2020 Acura RDX vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a stylish addition to the Range Rover lineup, positioned between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover. Its design was neither too sleek nor too boxy, offering a balanced aesthetic. The Velar featured a low roof and steeply-raked windshield, giving it a unique profile compared to the traditional upright Range Rover. The front end was rounded, and the rear tapered slightly, maintaining its SUV identity with a broad front end and short overhangs for better off-road capability. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier touches, including larger air intakes, quad exhaust tips, and standard 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Velar boasted high-quality leather upholstery and metal trim, creating a luxurious, cockpit-like feel.

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its attractive design from the previous year, with a beamy grille and rakish headlights. The large logo within the grille was a notable feature, and the upper character line swooped from the windshield to the rear hatch, creating a dynamic appearance. Inside, the RDX offered sharp styling with eye-catching red leather upholstery, creating a striking red-and-black interior aesthetic. The RDX came well-equipped with standard features like synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The A-Spec model added visual upgrades, including unique wheels and bumpers, while the Advance Package offered additional luxury features.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a V8 engine for the first time in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, delivering 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Dynamic Edition could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its power, the Velar's performance was not as dominant as some competitors. The Dynamic Edition featured bigger brakes, retuned four-wheel drive, and an active exhaust system, but it didn't fully transform the Velar into a performance vehicle. The rest of the Velar lineup included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 247 hp and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with up to 380 hp. The Velar also offered off-road capabilities with its Terrain Response system and All-Terrain Progress Control.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided solid acceleration and a pleasing engine note. Power was routed through a 10-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or the available Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD). The RDX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, which adjusted throttle response, shift patterns, and steering feel. The RDX delivered impressive handling and comfort, making it a versatile choice for both city and highway driving. The A-Spec model with SH-AWD achieved an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was larger than small luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. It felt bigger on the road but didn't offer more interior space. The Velar had 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The avant-garde styling limited headroom and visibility, creating a claustrophobic feel inside. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models rated at 5,511 pounds.

The 2020 Acura RDX pushed the limits of a compact SUV with its spacious cabin and comfortable front seats. It offered ample head- and legroom in both rows, with convenient storage options. The RDX provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with them folded. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a helpful cubby and a hidden cargo area beneath the load floor.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The upper screen handled smartphone and media functions, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. The system had high-quality graphics but suffered from slow responses. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, operated via a touchpad called the True Touchpad Interface. This system lacked the logic of competitors, requiring constant attention to ensure correct selections. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but not optimized for the touchpad. The RDX included Bluetooth, USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 9-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation and the ELS premium audio system, while the A-Spec featured the ELS Studio 3D system with 16 speakers.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as options. Land Rover's driver-assist tech offerings were less sophisticated than competitors, with only lane-keep assist available.

The 2020 Acura RDX came with a comprehensive set 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 head-up display and a 360-degree camera. The 2019 RDX received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.