2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, featuring a beamy, imposing grille and rakish headlights. The large logo within the grille, though comically oversized, fit well within the overall design. The upper character line swooped from the windshield to the rear hatch, intersected by another line that gave the appearance of a large spoiler. Inside, the RDX boasted sharp, precise styling with eye-catching red leather upholstery, creating a strong red-and-black interior aesthetic. Standard features included synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The A-Spec model added unique 20-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof, while the Advance Package offered rain-sensing wipers, heated rear seats, and ambient cabin lighting.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille that gave it a more muscular aesthetic. The rear showcased an all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The S Appearance Package added darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The flat dashboard housed a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the cabin included ample storage options, such as under-console storage for second-row passengers and Stow 'n Go seats that tumbled into the floor for easy loading.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided solid acceleration and a great engine note. Power was routed through a 10-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or the available Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD). The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose from Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus drive modes, adjusting throttle response, shift patterns, and steering feel. The RDX A-Spec with SH-AWD returned an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined. Despite its sporty performance, the RDX remained comfortable, offering fantastic handling and minimal turbo lag.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower. The V6 engine was standard on the Touring and Touring L trims, with AWD and the hybrid powertrain as options. The Limited and Pinnacle trims offered either AWD or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system activated on-demand based on driving conditions, improving fuel efficiency by deactivating when not needed. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg city, 28 highway, and 22 combined, with AWD models slightly lower.

The 2020 Acura RDX pushed the limits of a "compact" SUV with its spacious cabin and comfortable, supportive front seats. The second row offered great headroom and decent legroom. The front row had space for large water bottles and a pass-through cargo tray with a USB port. The second row featured a fold-down center console with cup holders. The RDX provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a helpful cubby and a hidden cargo area under a liftable panel.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage. The front seats allowed for a feeling of togetherness, with a handy under-stack area for storage. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, Stow 'n Go bucket seats with in-floor storage bins, and a Stow 'n Go third-row bench seat. The second- and third-row seats provided plenty of legroom, with Stow 'n Go seats available even on AWD models. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, with the Pinnacle trim offering best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, operated via a touchpad that lacked the logic of similar systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the touchpad negated their simplicity. Standard tech features included Bluetooth, two USB ports, a WiFi hot spot, and a 9-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added two more USB ports, navigation, and the ELS premium audio system. The A-Spec model featured the ELS Studio 3D premium sound system with 16 speakers, while the Advance Package added a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with a clean design and quick responsiveness. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The second row's in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. A six-speaker sound system was standard, with 13-speaker Alpine and 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon options. The Pinnacle model featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with a rear-facing child seat view, split-view display, and zoom-to-seat feature.

The 2020 Acura RDX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, LATCH child-seat mounting systems, a tire pressure monitoring system, hill-start assist, and a rear-view camera. Driver-assistance features included lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, road-departure mitigation, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. The Technology Package added front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic monitoring. The Advance Package included a 10.5-inch head-up display, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a washer nozzle for the rear-view camera. The 2019 RDX received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, third-row lock out, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The 2021 Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.