2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, had an eye-catching and sporty design that exuded elegance without overdoing it. The styling changes were subtle yet effective, presenting a sense of sportiness without making unrealistic promises about its acceleration or handling. Unlike some SUVs that tried to look like off-road vehicles, the RDX stayed true to its intended function as a daily driver and road tripper. It avoided excessive off-roading elements like oversized skid plates or bulging fender flares.

In the mid-level trim hierarchy, the RDX started at $38,200, with the A-Spec Package raising the price to $44,100. Adding the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system and extra features like Platinum White paint brought our test model to $47,625.

Inside, the A-Spec Package added sport seats with simulated suede inserts, special piping, a sport steering wheel, a black headliner, dark brushed aluminum trim, sport pedals, red exposed stitching, and ambient cabin lighting. The RDX didn’t have a typical compact crossover SUV cabin; it prioritized sports aesthetics and quality materials. However, the red markings on a brushed silver background for the gauge cluster were somewhat difficult to read during the daytime.

On the other hand, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 showed modest exterior updates such as new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and fresh alloy wheel designs. The top Signature trim featured body-color lower exterior trim, reinforcing Mazda's ambition to move upmarket.

Inside, the CX-5’s Signature trim provided luxurious touches with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. New seats significantly improved comfort. The redesigned back seats and the sportier driving position added to the appeal. Unlike the Acura, the CX-5 didn't revise its infotainment system or overall interior look dramatically but maintained a sense of luxurious quality.

In 2021, the Acura RDX came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 rpm to 4,500 rpm. The A-Spec Package didn't change the engine specs but enhanced the driving experience with the SH-AWD system, distributing up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels and enhancing handling appreciably.

Drivers could select between different driving modes—Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+—through the Integrated Dynamics System, which adjusted powertrain character, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The RDX A-Spec also featured unique 20-inch alloy wheels with 255/45 performance all-season tires for better grip. Although the A-Spec version was enjoyable to drive, featuring broad torque curves and precise steering, the lack of adaptive dampers meant it sometimes struggled with body motion on uneven roads.

For 2022, the Mazda CX-5 offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque in the base 2.5 S model. The 2.5 Turbo variant delivered up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gasoline. Mazda revised the six-speed automatic transmission for better responsiveness and made AWD standard across all trims.

The 2.5 Turbo model included Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, enhancing versatility. The CX-5 benefited from increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension, offering a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride. While fuel economy was decent (26 mpg combined for the 2.5 S and 24 mpg for the 2.5 Turbo), the CX-5 excelled in driving dynamics, offering improved grip and reduced body motions compared to earlier models.

Despite its compact classification, the 2021 Acura RDX excelled in passenger and cargo space. The front sport seats provided 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. Rear-seat comfort, however, was compromised by a lack of leg support and an uncomfortable recline angle. Storage space within the cabin had room for improvement, with some areas not easily accessible during driving.

Cargo volume for the RDX was competitive but not class-leading. It offered 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. Acura also quoted a more inclusively measured maximum cargo volume of 79.8 cubic feet, which was less relevant for most practical uses.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about seat comfort with new, improved furnishings. The new seats adjusted for a better driving position and included height adjustment in all but the base trim. Leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control in the Turbo variant added to the comfort.

Rear-seat space in the Mazda remained snug but functional, with heated outboard cushions and air vents for passenger comfort. The Mazda Connect infotainment system, while not touch-sensitive, acclimated over time. Cargo space in the CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, comparing favorably with luxury SUVs but less impressively against mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which required a learning curve. The touchpad mirrored the screen’s layout but could be unintuitive for those accustomed to smartphone or traditional touchpad interfaces. Though it presented challenges, the system was an improvement over similar technologies used by competitors like Lexus.

Acura did integrate many driver conveniences such as physical knobs for stereo and climate controls, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and home voice assistant technology like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. The A-Spec trim also included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, providing an exceptional listening experience.

Conversely, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 maintained its Mazda Connect system with a 10.25-inch display, operated via center console and steering wheel controls. This non-touchscreen approach aimed to reduce distraction but could be cumbersome for some users. Unlike Acura’s TTI, the Mazda system lacked natural voice recognition, making it somewhat dated.

Mazda integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easier smartphone connectivity. Higher trims like the 2.5 Turbo came with a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, offering satisfactory audio quality. Mazda Connected Services, including a trial subscription to various connected features, added value to the infotainment package.

Every 2021 Acura RDX came equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including 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 required an upgrade to the Technology Package. While AcuraWatch didn’t include some features found in other Acura models like the TLX sedan, it offered smooth and accurate operation.

The RDX earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though with four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

Mazda didn’t cut corners with safety in the 2022 CX-5. Its standard i-Activsense package included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist.

The CX-5 earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, making it a strong contender in terms of safety among both mainstream and luxury SUVs.