2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a combination that had defined the brand since its inception. Originating from the rugged Series I off-roader, the Range Rover was introduced in 1969 as a luxury SUV built on robust 4x4 underpinnings. By 2020, the Range Rover had evolved into a vehicle with multiple variations, including the HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic trims, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, while higher trims offered additional luxuries like massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, was a stylish SUV that balanced sportiness with practicality. The RDX did not attempt to mimic off-road vehicles but instead focused on delivering a sleek design for daily driving and road trips. Positioned as a compact SUV, the RDX offered remarkable passenger and cargo space, making it an extraordinary value. The A-Spec trim added sporty interior features like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts and a sport steering wheel. However, the rear seat comfort was somewhat compromised due to the need to maximize utility, and storage space could have been better optimized.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse selection of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque V8. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension and automatic load leveling ensured a comfortable ride, while its Terrain Response System offered various drive modes for different conditions.

The 2021 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and front-wheel drive was standard, with the option to add the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system for improved handling. The RDX featured an Integrated Dynamics System with Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec trim included exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance all-season tires, enhancing its sporty appeal. While the RDX was fun to drive, it lacked the adaptive dampers found in the Advance Package, which would have improved handling on uneven roads.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: SWB and LWB, both with standard seating for five. The LWB version provided more cargo space, with 77.5 cubic feet of total cargo space and 34.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up. The SWB model had 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The Range Rover's hands-free power liftgate and two-piece configuration made loading large items easier. The interior featured a convenient center-console compartment and decently sized door compartments and cupholders.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised due to the need for a low and flat cushion for cargo space. The RDX provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats increased cargo capacity to 58.9 cubic feet, with a maximum value of 79.8 cubic feet when the front seats were moved forward.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, stereo, and smartphone connectivity, while the lower screen controlled climate settings, seat controls, and Terrain Response settings. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu, offering a unique user experience. However, the reliance on digital screens could be challenging due to potential lag issues. The Range Rover also included a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display.

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, allowing drivers to control the system by touching corresponding areas on the pad. While this approach was an improvement over similar systems, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included smartphone projection, voice assistant technology, and a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system in the A-Spec trim.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features such as low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some competitors provided more standard equipment.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, 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-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.