2021 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially when equipped with the optional A-Spec Package, was a head-turner in the SUV market. Without resorting to excessive blacked-out trim or traditional performance design cues, the A-Spec's subtle changes effectively emphasized sportiness without overpromising on outright acceleration and handling. Acura wisely avoided making the RDX resemble an off-road beast—it wasn’t designed for that purpose. Thus, you wouldn't see oversized skid plates or bulging fender flares; it was clearly intended for daily commutes and road trips.

The 2021 RDX A-Spec, positioned mid-trim-level, started at a base price of $38,200. With the addition of the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, the sticker price rose from $41,100 to $44,100 and finally to $46,000, respectively. The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system added another $2,000. Our tested version, with additional Platinum White paint and a mandatory destination charge, came to $47,625.

Inside, the A-Spec added front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, special piping, a sport steering wheel, a black headliner, dark brushed aluminum trim, and various red accents. The result was a sporty and high-quality cabin, though the red-on-brushed-silver gauges were hard to read, especially during the day.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Forester, although redesigned in 2019, had styling that visually aged quickly as it largely carried over from the previous generation, with taillights showcasing a distinctive cross shape as the primary update. Subaru seemed to follow the principle of not fixing what wasn’t broken. Its boxy, upright shape matched the preferred styling for many SUV buyers. The Base trim, with 17-inch steel wheels, looked plain but clean and unpretentious.

Forester Sport models, like our test car, had orange striping, roof rails, a rear spoiler, and black 18-inch alloy wheels, which added a stylish contrast, especially with the Dark Blue Pearl paint. Underneath, the Forester rode on the Subaru Global Platform, shared with several other models, emphasizing its rugged marketing without changing its foundational sedan-like underpinnings.

Inside, the Forester’s no-nonsense interior materials promised durability, emphasizing function over aesthetics. The Sport trim added orange accents and stitching to liven up the interior.

In the performance department, the 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. This was paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The optional SH-AWD significantly enhanced handling, diverting up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels, and up to 100% of that to either wheel, making the RDX enjoyable to drive.

Drivers could use the Integrated Dynamics System to switch between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, which fine-tuned various parameters like powertrain character and suspension firmness. A-Spec models had exclusive Shark Gray 20-inch alloy wheels and 255/45 performance all-season tires, which marginally improved handling. Despite minor gripes about body motion and transmission behavior, the RDX A-Spec delivered rewarding driving experiences, thanks to its robust torque curve, precise steering, and responsive brakes.

The 2021 Subaru Forester came with a singular powertrain option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. While adequate for most situations, the engine struggled during highway merges and overtakes, and created noticeable wind noise at higher speeds.

Subaru’s hallmark AWD was standard, along with an X-Mode system for varying terrain conditions. Dual X-Mode (with "Snow/Dirt" and "Snow/Mud" settings) was available on Sport models, enhancing ruggedness. The Forester boasted 8.7 inches of ground clearance but fell short in handling with a softly tuned suspension, resulting in excessive body roll and a bouncy ride on uneven roads. It was tuned more for comfort than agility, in stark contrast to the RDX's more performance-oriented setup.

The Acura RDX, although positioned as a compact SUV, offered excellent passenger and cargo space, making it a great value. The front seats were especially comfortable, with the A-Spec trim providing 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. However, rear-seat comfort suffered due to low, flat cushions and excessive seatback recline.

Storage was a mixed bag; the RDX had a significant under-console tray but lacked accessibility during driving. Cargo volume with rear seats up was 29.5 cubic feet, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with seats down. The trunk was practical with separate storage compartments, though the advertised 79.8 cubic feet seemed overly optimistic due to measurement methodology variations.

The Subaru Forester's interior was spacious, offering excellent headroom and legroom due to its tall, flat roof. This design also enhanced visibility but could lead to increased cabin temperatures under sunlight. The Forester provided 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 76.1 cubic feet with seats down. It outclassed competitors like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson in cargo capacity with seats folded but lacked the versatility of a sliding second-row bench. The phone-storage cubby was small, and wireless charging was unavailable.

Acura's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) for the 2021 RDX was a polarizing feature. Instead of a touchscreen, it used a touch-sensing pad on the center console. While designed to mirror screen positions, it required a lengthy adjustment period and could be distracting. Despite these challenges, the RDX included features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, enhancing overall tech experience.

The Subaru Forester’s Starlink system came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, expanding to 8 inches on higher trims, with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. Though the graphics and controls were user-friendly, the screen was slow to boot. Additional displays in the dashboard and instrument cluster provided secondary information, though they sometimes felt redundant. Navigation and Harman Kardon audio were available on higher trims.

The 2021 Acura RDX came equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned high safety ratings, with a 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it scored four stars in some categories.

The 2021 Subaru Forester shone brightly in safety, receiving the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. Subaru’s standard EyeSight system included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Unique to Subaru was the DriverFocus driver-monitoring system, ensuring driver attention. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking, with clear and visible warning indicators.