2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Lexus NX

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, 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 A-Spec model added unique 20-inch wheels, larger exhaust outlets, and a diamond pattern grille, while the Advance Package offered rain-sensing wipers, heated rear seats, and ambient cabin lighting.

The 2021 Lexus NX carried over its familial design, with sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. The NX F Sport variant featured a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models had quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior color. The gauge cluster, though functional, looked dated compared to newer models. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age. Despite these quirks, the NX provided a smooth, comfortable ride with minimal road and wind noise, typical of Lexus.

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 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 RDX offered multiple drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, which adjusted throttle response, shift patterns, and steering feel. Fuel economy for the A-Spec model with SH-AWD was EPA-estimated at 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined. The RDX excelled in both acceleration and handling, offering a comfortable yet performance-oriented driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but less smooth compared to newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with some engine noise under hard acceleration. Fuel economy for the FWD model was EPA-estimated at 22 mpg city, 28 highway, and 25 combined, while the AWD model had a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX offered three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, which influenced throttle response and power-steering assist. The adaptive-suspension system provided a smooth and comfortable ride, though the steering lacked feedback.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, ample head- and legroom, and a well-designed second row. 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. Cargo space was generous, with 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 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 Lexus NX had an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. However, cargo space was limited, with only 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The NX featured a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and optional power-folding rear seats.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, operated via a touchpad that lacked intuitive functionality. Standard tech features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, a WiFi hot spot, and a 9-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, real-time traffic updates, 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 included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2021 Lexus NX had an 8-inch touchscreen standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hot spot. The Navigation package added predictive traffic information, ETA calculation, and fuel station guidance. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system. The NX was compatible with the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app, offering remote engine start, climate control adjustment, and vehicle-finder functions.

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 such as lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, road-departure mitigation, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Technology Package added front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic monitoring. The Advance Package included 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 Lexus NX featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top "Good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS, with "Superior" front crash-prevention technology and an "Acceptable" LATCH system rating. The NHTSA awarded the NX a five-star overall safety rating.