2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Volvo XC40

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 characterized by a dynamic upper character line and a sporty spoiler-like appearance. Inside, the RDX boasted a sharp and precise design with eye-catching red leather upholstery that contrasted beautifully with the black interior. The cabin was well-equipped with standard features like synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The RDX offered various packages, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, each adding unique features and enhancements.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 showcased a more traditional SUV design with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, fitting seamlessly into the Volvo lineup with its "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and simple oval grille. The XC40 Recharge variant stood out with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. The interior of the XC40 was minimalist yet premium, featuring high-quality materials like Nappa leather and Nubuck textile. The design was coherent, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents blending harmoniously. Despite its compact size, the XC40 offered clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin and large door bins, enhancing its practicality.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration and a pleasing engine note. The power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD). The RDX featured an Integrated Dynamics System with drive modes like Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The A-Spec model with SH-AWD achieved an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg. The RDX excelled in both acceleration and handling, offering a balanced blend of performance and comfort.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower for the FWD T4 and 248 horsepower for the AWD T5. The Recharge model featured dual electric motors, providing 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, with a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 achieved 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. The XC40 emphasized comfort and quietness, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. The Recharge model offered one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, adding to its versatility.

The 2020 Acura RDX pushed the boundaries of a compact SUV, offering a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats. The second row provided ample headroom and decent legroom. The RDX featured practical storage solutions, including large door pockets, a pass-through cargo tray, and a fold-down center console in the second row. The cargo area offered 29.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down, making it competitive in its class.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not particularly spacious, offered clever storage solutions to maximize utility. The center console included a removable trash bin, and the glovebox featured a bag hook. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. The XC40's cargo area was smaller compared to some rivals, but the thoughtful design compensated for the lack of space. The Recharge model's frunk was limited in size due to powertrain components, but the overall interior design was practical and user-friendly.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, with a touchpad interface that complicated user interaction. The True Touchpad Interface required constant attention to ensure correct selections, detracting from the simplicity of systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite this, the RDX offered standard tech features like Bluetooth, USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. The Technology Package added navigation and an ELS premium audio system, while the A-Spec featured the ELS Studio 3D sound system. The Advance Package included a head-up display, enhancing the tech offerings.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. This system allowed for seamless integration with Android phones and offered a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge model also supported OTA updates, enabling software improvements without dealership visits. The lack of a start button in the Recharge model simplified the driving experience, and future updates promised additional features like a Digital Key.

The 2020 Acura RDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, LATCH systems, and a rear-view camera. It also offered driver-assistance features 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 surround-view camera. The RDX received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA for its gasoline models. The XC40 Recharge, while not yet rated, was expected to perform well due to its safety cage and redesigned crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features like traffic-sign recognition and Volvo’s Pilot Assist system enhanced safety. The Recharge model's sensor suite allowed for future advancements in driver aids.