2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, presented a sporty and appealing design without excessive blacked-out trim or performance design cues. Its styling changes were subtle yet effective, conveying a sense of sportiness without overpromising on acceleration and handling. Acura avoided making the RDX appear like an off-road vehicle, focusing instead on its suitability for daily driving and road trips. The A-Spec Package added unique interior features such as sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting, enhancing the sporty look and feel of the cabin. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read, except at night.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover exuded luxury and sophistication, drawing deeply from its heritage while offering modern amenities. The HSE Westminster special edition, with its Byron Blue exterior and silver 21-inch wheels, maintained the Range Rover's timeless look. Inside, the Ivory-color interior provided a high-contrast design with a mid-century modern ambiance. Despite its age, the Range Rover's design remained appealing, and its luxurious interior, complete with quality leather upholstery and advanced climate control, offered a comfortable and opulent experience. However, the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was not entirely intuitive, requiring some acclimation.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and offered an optional Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which significantly improved handling. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between various driving modes, enhancing the driving experience. A-Spec models came with exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance all-season tires, contributing to its sporty handling. However, the lack of adaptive dampers in the A-Spec Package resulted in some body motion on uneven roads.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrain options, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, ensuring its legendary off-road capability. The Range Rover's adaptive air suspension provided a smooth and comfortable ride, while its variable-ratio, speed-sensing steering and Dynamic driving mode offered a more measured approach to handling. Despite its weight and tall center of gravity, the Range Rover delivered a rewarding driving experience at a relaxed pace.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though classified as a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space, making it an excellent value. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised due to a lack of leg support and excessive seatback recline angle. The RDX provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. Despite its modest official measurements, the cargo area was accommodating, with additional storage compartments for organization.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were decadently comfortable, wrapped in quality leather upholstery. However, the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in an uncomfortable seating position. The Range Rover offered limited luggage volume, with 25 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell-style tailgate and suspension kneel function facilitated loading, but the overall storage space was less than expected for a vehicle of its size.

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. While it improved upon similar systems from other manufacturers, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX offered smartphone integration, voice recognition, and a premium audio system, enhancing the overall technology experience. However, the TTI system was not ideal, and Acura could benefit from adopting a more intuitive touchscreen interface.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while comprehensive, was not entirely intuitive and could be distracting while driving. The Range Rover offered voice control, smartphone integration, and a waterproof Activity Key wristband for convenience. An iGuide smartphone app served as a digital owner's manual, assisting with the system's complexity. Despite its advanced technology, the system required setup and practice to minimize distraction and maximize usability.

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 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 included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included several safety packages, but the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations. Overall, the Range Rover's safety features were effective and accurate, though some advanced technologies were optional.