2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, featuring a bold grille and sleek headlights that gave it a commanding presence. The oversized logo on the grille, while initially amusing, blended well with the overall aesthetic. 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 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of production, offered a more traditional and rugged appearance. The Heritage Edition trim celebrated its 65th anniversary with unique styling elements like bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima roof basket. However, the standard Land Cruiser, with its Magnetic Gray paint and Terra leather upholstery, exuded a more understated elegance. The interior featured a mix of high-quality materials and a retro design, complete with a hand-operated parking brake and a CD player. While the Land Cruiser's exterior design was basic, its interior offered a plush and comfortable experience, reminiscent of a bygone era.

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 with ease. The power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive and Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) configurations. The RDX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Despite its sporty performance, the RDX maintained a commendable fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, on the other hand, was equipped with a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power for both on-road and off-road adventures. The Land Cruiser's full-time four-wheel-drive system, along with features like a Torsen limited-slip differential and Multi-Terrain Select, ensured exceptional off-road capability. However, this power came at the cost of fuel efficiency, with an average of 14.7 mpg observed during testing. Despite its size and weight, the Land Cruiser offered a smooth and refined driving experience, akin to a luxury vehicle.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious and comfortable interior, pushing the boundaries of what a compact SUV could provide. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, ensuring a comfortable driving position with ample head and legroom. The second row also provided generous space, with fold-down seats that expanded the cargo area from 29.5 cubic feet to 58.9 cubic feet. The RDX featured clever storage solutions, including a pass-through cargo tray and hidden compartments, making it practical for everyday use.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser boasted a luxurious interior with premium leather upholstery and a commanding driving position. The front seats were heated and ventilated, while the second row offered heated cushions and ample space for passengers. The Land Cruiser's third-row seat, though accommodating, lacked leg support for longer journeys. Cargo space was somewhat limited, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 82.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The split clamshell tailgate provided convenient access to the cargo area, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system, despite its vivid display, was hampered by the True Touchpad Interface, which proved cumbersome to use. While it included standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the touchpad's design detracted from the user experience. The Technology Package added navigation and an ELS premium audio system, while the A-Spec trim featured an even more impressive ELS Studio 3D sound system. The range-topping Advance Package included a head-up display, enhancing the RDX's tech offerings.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was a throwback to simpler times, with a 9-inch touchscreen that required tapping rather than swiping. The Entune system, while functional, lacked the sophistication expected in a high-end SUV. Notably, the Land Cruiser did not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, limiting connectivity options. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, though dated, provided entertainment for passengers. The standard JBL Synthesis audio system delivered good sound quality, but it fell short of the premium offerings in other luxury SUVs.

The 2020 Acura RDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, LATCH systems, and a rear-view camera. It also boasted advanced driver-assistance technologies like 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 Toyota Land Cruiser, with its substantial curb weight and 10 airbags, offered a sense of security in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings, leaving its safety performance uncertain. The standard Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite included features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, the Land Cruiser featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Despite its robust safety features, the absence of more advanced driver-assistance systems limited its competitiveness in the luxury SUV market.