2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 showcased BMW's renowned high-quality craftsmanship. As part of BMW's true SUV range, the X5 was unmistakably a BMW, from its kidney grille to its body shape. This consistency in design was both a strength and a weakness, as it could blend in with other BMWs in a parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights, matte aluminum grilles on standard xLine models, and sporty M Sport styling options. The interior, while filled with leather and soft-touch materials, suffered from an overuse of black plastic and a design that felt too familiar across BMW's lineup.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX had subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model, with updated grille surrounds and bumper designs. The limited-production PMC Edition stood out with its exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and Orchid white interior. The RDX lineup included various trims, with starting prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300. The A-Spec Advance package, tested at $53,645, offered high-quality materials, solid build quality, and a quieter interior. Despite some controversial design elements, the RDX maintained a stylish and distinctive appearance compared to its rivals.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered multiple powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, or 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with up to 30 miles of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were less engaging than expected, with a Lincoln-like driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M at 15 mpg combined, the M50i at 18 mpg, the xDrive at 23 mpg, and the xDrive45e at 50 MPGe.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured 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 was standard. The RDX offered front-wheel drive on base, Technology, and A-Spec packages, while the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The SH-AWD system provided excellent torque-vectoring capabilities, enhancing the driving experience on winding roads. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension improved ride comfort and responsiveness. The RDX's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg, but real-world testing averaged 20.6 mpg. The RDX's driving dynamics were enjoyable, though it lacked the performance edge of some German competitors.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders conveniently placed and a wireless phone charging pad out of the driver's line of sight. The seating was comfortable for short trips, but the front seats felt hard after extended periods. The rear seats were spacious enough for two adults, and an optional third row was available. The split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button made loading cargo easier. The X5's cargo area was ample, though slightly reduced in the xDrive45e model. However, the rear doors did not open wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. The control layout required some acclimation, with transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats, however, lacked support and comfort for adults. The RDX's cargo space was generous, with 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with hands-free operation was standard.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, a proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional features included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone climate control, a wireless charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, premium audio systems, rear sunshades, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The iDrive system required some learning but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system with a 10.2-inch display and a touchpad controller. The TTI required a learning curve, as it operated differently from traditional touchscreens. The RDX also included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, satellite radio, and AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Technology package added a navigation system, while premium sound systems ranged from a nine-speaker setup to a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system. A 10.5-inch head-up display was available with higher trims.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, especially in sunny or rainy conditions. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety and added a rear seatbelt reminder system. The standard AcuraWatch suite included pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. AcuraWatch's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were generally accurate but had occasional issues in challenging conditions. The RDX earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings and five-star side-impact ratings.