2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, presented a sporty yet understated design. It avoided excessive blacked-out trim or aggressive performance cues, instead opting for subtle styling changes that conveyed a sense of sportiness without overpromising on performance. The RDX was not designed for off-roading, as evidenced by the absence of oversized skid plates or fender flares, making it clear that this SUV was intended for daily driving and road trips.

Inside, the A-Spec Package added a sporty touch with front sport seats featuring simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting. The interior materials were of high quality, and the design focused on a sporty look and feel. However, the gauge cluster with red markings on a brushed silver background was difficult to read, except at night. Despite this, the RDX A-Spec's cabin was not typical of a compact crossover SUV, offering a unique and sporty environment.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent an evolutionary redesign, maintaining its broad, rounded face and large expanses of sheet metal. The most notable change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights, integrated into a darker trim element. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and knobs, featuring a larger tablet-like touchscreen for a modern look.

Materials quality in the Range Rover was exceptional, with premium leather and rich wood trim elements throughout. The interior exuded luxury, with a solid feel and no detectable creaks, even on rough roads. The Range Rover's cabin was more refined than competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, or Cadillac Escalade, offering a level of luxury that rivaled more expensive Maybach or Bentley alternatives.

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. The SH-AWD system improved handling by delivering up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels and 100% of that to either rear wheel. The RDX offered driving modes like Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, which adjusted powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec models had exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, enhancing handling.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, impressive for its size. The Range Rover was agile for a large SUV, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed driving experience. It featured rear-wheel steering for sharper turns and Land Rover's Terrain Response system for off-road capability.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though positioned as a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, resulting in a lack of leg support. Cargo space measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The RDX also featured a deep storage well and three separate storage compartments under the cargo floor.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered power recline and sliding adjustments, with climate controls and USB-C ports. The optional third row was accessible with a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space was 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with it folded, and up to 93 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console. While it mirrored the screen, it required retraining to use effectively and could be distracting. The RDX included physical knobs for stereo and climate controls, smartphone projection, and voice-recognition technology. The A-Spec trim came with a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a larger 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a Meridian audio system. The touchscreen was not ideally positioned, but some climate controls were designed to minimize distraction. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2021 Acura RDX came 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 required an upgrade to 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 stars for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot monitor. It also had front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera system. While it lacked some advanced features found in rivals, the Range Rover's safety systems performed well, with no false alarms during testing.