2020 Acura RDX vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 embraced a fresh and bold redesign that began in 2019, shifting from its traditional look to a more angular and robust appearance. This new aesthetic aimed to reflect the RAV4's enduring reputation for durability and ruggedness, positioning it as a tough competitor against models like the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V. This transformation was more than just skin deep, especially for the Adventure trim, which showcased enhanced off-roading capabilities with its torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, traction control tailored to different terrains, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance.

For 2020, Toyota introduced the TRD Off-Road trim, pushing the Adventure’s capabilities further with distinctive matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires rated for severe snow, and a specialized TRD suspension. Cosmetically, apart from the TRD logos and unique finishes, this trim retained the Adventure's rugged yet refined look. My test vehicle, adorned in Toyota’s Lunar Rock gray with an optional white roof, was aesthetically pleasing and practical, especially for hiding dirt.

Inside, the TRD Off-Road trim embraced durability with features like rubber floor and cargo mats, TRD logos on the headrests, and a mix of quality materials and strategically placed rubberized surfaces. Despite some areas of inexpensive-looking plastic, the overall build quality resonated with reliability and comfort. Positioned near the top of the RAV4 lineup, the TRD Off-Road was priced higher than average, with my heavily equipped test model hitting $42,902, significantly more than the base LE at $25,950.

Meanwhile, the 2020 Acura RDX maintained its striking aesthetics from the 2019 model, with minimal changes that reaffirmed its appeal. Acura moved away from the "beak" grille of previous models, opting for a more commanding and elegant grille flanked by sharp, rakish headlights. One of the most noticeable styling cues was the oversized logo within the grille, which, despite its exaggerated size, fit well within the overall design context.

The RDX's exterior lines were dynamic, with a prominent upper character line running from the windshield to the rear and a lower line creating a spoiler-like effect at the back. Inside, the RDX continued its trend-forward approach with standout red leather upholstery in our test model, achieving a balanced and sporty red-and-black contrast.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite lacking turbocharging and hybrid options in the TRD Off-Road trim, the powertrain delivered adequate performance for most driving situations. The hybrid model offered an impressive 219 horsepower and achieved up to 40 mpg in combined driving, although it wasn't an option for the TRD Off-Road variant.

Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the RAV4’s power delivery felt responsive, especially in Sport mode. However, the transmission occasionally hesitated when selecting gears. The TRD Off-Road featured an advanced torque-vectoring AWD system with fuel-efficient driveline disconnect, plus multiple terrain-specific driving modes like Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt.

In real-world tests, the TRD Off-Road model confidently tackled rugged trails and urban obstacles alike. Despite an EPA estimate of 27 mpg combined, our test vehicle averaged 23.4 mpg, undershot by the eye-catching but grip-heavy all-terrain tires which also limited its high-speed handling capabilities.

On the other hand, the 2020 Acura RDX offered a more powerful performance with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This robust powertrain provided brisk acceleration and an engaging driving experience. The 10-speed automatic transmission complemented the engine's capabilities, maintaining a balance between fuel efficiency and performance.

Drivers could use steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters or rely on the large dial for the Integrated Dynamics System, which featured Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus modes, fine-tuning throttle response, shift patterns, and AWD power delivery. The SH-AWD system was particularly impressive, enhancing the RDX’s agility and grip through spirited driving.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the RDX A-Spec with SH-AWD posted an EPA estimate of 24 mpg combined. Our test model's real-world figure was slightly lower at 22.2 mpg, influenced by the frequent use of Sport and Sport+ modes.

Inside the 2020 Toyota RAV4, accessibility and comfort were highlights. Its seating hip points facilitated easy entry and exit, and the driver's seat offered an 8-way adjustment for a comfortable, sporty driving posture. The front passenger seat's lack of height adjustment was mitigated by its already suitable positioning.

The TRD Off-Road's SofTex upholstery held up well against wear but was prone to trapping sweat, making the optional Weather Package’s heated and ventilated seats a worthy upgrade. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom, USB ports, and air vents, ensuring comfort and connectivity on the go.

Storage solutions in the RAV4 were plentiful, including a dashboard-width shelf and up to 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Even with all seats in use, it provided a substantial 37.6 cubic feet of storage, complemented by a sturdy roof rack.

The 2020 Acura RDX stretched the boundaries of "compact" SUVs with its spacious interior. Front-seat occupants enjoyed superb support and adjustability, while rear passengers benefited from excellent headroom and decent legroom. The RDX innovatively managed storage with large door pockets for water bottles, a center console with hidden storage, and a pass-through cargo tray beneath the shifter.

In terms of cargo capacity, the RDX held 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 58.9 cubic feet with them folded. Additional storage in the cargo area included a side cubby and a hidden compartment under the load floor, optimizing space for various needs.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 impressed with its practical and user-friendly technology. Depending on the trim, infotainment featured a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, the latter being standard on the TRD Off-Road. While screen glare was a minor issue, the system's overall functionality was commendable. The RAV4 included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and various connected services with generous trial periods. An optional 4G LTE WiFi hotspot further boosted connectivity.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a mixed bag. Its widescreen display looked great, but the True Touchpad Interface, similar to Lexus’s system, complicated user experience. Unlike traditional touchpads, selecting icons corresponded directly to the touchpad’s zones, leading to constant attention shifts between pad and screen. This cumbersome interaction detracted from otherwise appealing features like standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.