2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, featuring a bold grille and sleek headlights that made it one of the most attractive vehicles in its class. The oversized logo on the grille, while initially amusing, blended well with the overall design. The RDX's exterior was further enhanced by its dynamic character lines, which added a sporty flair. Inside, the RDX impressed with its sharp styling and eye-catching red leather upholstery, creating a striking red-and-black contrast. The cabin was well-equipped with standard features like synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, making it a strong contender in the small luxury SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover exuded luxury and sophistication, with a design that harked back to its rugged roots while embracing modern elegance. The Range Rover's timeless look was accentuated by hallmark design cues such as blacked-out windshield and roof pillars, large nameplate lettering, and clean lines. Inside, the Range Rover offered a high-contrast Ivory-color interior with a mid-century modern ambiance. Despite its age, the Range Rover's cabin felt luxurious, although the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was not as intuitive as newer systems. The Range Rover's design and interior reflected its upscale positioning, appealing to those seeking a blend of heritage and modern luxury.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration, making the RDX quick off the line and capable of overtaking on the highway with ease. The 10-speed automatic transmission efficiently managed power delivery, contributing to both performance and fuel economy. The RDX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. The RDX's handling was exceptional, offering a balance of comfort and agility, making it a versatile choice for both city and highway driving.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrain options, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster special edition. This engine produced a robust 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Range Rover's four-wheel drive system, along with Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured its legendary off-road capability. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth and comfortable ride, although the Range Rover's steering was relatively slow and the vehicle's weight and tall center of gravity affected its handling on winding roads. The Range Rover excelled in providing a serene and composed driving experience, particularly at a leisurely pace.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, providing ample head- and legroom. The second row also offered good headroom and decent legroom, making it suitable for passengers. The RDX featured practical storage solutions, including large water bottle holders and a pass-through cargo tray with a USB port. The cargo area provided 29.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down, offering generous cargo capacity for its class.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were decadently comfortable, wrapped in quality leather upholstery. However, the second row lacked comfort, with insufficient thigh support and a slouched seating position. Despite this, the back seat offered luxurious amenities such as quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for the small center-console bin. The cargo area provided 25 cubic feet of space, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet, although it was less than some competitors.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, with a touchpad interface that was less intuitive than competitors. The system's complexity detracted from the simplicity of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the RDX offered standard tech features like Bluetooth, a WiFi hotspot, and a 9-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation and the ELS premium audio system, while the A-Spec featured the impressive ELS Studio 3D sound system.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. While the InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, it offered numerous features and functions. The Range Rover included a head-up display, although it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The SUV also offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2020 Acura RDX came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Technology Package added parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, while the Advance Package included a 360-degree camera and a head-up display. The 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 Range Rover included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, although the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.