2021 Acura RDX vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, presented a sleek and sporty appearance without excessive embellishments. Its design changes were subtle yet effective, conveying a sense of sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided giving the RDX an off-road look, focusing instead on its role as a daily driver and road-tripper. The A-Spec trim, positioned in the middle of the RDX's hierarchy, offered a sporty interior with features like front sport seats, a sport steering wheel, and unique gauges, although the red-on-silver gauge markings were difficult to read.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates over the years, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's styling was coherent despite its massive grille, appealing to those seeking a tough, aggressive look. However, the interior felt outdated, with wood trim resembling molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall interior did not meet modern luxury SUV standards.

The 2021 Acura RDX was powered by 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 SH-AWD system, enhancing handling and driving enjoyment. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between different driving modes, affecting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec trim included exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, contributing to its sporty handling.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460, on the other hand, was equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine generating 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's weight affected its performance at higher speeds. The GX's body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various off-road aids, making it a strong contender for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered impressive passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. Its front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment and heating/ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised due to the need for a flat cargo floor. 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 cargo volume, the RDX's trunk was accommodating, with additional storage compartments for organization.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design offered excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded. The third row significantly reduced cargo capacity, making the GX more suitable as a two-row SUV.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad instead of a touchscreen. While it improved upon Lexus's previous approach, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included physical controls for stereo and climate functions, along with smartphone integration and voice assistant technology. The A-Spec trim boasted a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Its infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality, but analog controls were available for most functions. The GX included Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, along with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system as an option. While the tech offerings were basic, the analog controls provided a straightforward interface.

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 Lexus GX 460 included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not available for the GX.