2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a stylish SUV. Its subtle yet effective design changes conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided making the RDX look like an off-roader, focusing instead on its daily driving and road-tripping capabilities. The A-Spec Package added sporty interior elements like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting, enhancing the overall sporty feel. However, the gauge cluster with red markings on a brushed silver background was hard to read, except at night.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, in its second generation since 2014, received an interior and exterior refresh in 2018, which carried over into 2021. This refresh introduced the dual-screen center console, a defining feature of Land Rover interiors. The Range Rover Sport offered a variety of trims, from the base SE with leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control to the high-end Autobiography with 22-way power-adjustable front seats and power soft-close doors. The SVR and SVR Carbon Edition featured performance-oriented upgrades, including a more powerful V8 engine and carbon fiber accents.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with the option to upgrade to the SH-AWD system for improved handling. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec model had exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance all-season tires, enhancing its sporty appeal. However, the lack of adaptive dampers and rev-matching in Sport+ mode were noted drawbacks.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered multiple powertrain options. The base P360 mild-hybrid powertrain combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model featured a more potent P400 version with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The HSE Silver Edition offered plug-in hybrid and diesel options, while the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 horsepower. The SVR and SVR Carbon Edition had an even more powerful V8, making 575 horsepower. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, with height-adjustable air suspension and a Terrain Response system for various driving conditions.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though classified as a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised due to the need to maximize utility, resulting in a lack of leg support and an uncomfortable recline angle. Cargo space measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Despite the modest official numbers, the trunk was accommodating, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven but reduced cargo space to 10.8 cubic feet. Both the first and second rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was best suited for children. The Range Rover Sport's interior combined space with luxurious appointments, making it a comfortable choice for passengers.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. While this system mirrored the screen and was an improvement over similar systems from Lexus, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which delivered excellent sound quality. However, the TTI system was not ideal, and a more intuitive touchscreen interface would have been preferable.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's interior was dominated by a dual-screen center console. The lower screen controlled climate settings and vehicle functions, while the upper screen housed the infotainment system. Although the system had a learning curve and earlier versions had bugs, the integrated dials on the lower screen were versatile, controlling various functions. The upper screen featured reasonably sized icons for easy navigation between menus and smartphone integration. Despite its complexity, the system had a real volume button, though it was somewhat hidden.

The 2021 Acura RDX came standard with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision 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.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. Additional available features included a surround-view parking camera, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, and park assist. The Range Rover Sport offered a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, though some were only available as options.