2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Acura RDX closely resembled its 2019 predecessor, which was a positive aspect. The RDX featured a beamy, imposing grille and rakish headlights, moving away from the "beak" grille of the past. One notable styling element was the large logo set within the grille, which, despite its size, worked 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 RDX came in three packages: Technology, A-Spec, and Advance, each adding various upgrades and features.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender aimed to echo the vibe of its predecessors while modernizing the SUV. It featured half-round LED headlights, a structural-looking grille, and flat-topped fenders with composite cladding. The spare tire was mounted on the side-hinged tailgate, and the SUV had short overhangs, making it look capable of tackling any obstacle. Inside, the Defender emphasized exposed structure, with a dash held between horizontal beams and beefy controls. The leather-upholstered seating was both tough and luxurious, and the digital instrument panel and center touchscreen interface were crisp and clean. The interior felt authentic, with real metal and leather surfaces, and even the plastic parts had a substantial feel.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided solid acceleration, making the RDX quick off the line and capable of overtaking cars on the highway. The power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, available with front-wheel drive or Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD). The RDX featured an Integrated Dynamics System with Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus drive modes, which controlled throttle response, shift patterns, steering feel, and power delivery. The A-Spec model with SH-AWD returned an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined. The RDX offered fantastic handling and comfort, making it a versatile luxury SUV.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S.: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response. The Defender had impressive off-road capabilities, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches. On the road, the Defender was quick, with the 2.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter model in 5.8 seconds. The Defender also had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds.

The 2020 Acura RDX pushed the limits of a "compact" SUV with its spacious cabin and comfortable front seats. The second row also offered great headroom and decent legroom. The front row had space for large water bottles in the doors and center console, while the second row had 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 the load floor.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender rode on a unibody platform, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance. It featured four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension, providing a better ride and opening up interior configuration possibilities. The Defender offered a jump seat between the front seats and a third-row seat for two in the long-wheelbase 110 model. The Defender 110 had 34-34.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet behind the first row. The three-door model had 58.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, operated via a touchpad that lacked the logic of similar systems. The True Touchpad Interface required constant attention to ensure the correct selection. Standard tech features included Bluetooth, two USB ports, a WiFi hot spot, a 9-speaker audio system, and satellite radio. The Technology Package added 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 Land Rover Defender used Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing remote software updates for 14 individual modules. The Defender featured the new Pivi Pro system with a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Standard tech included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, and 12-volt outlets. The Defender offered multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view for off-roading. The audio system could be upgraded to Meridian sound systems with up to 700 watts of amplification. A full-color head-up display and a ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available.

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. It also included driver-assistance features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, road-departure mitigation, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Technology Package added parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic monitoring. The Advance Package included a head-up display, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a rear-view camera washer nozzle. 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 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features. These included a perimeter alarm, front airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX child safety seat system, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, anti-lock braking, emergency brake assist, cruise control speed limiter, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring its safety and reliability.