2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Acura RDX and the 2021 Honda CR-V catered to different styles, but each had its unique appeal. The 2020 Acura RDX retained its eye-catching design from the previous year, featuring a beamy, imposing grille and rakish headlights that replaced the "beak" grille of older models. One cannot overlook the oversized Acura logo embedded in the grille, a quirky element that somehow worked in the overall design. The RDX’s sharp styling extended into the cabin, with features like red leather upholstery contrasted against a black interior, offering a striking and luxurious ambiance. The RDX came standard with synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power moonroof and offered various packages such as Technology, A-Spec, and Advance, each enhancing its aesthetic and functional appeal.

On the other hand, the 2021 Honda CR-V had a more subdued look typical of its segment. It resembled many other crossovers in the market, with minor differentiations like the grille and some chromed plastic features. Honda offered the CR-V in eight exterior colors, albeit most of them were neutral tones. The interior came in black, gray, and ivory, depending on the trim level, with higher trims featuring more upscale touches like wood panels and additional chrome. The CR-V prioritized function over flashy design, making it a practical choice for buyers looking for comfort and utility in a compact package.

The performance capabilities of the 2020 Acura RDX and the 2021 Honda CR-V varied significantly, reflecting their different market positions. The RDX housed a robust turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine delivered strong acceleration, managed through a 10-speed automatic transmission that routed power to the front wheels or the available Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD). The RDX had multiple drive modes: Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, modifiable through a large central dial. Our A-Spec model with SH-AWD demonstrated an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined. Despite requiring premium fuel, it showed decent efficiency for its segment, providing quick acceleration and impressive handling.

Conversely, the 2021 Honda CR-V focused on smooth, steady performance suitable for everyday driving. It featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CR-V's acceleration to 60 mph was around 7.8 seconds. Those opting for the daily commute and family duties found this sufficient though less thrilling. The CR-V came with standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an optional upgrade. The suspension setup ensured decent handling and ride quality, consistent with what you'd expect from a vehicle in this segment.

Both models excelled in maximizing interior space, but their approaches varied. The 2020 Acura RDX boasted a spacious cabin fitting the "compact" SUV label loosely. The front seats were particularly comfortable, offering excellent support and adjustability. The second row also provided ample headroom and decent legroom. Practical storage solutions like large door pockets, a center console storage area, and a pass-through cargo tray underneath the shifter console made it user-friendly. The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded down, which was excellent for its class.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, designed with practicality in mind, comfortably seated five passengers and offered a commendable cargo volume. It provided 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, surpassing the Toyota RAV4. The cargo capacity was equally impressive, offering 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a substantial 75.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The CR-V ensured easy access to the cargo area, available with either manual, power, or hands-free tailgate options depending on the trim. Its interior versatility, with ample storage pockets and charging ports, made it a favorite for families and daily drivers.

The technology offerings differed between the 2020 Acura RDX and the 2021 Honda CR-V, emphasizing their respective market positions. The RDX featured a vivid 10.2-inch widescreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, its True Touchpad Interface, which controlled the screen, was less user-friendly compared to competitors. Standard tech included a WiFi hotspot and a 9-speaker audio system. Higher trims added features like navigation, rear-seat USB ports, and the exceptional ELS Studio 3D premium sound system with 16 speakers. However, the touchpad often caused frustration, detracting from the otherwise high-quality tech setup.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V varied its tech features by trim level. The base LX trim carried a modest 5-inch screen with basic Bluetooth connectivity. In contrast, other trims offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system ranged from a 180-watt six-speaker setup in the Special Edition and EX trims to a more powerful 300-watt system in the Touring trim, which included a subwoofer. The higher trims also featured additional charging ports and a wireless phone charger in the Touring model. While less luxurious than the RDX, the CR-V’s tech offerings were sufficient and functional, catering to its intended market.

Safety was a strong suit for both vehicles, though each had distinct advantages. The 2020 Acura RDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of airbags, a rear-view camera, and a LATCH system. Standard driver-assistance features included lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control, among others. Higher trims added benefits like front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. The RDX garnered a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Similarly, the 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning both a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. However, it missed the Top Safety Pick+ due to variations in headlight performance and the updated side crash test. Honda set itself apart by making advanced safety features standard across all trims through the Honda Sensing suite. This included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a multi-angle rearview camera. The EX trim and above added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.