2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

2020 Acura RDX
2020 Acura RDX
$37,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
$25,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura RDX
$37,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
$25,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$37,800

MSRP

$25,245

Average price

$28,887

Average price

$22,094

Listings

436

Listings

2617
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
Pros
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Stereo is lacking
  • Interior materials feel cheap

2020 Acura RDX Reviews Summary

It should no longer be breaking news that, to new-car buyers, crossovers are king. Within that market, the small luxury crossover segment has been growing at an incredible rate. Every automaker wants to get a piece, but Acura has long been an early adopter with its 2-row, 5-passenger RDX.

The Acura RDX, built at Honda's Marysville, Ohio, assembly plant, was first introduced for the 2007 model year. It’s a crossover built in America for American shoppers. From the start, the RDX enjoyed great success. It entered its third generation with the 2019 model year, and it offers plenty of space, creature comforts, and safety tech. That 2019 model carries over to the 2020 vehicle we tested.

The RDX competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Audi Q5, and BMW X3, and it holds its own against all three. It offers more content at a lower price, and in some cases, it has better safety technology. It also competes with the Lexus NX, Jaguar F-PACE, and Lincoln MKC.

We reviewed the 2019 RDX and came away with a very favorable conclusion. But seeing as this is one of the best selling small luxury SUVs—and Acura’s best selling vehicle—it seemed like a good time to take a closer look and unpack more of what we like and dislike about the RDX. We’ll also determine which trim of the RDX provides the best value to shoppers.

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews Summary

You may have noticed that crossover SUVs are popular. Among them, compact models dominate, having essentially replaced the traditional midsize sedan in American driveways. Offering room for five people, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and more cargo than any family car, they are the preferred method of transportation for a broad cross section of new vehicle buyers. But that’s not the only explanation for the runaway success of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan.
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 272 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 184 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

272 hp @ 6500 rpm

Horsepower

184 hp @ 4400 rpm

MPG City

22

MPG City

23

MPG Highway

28

MPG Highway

29
2020 Acura RDX
2020 Acura RDX
$37,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
$25,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura RDX
$37,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
$25,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$37,800
$25,245
Average price
$28,887
$22,094
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.8
4.8
Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
Pros
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Stereo is lacking
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Summary

It should no longer be breaking news that, to new-car buyers, crossovers are king. Within that market, the small luxury crossover segment has been growing at an incredible rate. Every automaker wants to get a piece, but Acura has long been an early adopter with its 2-row, 5-passenger RDX.

The Acura RDX, built at Honda's Marysville, Ohio, assembly plant, was first introduced for the 2007 model year. It’s a crossover built in America for American shoppers. From the start, the RDX enjoyed great success. It entered its third generation with the 2019 model year, and it offers plenty of space, creature comforts, and safety tech. That 2019 model carries over to the 2020 vehicle we tested.

The RDX competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Audi Q5, and BMW X3, and it holds its own against all three. It offers more content at a lower price, and in some cases, it has better safety technology. It also competes with the Lexus NX, Jaguar F-PACE, and Lincoln MKC.

We reviewed the 2019 RDX and came away with a very favorable conclusion. But seeing as this is one of the best selling small luxury SUVs—and Acura’s best selling vehicle—it seemed like a good time to take a closer look and unpack more of what we like and dislike about the RDX. We’ll also determine which trim of the RDX provides the best value to shoppers.

You may have noticed that crossover SUVs are popular. Among them, compact models dominate, having essentially replaced the traditional midsize sedan in American driveways. Offering room for five people, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and more cargo than any family car, they are the preferred method of transportation for a broad cross section of new vehicle buyers. But that’s not the only explanation for the runaway success of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 272 hp I4
2.0L 184 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
272 hp @ 6500 rpm
184 hp @ 4400 rpm
MPG City
22
23
MPG Highway
28
29
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.