2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2020 Acura MDX had a design that was consistently described as good-looking, though not necessarily groundbreaking. This crossover SUV didn’t turn heads in parking lots or earn special treatment, but it also didn't let down its driver. It was content to blend in while still maintaining a pleasing aesthetic.

Acura's Jewel Eye LED headlights enhanced both function and appearance. These headlights featured five LED elements per side, arranged horizontally with the turn signals and running lamps, and framed a prominent trapezoidal grille with a large Acura logo. This lent the MDX a subtly expressive look.

For a three-row SUV, the MDX had a sleek and rather low-slung profile with chiseled details and a fast roofline. The quality of the paint and chrome exemplified Acura’s meticulous craftsmanship.

Inside, the MDX boasted a modern and simple look, avoiding the excessive padding and stitching seen in other luxury vehicles. The center stack was a notable feature, with an 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation at the top and the On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen beneath it, surrounded by an array of buttons and a central command wheel. The interior materials and build quality felt solid and well-constructed, with knobs and switches offering satisfying tactile feedback.

On the other hand, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, was a more eye-catching SUV. Its sporty yet understated design didn’t rely heavily on blacked-out trims or performance-centric cues, but it successfully conveyed a sense of sportiness.

The RDX didn't pretend to be an off-road vehicle and avoided features like oversized skid plates and bulging fender flares. It was clearly designed for urban and highway driving.

The A-Spec Package placed the RDX mid-level in the trim hierarchy, starting from $38,200 for the base model, increasing with the Technology Package to $41,100, the A-Spec Package to $44,100, and the Advance Package to $46,000. Adding SH-AWD ran an additional $2,000. Opting for premium paint like Platinum White, our RDX A-Spec SH-AWD came to $47,625.

Inside, the A-Spec Package brought enhancements like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts and special piping, a sport steering wheel, black headliner, dark brushed aluminum trim, sport pedals, red stitching, and ambient lighting. This cohesive design offered an unmistakably sporty feel, though the red gauge cluster markings on brushed silver backgrounds were harder to read, especially in daylight.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrains. The first was a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The MDX Sport Hybrid combined a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine with three electric motors for a total output of 321 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Driving the gasoline-only model with SH-AWD showcased the MDX’s straight-line performance, excellent acceleration, and nimble handling in corners thanks to its torque-vectoring technology. This system smoothly directed power to the outer wheels during turns, improving grip and stability. The MDX handled bumps well, making it a comfortable long-distance cruiser.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, though the SH-AWD system, which significantly enhanced handling by distributing power intelligently between the wheels, was also available and worth the extra cost.

Drivers could switch between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes using the Integrated Dynamics System, which adjusted powertrain characteristics, steering effort, and, in models with the Advance Package, suspension firmness. Sport+ increased the engine’s aggressiveness, contributing to a more engaging drive. The A-Spec Package added Shark Gray 20-inch alloy wheels with 255/45 performance all-season tires.

However, the A-Spec version suffered slightly from body motion on uneven road surfaces, and the 10-speed automatic failed to match revs on downshifts. Still, its broad torque curve, precise steering, and communicative braking made it enjoyable to drive. A future Type S performance variant of the RDX was expected.

The 2020 Acura MDX was a practical choice for families, with sliding and reclining second-row seats that improved access to the third row and allowed adjustable legroom. It offered 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 43.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 90.9 cubic feet with both rows down. Clever storage solutions included a recessed cubby hole and underfloor storage, plus a spacious center console, door pockets, and cup holders in all three rows. Tri-zone climate control further enhanced comfort for all passengers.

Conversely, the 2021 Acura RDX offered impressive passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. Its front seats were highly comfortable, with 12-way power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and effective bolstering for dynamic driving. Rear-seat comfort was compromised by a flatter cushion design intended to maximize cargo floor flatness, resulting in less leg support and an over-reclined seatback angle.

The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a deep storage well for securing smaller items. Three underfloor compartments provided further storage flexibility. Folding the rear seats increased cargo capacity to 58.9 cubic feet, which was respectable but not class-leading. However, Acura’s maximum cargo volume of 79.8 cubic feet should be taken with caution, as it included all potential carrying space up to the front seats, a method not universally used by all manufacturers.

For 2020, the Acura MDX featured a variety of technology packages. The base model included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text messaging, a CD/MP3 player, five USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package ($5,000) added rain-sensing wipers, LED puddle lights, parking sensors, navigation, GPS-linked climate control, remote start, and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Studio Premium Audio system. The Advance Package ($6,750) added features like adaptive suspension, front and rear heated seats, a surround-view camera, and a larger rear entertainment screen. An Entertainment Package ($2,000) could be added to either package, upgrading the rear entertainment system further.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system. Instead of a touchscreen, it used a touch-sensing pad on the center console that mirrored the screen, aiming to reduce distraction. However, this system still required significant focus and could be confusing for passengers unfamiliar with its operation.

Still, the RDX offered useful tech features like physical knobs for stereo and climate controls, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and options like Amazon Alexa integration. Despite some drawbacks, the 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system included in the A-Spec and Advance trims received high praise for its sound quality.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included a Head-Up Warning. Standard safety features encompassed a rearview camera (upgraded to a surround-view camera with the Advance Package), multiple airbags, stability and traction control, Trailer Stability Assist, and child-seat mounts.

The MDX’s Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure was designed to absorb crash impacts efficiently. It received “good” ratings from the IIHS in all crash-test categories, “acceptable” for headlights, and “superior” for front crash prevention. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2021 Acura RDX also had AcuraWatch, covering adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert required an upgrade to the Technology Package. The RDX did not have the TLX’s newer safety features like pedestrian detection, traffic-sign recognition, and Traffic Jam Assist.

Despite these limitations, the RDX’s systems were praised for their refinement. It earned a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars in frontal impact and rollover resistance.