2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Acura RDX

The 2021 Dodge Durango retained much of its exterior styling since its third generation debuted in 2011. Built alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Detroit, the Durango maintained a distinct look with a muscular stance and athletic styling, especially evident in the new SRT Hellcat model. This model featured a cold-air scoop, throaty twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, rear spoiler, and a revised front end. The Durango offered six different 20-inch wheel varieties and one 18-inch version, with 11 exterior colors and six interior color schemes. Inside, the 2021 model introduced a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running FCA’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The cabin became increasingly premium with higher trims, offering various upholstery options from cloth to Laguna leather, and unique features like Demonic Red-colored seat belts.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model, including updates to the grille surround, front and rear bumper styling, and new wheel designs and paint colors. The limited-production PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior. The RDX lineup included the base model and packages named Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300. Our test vehicle, the A-Spec Advance package, showcased high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin. Despite some controversial design elements like the vertical air inlets, the RDX maintained a stylish flair compared to its rivals.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The V6 engine produced 293-295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the 5.7-liter V8 delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The 392 HEMI V8 in the SRT 392 model provided 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier SRT Hellcat model boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 with 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. The Durango's steering was precise, but its chassis showed its age, with a reactionary suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The SRT models featured SRT Performance Pages for detailed performance data, and the R/T model offered a Tow N Go Package with a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.

The 2022 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 was standard. Front-wheel drive was standard on the base, Technology, and A-Spec packages, while the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered distinct driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX also featured Active Sound Control enhancements for a quieter ride. Despite its enjoyable driving dynamics, the RDX did not qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, making it less thrilling than some German rivals.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler with comfortable seating, ample storage space, and family entertainment options. It offered seating for five in two rows, with an optional third row increasing capacity to seven. The front and second-row seats were spacious, and the third row was more accommodating than many competitors. The Durango provided 21 seat options and had average cargo space for its class. Dodge's improved fit and finish contributed to the Durango's appeal as a versatile family SUV with an athletic design.

The 2022 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position and featured a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation. The back seat, however, was less comfortable, lacking support for adults. The RDX featured a standard power liftgate with available hands-free operation, revealing 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT models, with higher trims getting a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the new Uconnect 5 system. Uconnect 5 was five times faster than its predecessor and offered user profiles, connected services, dual Bluetooth connections, Amazon Alexa, TomTom navigation, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The system was easy to navigate, with clear graphics and responsive touch. The Durango also offered a family entertainment system with a Blu-ray and DVD player and two 9-inch screens. SRT models had unique appearance features, including a “smoke show” start-up animation and SRT serpentine font.

The 2022 Acura RDX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) paired a 10.2-inch display screen with a touchpad controller. The TTI required a learning curve, as it introduced a direct one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and the screen. The 2022 RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Standard features included satellite radio and AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The RDX offered three premium sound systems: a nine-speaker setup in the base model, a 12-speaker ELS Studio system in the Technology package, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system in higher trims. The Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind its rivals in safety features. It came standard with a rearview camera and passive safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, rear-cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and forward-collision warning. The NHTSA gave the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but front crash testing ratings were not yet available.

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. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were mostly accurate but not as refined as some competitors. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings and five-star side-impact ratings.