2021 Acura RDX vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The aesthetic appeal of the 2021 Acura RDX, particularly with the optional A-Spec Package, reflected a balance of sportiness and subtlety. It featured design tweaks that suggested athletic capabilities without overly committing to off-road appearances, which was fitting given its urban and touring suitability. The RDX A-Spec trimmed with Platinum White paint combined elegance with a performance stance, enhanced further by front sport seats and special interior touches like red ambient lighting and dark brushed aluminum trim.

Conversely, the 2021 Toyota Highlander, even without the flair of sport-centric packages, presented a bold face to the market. Its design, notably less soft than many rivals, stood out with wide headlights and a sharp, trapezoidal grille, complemented by a distinct side character line that added a touch of sportiness akin to its Supra sibling. The addition of the XSE trim brought more aggression to the Highlander's style, positioning it as a family SUV with a nod toward sportiness, yet its overarching theme leaned more towards understated luxury, particularly in the Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 272 horsepower and a robust 280 pound-feet of torque, linked to a versatile 10-speed automatic transmission with the added fun of paddle shifters. The available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive enhanced driving dynamics significantly, making the RDX not just a practical daily driver but also an enjoyable one, capable of adapting its personality from serene to spirited through selectable driving modes.

In terms of the 2021 Toyota Highlander, it maintained a reliable performance character with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, yielding a solid 295 horsepower. The standard eight-speed automatic and option for all-wheel drive supported a smooth and competent driving experience but without the zest found in the RDX. Although the XSE trim attempted to inject a sporty spirit via its tweaked suspension, the overall drive remained more conservative, prioritizing predictability and comfort over thrill - consistent with what is expected from a family-oriented vehicle.

The 2021 Acura RDX boasted considerable space despite its classification as a compact SUV. It offered up to 58.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, which was competitive but not class-leading. Its front seating area emphasized comfort with 12-way power adjustment and superior materials, though the rear seating was noted for less leg support due to design compromises for cargo capacity.

The Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, provided a commendable cargo capacity of 84.3 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, reflecting a prioritization toward maximum utility suited for family needs. It offered ample room across three rows, though the comfort for third-row passengers was conditional on the generosity of those in the second row. Functional interior design included practical storage and thoughtful features like ceiling-mounted rear air vents, though some design choices were less favored.

Acura's RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI), a unique approach to vehicle infotainment controls that aimed to reduce driver distraction while providing a high-tech experience. This system, requiring a period of adjustment for users, demonstrated Acura’s attempt to innovate beyond typical touchscreen inputs. Included were modern necessities like Apple CarPlay and an impressive Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system.

Toyota's approach with the Highlander was somewhat different, offering a large 12.3-inch touchscreen in higher trims but maintaining straightforward usability with standard inclusions like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was highly functional, though the navigation faced occasional limitations in point-of-interest searches, suggesting room for improvement in software sophistication.

Safety in the 2021 Acura RDX was robust, courtesy of the AcuraWatch suite of technologies, although certain advanced features like pedestrian detection were reserved for higher trims or newer models. Nonetheless, its safety credentials were confirmed with high ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA.

The Toyota Highlander was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a comprehensive suite that included advanced features like intersection support for the automatic braking system, a reflection of Toyota’s commitment to safety across all trims. Its safety ratings matched those of the Acura, underscoring its reliability as a family vehicle.