2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a stylish SUV. Its subtle yet effective design changes conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided making the RDX look like an off-roader, focusing instead on its daily driving and road-tripping capabilities. The A-Spec Package added sporty interior elements like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and unique gauges, though the red markings on a brushed silver background were hard to read.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series, offered a more refined and simplified design. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus with its spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The NX 350 F Sport featured a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, and 20-inch gloss black wheels. Inside, the F Sport trim included sport-bolstered seats and a black headliner, while the Luxury trim offered real leather and open-pore wood trim. The minimalist interior design, however, sometimes made it difficult to locate and use certain features quickly.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and front-wheel drive was standard, with the option to upgrade to the SH-AWD system for improved handling. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The RDX A-Spec featured exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and larger performance all-season tires, enhancing its handling capabilities.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower. The NX 350 had a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The F Sport trim provided a more engaging driving experience, while the Luxury trim offered a softer and more relaxed ride. Lexus estimated 25 mpg in combined driving for the NX 350.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered remarkable passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised due to the need to maximize utility. The cargo area measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Acura also quoted a maximum cargo volume of 79.8 cubic feet, though this figure was based on moving the front seats all the way forward.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room for passengers and cargo, though it didn't necessarily feel that way from the driver's seat. The new dashboard design created a more intimate and cozy feeling. The NX's front seats were comfortable, especially in models with heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX offered 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. While TTI was an improvement over Lexus's previous touchpad system, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which provided excellent sound quality. The RDX also offered Key by Amazon In-Car Delivery and smartphone projection with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, which featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available as an upgrade. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and various connected service subscription plans. The NX also offered a 10-speaker sound system, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system as an option. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and digital key capability.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features that included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, 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 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which featured advanced driver assistance and collision avoidance systems. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had standard blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.