2021 Acura RDX vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a stylish SUV that struck a balance between the sleek Evoque and the boxy Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique profile, distinct from the traditional upright Range Rover. The Velar's broad front end maintained the intimidating presence typical of Land Rovers, while its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier touches, including larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips. Inside, the Velar featured high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, was a visually appealing SUV that conveyed sportiness without excessive performance cues. It avoided off-roading aesthetics, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping. The A-Spec Package added subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty look without compromising its primary function. Inside, the RDX A-Spec offered a sporty ambiance with quality materials and a unique gauge cluster, although the red markings on a brushed silver background were hard to read. The interior was designed for comfort and style, with sport seats and ambient lighting contributing to its appeal.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, marked a shift from being more show than go. It introduced a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. This setup allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, it wasn't the fastest in its class. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, though it felt large on tight roads. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 hp, while a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 was also available. Off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, although the Velar lacked a low range transfer case.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, with the option of Acura's SH-AWD system for improved handling. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between different driving modes, enhancing the RDX's performance characteristics. The A-Spec models came with exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, contributing to its sporty handling. While the RDX lacked adaptive dampers in the A-Spec trim, it offered a rewarding driving experience with precise steering and fade-resistant brakes. The RDX's turbo engine provided a broad torque curve, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was positioned between small and midsize luxury SUVs, offering a unique size that felt larger on the road but didn't translate to more interior space. It had 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling limited headroom and visibility, creating a claustrophobic feel inside. The cockpit-like front seating area was cramped, though the center console was easily accessible. Towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models rated at 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, with 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 seats and 58.9 cubic feet with them folded. The RDX also featured a deep storage well and additional compartments under the cargo floor, enhancing its practicality.

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, and smartphone compatibility. The upper screen handled media and navigation, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. While the system had high-quality graphics, it was criticized for slow responses. Additional tech included a digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface, a touch-sensing pad on the center console. This system mirrored the screen, allowing drivers to control functions by touching corresponding areas on the pad. While it was an improvement over similar systems, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included physical controls for stereo and climate, smartphone projection, and voice-recognition technology. The A-Spec trim featured a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D audio system, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were a low priority for testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as options, though Land Rover's offerings were less sophisticated than competitors.

The 2021 Acura RDX came 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 required an upgrade to 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-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.