence.

On the performance side, the 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options. The model reviewed featured a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The MDX, equipped with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), demonstrated strong straight-line performance and agility around corners. SH-AWD with torque-vectoring technology enhanced cornering by directing power to the outer wheels, providing smooth and stable handling. The MDX’s performance was characterized by seamless power delivery and nimble handling without compromising stability. The independent suspension system ensured a comfortable ride, capable of absorbing road imperfections, making it a comfortable choice for long drives.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid excelled in practical utility, offering abundant cargo space of 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanding to 70 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This capacious cargo area was enhanced by a handy spare tire stored underneath the cargo floor. The second-row seats provided generous legroom and reclined manually, adding to passenger comfort. The air conditioning system was impressively efficient, quickly cooling the cabin even on hot days. Ergonomics were well thought out, with large knobs and easily accessible controls, although the lack of illumination for window and mirror controls was a drawback. The infotainment system was intuitive, featuring clear menus, customizable home screens, and physical shortcut buttons for ease of use.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura MDX accommodated families with its three-row seating configuration. The second-row seats could slide and recline, simplifying access to the third row and allowing for adjustable legroom distribution. Headroom was sufficient across all three rows. Cargo space with the third-row seats upright was 15.8 cubic feet, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded flat. With the second row also folded, the MDX offered a maximum cargo capacity of 90.9 cubic feet. The interior featured a flexible center console, ample storage solutions, and thoughtful amenities like tri-zone climate control for personalized comfort. The MDX demonstrated a balance between functionality and luxury, making it a versatile choice for families needing extra space without sacrificing style.

The technology offerings of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid were a mix of thoughtful integrations and missed opportunities. The infotainment system was superior to Lexus models, featuring a touchscreen interface that accepted swiping and pinching gestures. However, the maps were outdated, and the Entune 3.0 system required a connected smartphone for app functionality. Apple CarPlay was standard, but Android Auto was notably absent. The JBL stereo provided an adequate audio experience. Lane-keep assist was reactive but not proactive enough for semi-automated driving. Toyota’s Safety Connect included three years of stolen-vehicle alerts, crash notifications, and SOS assistance, though the WiFi and remote unlock features were limited to a six-month trial. Despite these limitations, the hybrid system’s seamless operation was a standout technological feature.

The 2020 Acura MDX simplified its technology offerings through bundled packages rather than a la carte options. The base model included essential tech features such as Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free Bluetooth system. Additional tech enhancements were available through the Technology Package, which added navigation, parking sensors, GPS-linked climate control, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package offered even more, including heated and ventilated front seats, surround-view camera, and active damper system suspension. The Entertainment Package provided a rear DVD system with wireless headphones and a large Ultra-Wide Full VGA screen with HDMI compatibility. Overall, the MDX’s technology packages allowed for a high level of customization, ensuring a feature-rich driving experience.

In safety ratings, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid earned strong marks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it 4 out of 5 stars for driver-side frontal crash and rollover resistance, while it achieved a full 5 stars for front passenger, side barrier, and side pole tests. The overall rating from NHTSA was 5 stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2019 RAV4 top ratings in six crash tests and a Superior rating for its collision-avoidance system, although the headlights’ low scores prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick designation. Toyota Safety Sense was standard, including features like forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. An innovative airbag in the front passenger seat cushion aimed to prevent forward movement during a crash, alongside a driver's knee airbag.

The 2020 Acura MDX came equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems providing adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package introduced a Head-Up Warning. Safety features included a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, various airbags, stability control, Trailer Stability Assist for AWD models, and a theft-deterrent system. The MDX’s Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure enhanced crash impact absorption. The IIHS rated the MDX “good” in crash tests, “acceptable” for headlights and LATCH ease of use, and “superior” for front crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating, underscoring its strong safety credentials.