2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX was a sleek and stylish three-row SUV, though its design was more about fitting in than standing out. It featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to its front fascia. The MDX's interior was modern and simple, with high-quality materials and a well-organized center stack that included twin infotainment screens. The overall build quality was solid, making it a reliable and comfortable choice for families.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had a more rugged and angular design, reminiscent of Toyota's 4Runner. Its front fascia featured stacked trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille, giving it a tough, mechanical look. The RAV4 Hybrid's interior was functional and simple, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and well-thought-out climate controls. While it lacked some luxury features, the cabin materials were uniformly nice, and the rear seat offered impressive legroom. The hybrid model did not compromise on interior or cargo space, maintaining the same dimensions as the standard RAV4.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid model with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The MDX's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided excellent cornering and handling, thanks to its torque-vectoring technology. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension ensured a comfortable ride, making it a great choice for long drives.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, on the other hand, combined a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors, resulting in a total system output of 219 horsepower. Its most impressive feature was its combined EPA fuel economy rating of 40 miles per gallon, which was consistently achievable in real-world driving. The RAV4 Hybrid's powertrain was cleverly designed to eliminate the need for a heavy driveshaft, improving both handling and fuel economy. The hybrid system provided smooth regenerative braking and seamless electric motor assist, making it quicker to accelerate than the non-hybrid model. The RAV4 Hybrid could also tow up to 1,750 pounds, adding to its versatility.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered a spacious and versatile interior, with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It provided 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, which could be expanded to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded flat, and up to 90.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The MDX featured numerous storage compartments, including a large glove box, a flexible center console, and door panel pockets. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasted excellent ergonomics, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and well-placed climate controls. The center console offered ample storage space, including a cell phone tray, cupholders, and a large bin under the armrest. The RAV4 Hybrid's rear seat provided impressive legroom, accommodating three adults comfortably. The hybrid model maintained the same 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space as the standard RAV4, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of standard tech features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a CD/MP3 player. The Technology Package added navigation, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a premium audio system, while the Advance Package included additional tech features like a surround-view camera and heated rear seats. The Entertainment Package offered a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced Android Auto for the first time, joining Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM Radio as standard features. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered WiFi Connect and Predictive Efficient Drive, which optimized the hybrid system's efficiency. The drive mode selector allowed drivers to choose between Eco, Sport, and Trail modes, enhancing the driving experience. The RAV4 Hybrid's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a USB-A port for easy phone connectivity and additional USB-A charging ports in higher trims.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with the AcuraWatch suite of safety features, including 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 included Head-Up Warning. The MDX's ACE Body Structure was designed to absorb crash impact, and it received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and road-sign assist. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and parking assist were available as options. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and performed well in IIHS crash tests. However, it had two safety recalls for engine coolant leaks and suspension issues.