2020 Cadillac XT4 vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 employed a “Y” trim level strategy, starting with the standard Luxury trim and offering upgrades to Premium Luxury or Sport trim. The test vehicle featured Premium Luxury trim, front-wheel drive, Silver Radiant metallic paint, 20-inch aluminum wheels, a navigation system, a Bose premium audio system, and several option packages, totaling $45,660. Visually, the XT4 was appealing, especially with its 20-inch alloy wheels, crisp styling, and proper proportions, though it had an excessive front overhang. The interior was pleasant with competitive quality materials, though some elements like the plain black trim around the power window controls were less impressive.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a good-looking SUV with subtle yet effective styling changes that conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. The RDX A-Spec avoided off-roading design cues, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping. The A-Spec resided in the middle of the trim-level hierarchy, with prices starting at $38,200 and going up to $47,625 for the A-Spec SH-AWD with extra-cost paint. The interior of the RDX A-Spec featured sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and other sporty touches, though the gauge cluster with red markings on a brushed silver background was hard to read.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, available from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. It had a nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg, though the test vehicle returned 24.8 mpg. The XT4's lively driving character was attributed to its fat band of torque, but the optional twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system was recommended to limit front-wheel slip and torque steer. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts but was hesitant to downshift in Tour mode. The XT4's interior needed better isolation from engine and road noise, and the suspension was a mixed bag, with good steering effort in Tour mode but an artificially heavy sensation in Sport mode. The oversized wheels offered impressive grip, and the brakes worked well, making the XT4 fun to drive on smooth pavement.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. It had a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and front-wheel drive, with the option of the SH-AWD system, which improved handling significantly. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, affecting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The RDX A-Spec had exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, though it would benefit from the Advance Package's adaptive dampers. The RDX was rewarding to drive, with predictable handling, precise steering, and fade-resistant brakes. The Sport+ mode added a more aggressive engine sound and behavior, making the RDX genuinely fun to drive.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 offered comfortable front seats with soft leather, padded armrests, and heated, ventilated, and massaging functions. The rear seats were heated and had air conditioning vents, with a roomier rear passenger compartment than many small SUVs. The XT4's air conditioning system was excellent, rapidly cooling the interior during a Southern California heatwave. The climate controls were elegantly arranged, and there was ample storage space within the cabin. However, the XT4's cargo space was limited, with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 48.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. A hands-free power liftgate was available.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seats, however, lacked leg support and had too much recline angle, making them less comfortable. Storage space could be better, with a large but not easily accessible tray under the center console. The cargo volume was 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats provided 58.9 cubic feet of cargo space, though Acura also quoted a maximum value of 79.8 cubic feet based on a different measurement methodology.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 featured the latest version of the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system, which was easier to use than previous versions. The test vehicle included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, Cadillac Connected Access services, and near-field communication pairing to Bluetooth. The 8-inch display was a touchscreen, with intuitive controls on the center console and steering wheel, and a voice-recognition system. However, the screen needed to be larger, and the climate system should be integrated into the voice-recognition system. The optional 13-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround audio system provided a satisfying listening experience, though the test car lacked some other technology features like a head-up display or a rear camera mirror.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. The TTI mirrored the screen, making it easier to use than the Lexus approach, but it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. Acura got many things right, including separating stereo and climate controls from the display, offering smartphone projection, and integrating voice-recognition technology. The A-Spec included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which sounded terrific.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 added forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and the Safety Alert Seat system to its standard equipment list. It also included a rear-seat reminder, Teen Driver parental report card technology, and two free years of automatic collision notification and emergency assistance service. Premium Luxury or Sport trim added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-change warning systems. The Driver Awareness Package included automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a following-distance indicator. The XT4 earned a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for moderate-overlap frontal-impact and side-impact protection.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, a collection of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert required an upgrade to the Technology Package. The RDX's AcuraWatch systems were smoother and more refined than those in the outgoing MDX, making them more likely to be used. The RDX earned a 2020 calendar-year "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.