2020 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to its predecessors, bringing back the boxy, rugged design that many enthusiasts had missed since the LR4. Its squared-off edges, elevated roofline, and round headlights were reminiscent of classic Land Rovers, while its short overhangs and skid plates emphasized its off-road capabilities. Despite its retro appeal, the Defender incorporated modern touches like plastic step plates and a three-piece ladder for roof access, maintaining its adventurous spirit. The interior was industrial and basic, with cloth seats and exposed screws, prioritizing durability over luxury. While it lacked the opulence expected at its price point, the Defender's charm lay in its utilitarian design, evoking a sense of adventure and ruggedness.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, offered a sleek and sporty appearance without excessive embellishments. It was designed for daily driving and road trips rather than off-roading, with a focus on style and comfort. The RDX's interior featured sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting, creating a dynamic atmosphere. While the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were hard to read, the overall cabin design was sporty and modern. The RDX's exterior and interior design successfully conveyed a sense of sportiness and sophistication, appealing to those seeking a stylish and comfortable ride.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a choice between two engines: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six with 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The latter was a mild hybrid, featuring an electric motor-powered turbocharger to eliminate lag and provide consistent power. The Defender excelled in off-road performance, thanks to its Terrain Response 2 system and adjustable-height suspension, allowing it to tackle steep angles and deep water with ease. On-road, it was quiet and plush, though its handling was reminiscent of older SUVs, with slow steering and noticeable body lean.

The 2021 Acura RDX, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, delivered a spirited driving experience. Its 10-speed automatic transmission and optional SH-AWD system enhanced handling, making it enjoyable to drive. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between different driving modes, adjusting powertrain response and suspension firmness. While the A-Spec model's handling could benefit from adaptive dampers, the RDX's precise steering and fade-resistant brakes contributed to its engaging performance. The RDX's turbo engine provided a broad torque curve, ensuring responsive acceleration and a fun driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized functionality and durability, with a minimalist interior designed for tough conditions. It offered flexible seating configurations, with the two-door 90 model accommodating up to six passengers and the four-door 110 model offering an optional third row for seven seats. Cargo space varied depending on the model, with the two-door 90 providing up to 58 cubic feet and the four-door 110 offering up to 79 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender's robust design included features like a panoramic moonroof, optional rear air conditioning, and impressive towing capacity of 8,200 pounds.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered generous passenger and cargo space. Its front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment and heating and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, resulting in a lack of leg support. Cargo space was competitive, with 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 58.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The RDX also featured a deep storage well and additional compartments under the cargo floor for organizing items. While not class-leading, the RDX's cargo area was versatile and practical for everyday use.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Jaguar Land Rover systems. It included two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, affecting up to 16 computer modules. The system's interface was more user-friendly, though some elements like map zoom icons were small. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by front cameras showing the ground beneath the hood and a rearview mirror doubling as a screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-inch digital instrument panel, with options for a head-up display and 4G WiFi.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface, a touchpad-based system that mirrored the screen layout. While an improvement over similar systems, it required users to adapt to its unique operation. The RDX included physical knobs for stereo and climate controls, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice-recognition technology. The A-Spec trim featured a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. Despite its innovative approach, the TTI system could be distracting, and a traditional touchscreen might have been more intuitive for users.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender came with standard safety features like forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras. However, it lacked ratings from U.S. crash testing agencies and did not include knee or rear side airbags. Optional features included rear cross-traffic alerts and exit alerts for passing cars or cyclists.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.