2019 Toyota RAV4 vs 2020 Acura MDX

2019 Toyota RAV4
2019 Toyota RAV4
$25,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2020 Acura MDX
2020 Acura MDX
$44,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Toyota RAV4
$25,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura MDX
$44,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is 8 out of 10, while the 2020 Acura MDX scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, we recommend choosing the 2019 Toyota RAV4 for its superior value, provided you don’t need or want the extra space or luxury of the MDX.

Overview

MSRP

$25,650

MSRP

$44,500

Average price

$24,706

Average price

$29,822

Listings

1585

Listings

1238
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Poor handling
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Outdated technology

2019 Toyota RAV4 Reviews Summary

There’s a reason small SUVs like the 2019 Toyota RAV4 are among the most popular vehicles on the new car market. Consider the RAV4 and its rivals, the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Ford Escape—what do they have in common? To put it simply, these vehicles are asked to do it all. Daily commuter car? Check. Family-hauler to school, practice, and the mall? Check, check, and check. Road-trip vehicle? Yeah, that too. On top of it all, these vehicles have to be affordable, efficient, and reliable. Sales of traditional sedans have been dwindling, but if sedans could do as much as crossovers can, they would still be popular vehicles.

The RAV4 is one of the oldest vehicles in the segment, and its story tells us how these small SUVs became so popular. The previous RAV4 was an extremely competent vehicle for Toyota, covering all the things we ask of compact SUVs. But the new 2020 RAV4 goes a few steps further. It has standout Tonka-truck styling, a surprisingly upscale interior, and something that it had lost since debuting more than two decades ago: a bit of off-road ability. We’ll see whether this makes it better than the RAV4 it replaces, and if it allows the 2020 RAV4 to stand out in a crowded small SUV market.

2020 Acura MDX Reviews Summary

The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time, with solid performances through three generations of production since 2001. While it may not be an industry leader in any one category, the MDX delivers competitive levels of comfort, convenience, and technology and an attractive overall package that has spawned a loyal repeat audience.
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 203 hp I4

Engine

3.5L 290 hp V6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

203 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

290 hp @ 6200 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

35

MPG Highway

27
2019 Toyota RAV4
2019 Toyota RAV4
$25,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura MDX
2020 Acura MDX
$44,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Toyota RAV4
$25,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura MDX
$44,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is 8 out of 10, while the 2020 Acura MDX scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, we recommend choosing the 2019 Toyota RAV4 for its superior value, provided you don’t need or want the extra space or luxury of the MDX.

Overview
MSRP
$25,650
$44,500
Average price
$24,706
$29,822
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.3
4.5
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Poor handling
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Outdated technology
Summary

There’s a reason small SUVs like the 2019 Toyota RAV4 are among the most popular vehicles on the new car market. Consider the RAV4 and its rivals, the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Ford Escape—what do they have in common? To put it simply, these vehicles are asked to do it all. Daily commuter car? Check. Family-hauler to school, practice, and the mall? Check, check, and check. Road-trip vehicle? Yeah, that too. On top of it all, these vehicles have to be affordable, efficient, and reliable. Sales of traditional sedans have been dwindling, but if sedans could do as much as crossovers can, they would still be popular vehicles.

The RAV4 is one of the oldest vehicles in the segment, and its story tells us how these small SUVs became so popular. The previous RAV4 was an extremely competent vehicle for Toyota, covering all the things we ask of compact SUVs. But the new 2020 RAV4 goes a few steps further. It has standout Tonka-truck styling, a surprisingly upscale interior, and something that it had lost since debuting more than two decades ago: a bit of off-road ability. We’ll see whether this makes it better than the RAV4 it replaces, and if it allows the 2020 RAV4 to stand out in a crowded small SUV market.

The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time, with solid performances through three generations of production since 2001. While it may not be an industry leader in any one category, the MDX delivers competitive levels of comfort, convenience, and technology and an attractive overall package that has spawned a loyal repeat audience.
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.5L 203 hp I4
3.5L 290 hp V6
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
203 hp @ 6000 rpm
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
MPG City
26
20
MPG Highway
35
27
Look and feel
2019 Toyota RAV4
9/10
2020 Acura MDX
9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Toyota RAV4 at 9 out of 10 and the 2020 Acura MDX at 6 out of 10 for look and feel. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 boasts a chunky, aggressive design inspired by the Toyota Tacoma pickup, with sharp edges and a futuristic appeal. The cabin is elegant and simple, featuring a floating touch screen and sleek controls. On the other hand, the 2020 Acura MDX is described as a good-looking crossover SUV, with a low-slung and sleek profile. The Acura's signature Jewel Eye headlights add a touch of luxury to the front end.
Performance
2019 Toyota RAV4
6/10
2020 Acura MDX
6/10
Both the 2019 Toyota RAV4 and the 2020 Acura MDX receive a rating of 6 out of 10 for performance from CarGurus experts. The RAV4 is equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 203 horsepower, while the MDX offers a choice between a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower or a Sport Hybrid model with 321 horsepower. The RAV4 has decent off-road capabilities in certain trims, while the MDX offers better on-road handling and acceleration, particularly with its Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system.
Form and function
2019 Toyota RAV4
8/10
2020 Acura MDX
7/10
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has five seats and provides 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet when folded. The 2020 Acura MDX offers seven seats and 15.8 cubic feet behind the third row, increasing to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 90.9 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The RAV4 is a smaller SUV, but still roomy relative to its direct rivals.
Technology
2019 Toyota RAV4
8/10
2020 Acura MDX
7/10
CarGurus rates the 2019 Toyota RAV4 at 8 out of 10 and the 2020 Acura MDX at 7 out of 10 for technology. The RAV4 features Toyota's Entune 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, while the MDX offers standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both models come with advanced safety features and premium audio systems.
Safety
2019 Toyota RAV4
9/10
2020 Acura MDX
9/10
Both the 2019 Toyota RAV4 and the 2020 Acura MDX receive a safety rating of 9 out of 10 from CarGurus experts. The RAV4 is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, while the MDX comes standard with AcuraWatch, offering a suite of driver-assistance and safety technologies. Both models have received high safety ratings from independent organizations.
Cost Effectiveness
2019 Toyota RAV4
8/10
2020 Acura MDX
8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Toyota RAV4 at 8 out of 10 and the 2020 Acura MDX at 8 out of 10 for cost effectiveness. The RAV4 started at $25,500 for the base model when new, while the MDX begam at $44,500 when new, highlighting their different places in the market. The RAV4 offers a balance of features, price, and fuel efficiency, while the MDX provides a premium luxury experience at a higher cost.
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.