2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX featured a design that, while not revolutionary, delivered a good-looking crossover SUV aesthetic. It wasn't the kind of vehicle that garnered heavy attention in crowded parking lots but managed to fit into various environments seamlessly. There was a balance in the design, ensuring the driver neither felt embarrassed nor particularly proud; it simply worked for everyday contexts.

Acura was early in adopting LED headlights, and its Jewel Eye headlights enhanced both the functionality and the aesthetics of the MDX. These headlights employed a five-element LED array per side, arranged horizontally, integrated with the turn signals and running lamps. The headlights flanked a trapezoidal grille featuring a large Acura logo, presenting a bold front appearance.

For a three-row SUV, the MDX was notably sleek, with chiseled details and a fast roofline, polished off by impeccable paint and chrome finishes. The interior maintained a modern and minimalist look, avoiding the clutter of excessive padding and stitching that had become common in luxury vehicles. The center stack stood out with its dual infotainment screens—a high-mounted 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation, and an On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen below. The MDX conveyed a sense of solid construction, with high-quality materials and satisfying tactile feedback from knobs and switches.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, on the other hand, came well equipped but with a hefty price tag, reaching $42,083 with almost every option. This fully-loaded version still looked similar to a standard rental car RAV4, lacking distinctive styling upgrades like larger wheels or a potential Adventure trim for the hybrid.

Nonetheless, the RAV4 Hybrid managed to project a tough look, with the only real enhancement needed being a bolder set of wheels. For those seeking a more refined appearance, the Toyota Venza offered a more sophisticated take on the RAV4 Hybrid’s functionality.

Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid combined style, function, and practicality. Material quality was inconsistent, blending impressive materials with cheaper glossy plastics common in compact crossovers. A rattle from behind the front seats, later identified as the vibrating license plate, underscored these mixed material choices. Overall, it offered a balanced look but didn't escape all criticisms for its interior appointment.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine delivered 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants. The MDX Sport Hybrid combined a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine with three electric motors, producing a total of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

For this review, the gasoline-only model featuring Acura’s SH-AWD (Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive) was evaluated. The MDX demonstrated solid straight-line performance with enthusiastic acceleration. The transmission offered smooth shifting, particularly noticeable in Comfort or Sport modes, making paddle shifters somewhat redundant.

Cornering capabilities were impressive, thanks to the SH-AWD system's torque-vectoring feature, which improved handling by directing power to the outside wheel during turns. This technology significantly enhanced driving stability, allowing the MDX to smoothly navigate tight corners without drama or tire squeal. The four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, perfect for long journeys.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid paired a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, plus a lithium-ion battery pack mounted under the back seat, offering standard AWD through the rear electric motor. The hybrid system generated 219 horsepower, with the front electric motor producing 149 pound-feet of torque and the rear motor yielding 89 pound-feet.

Despite being heavier by up to 200 pounds compared to a non-hybrid RAV4, the hybrid's instant electric torque made it feel lively during acceleration. The four-cylinder engine sounded unrefined under stress but managed to achieve an impressive 40 mpg in combined driving, closely matching our test loop figure of 39.7 mpg.

The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in the RAV4 Hybrid worked smoothly with minimal droning. The regenerative braking system was effective, offering a pleasant pedal feel. Steering was well-weighted, contributing to a sense of control. The suspension design, coupled with Active Cornering Assist, delivered a balanced ride. However, the Michelin Primacy all-season tires with low grip diminished overall driving fun by scrubbing and squealing during spirited cornering.

In terms of off-road prowess, the RAV4 Hybrid managed modest trails with its 8.1 inches of ground clearance and Trail driving mode, though it required slow speeds on deeply rutted terrain.

The 2020 Acura MDX’s interior featured generous space, characteristic of three-row SUVs. The sliding and reclining second-row seats facilitated easier access to the third row, with adjustable legroom across all rows. Headroom was ample throughout the cabin.

Luggage space behind the third row was 15.8 cubic feet, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded flat in a 50/50 split. Folding the second row flat (60/40 split) opened up a maximum of 90.9 cubic feet, with a flat load floor extending to the back of the front seats. Additional storage included a recessed cubbyhole and an underfloor compartment.

The front cabin offered practical storage solutions, from a large glove box to a versatile center console with cupholders, USB, and power ports. Second-row passengers had their own cupholders and seatback pockets, while third-row occupants got side armrests with storage bins and cup holders. The tri-zone climate control system ensured comfort across all seating areas, making the MDX a viable alternative to a minivan for style-conscious families.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort through features like an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. Despite lacking height adjustment for the passenger seat, comfort was maintained. Rear-seat accommodations were decent, with good leg support and slightly reclining backrests, though the seat felt a bit low. Rear-seat amenities included A/C vents and available heated cushions.

Driver instrumentation was clear but visually busy with mode-dependent color and graphic changes. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with large, rubberized climate control and stereo knobs for ease of use. Storage solutions included handy shelves and ample space in the door panels and seatback pockets.

Cargo space in the RAV4 Hybrid measured 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, without a recessed netted cubby for taller items. The premium sound system’s subwoofer and the optional all-weather mat occupied some space, causing occasional inconvenience. Folding the rear seats down revealed a total cargo space of 69.8 cubic feet.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered streamlined trim levels focusing on technology features. Standard technology included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text message and email capability, CD/MP3 player, five USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system.

Adding the $5,000 Technology Package introduced rain-sensing wipers, LED puddle lights, parking sensors, navigation with real-time traffic data, GPS-linked climate control, remote start, and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Studio Premium Audio System. The $6,750 Advance Package included these features and added an active damper suspension, LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, power lumbar support, heated rear seats, a surround-view camera, Head-Up Warning, and additional third-row USB ports.

The $2,000 Entertainment Package, available with either the Technology or Advance Package, provided a rear entertainment system with a 110-volt power outlet, wireless headphones, and either a 16.2-inch or 9.0-inch screen depending on the package.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's infotainment options featured either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a three-month trial of SiriusXM. Standard connected services included Safety Connect with a year-long trial and WiFi Connect with 2GB data for three months.

Our test model had the top-tier system with an 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio, dynamic navigation, voice recognition with three years of updates, and complimentary subscriptions to Service Connect for 10 years, and Remote Connect and Destination Assist for one year.

The 8-inch display was complemented by shortcut buttons, stereo control knobs, and features like a home screen for simultaneous radio, phone, and navigation viewing. The voice recognition system was quick and accurate, though it struggled with climate commands. The JBL sound system met expectations.

Camera technology included available 360-degree surround-view and rearview camera mirrors, enhancing situational awareness.

The 2020 Acura MDX came standard with AcuraWatch, encompassing 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.

Acura’s safety design featured the “Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure," which effectively absorbed and dispersed impact energy during a crash. The MDX earned “Good” ratings from IIHS for most crash categories and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

Safety in the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was equally robust with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features were automatic high beams and road-sign recognition. Higher trims boasted blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning, while the Limited trim offered rear automatic braking.

In NHTSA tests, the RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating. The IIHS also accorded it top marks in all crash assessments except for headlight performance, where only the adaptive front headlights on the Limited trim were rated "Good."