2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Ford Edge

In 2021, the Ford Edge maintained a consistent exterior design since its 2019 refresh, which effectively updated the model to align with contemporary styling while preserving its recognizable body shell. It offered a cleaner, more cohesive look compared to the often overly stylized Chevy Blazer and Hyundai Santa Fe. The Edge Titanium models featured additional chrome accents to signal their upscale status, whereas the Edge ST trim had a blacked-out grille, standard 20-inch wheels, and a body kit for a sporty feel. Ford’s Edge ST-Line inherited these aggressive styling cues but skipped the performance-boosting upgrades to keep the price more manageable.

Inside, the Ford Edge’s interior felt aged compared to its polished exterior. Efforts to integrate new features like a larger touchscreen led to a somewhat disjointed design. However, the Titanium trim boasted leather upholstery, while the ST models sported bolstered front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with contrast stitching.

For the 2022 Acura RDX, subtle updates had been made. Inspired by the larger MDX model, adjustments were visible in the grille surround and the front and rear bumper designs. Acura also introduced new wheel designs and paint colors, with the PMC Edition standing out in Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an exclusive Orchid white interior. Hand-built in Ohio, the PMC Edition was the epitome of the RDX lineup, surpassing the base model and option packages such as Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding a destination charge.

Our test RDX model featured the new-for-2022 A-Spec Advance package with extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, bringing the total to $53,645. The RDX A-Spec Advance justified its cost with high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and quieter cabin.

The 2021 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine offered front-wheel drive as standard and optional all-wheel drive. The performance-oriented Edge ST model boasted an EcoBoost twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 engine, pumping out an impressive 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque with 93-octane fuel. Standard on the ST were all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and distinct suspension tuning. Additional options included upgraded brakes and 21-inch wheels with summer tires.

Ford claimed to benchmark the Edge ST against performance SUVs like the Porsche Macan. However, although the comparison seemed optimistic, the Edge ST still provided an enjoyable driving experience, especially given that its competitors did not emphasize performance. In terms of towing capacity, the base FWD four-cylinder Edge could tow up to 3,958 pounds, the AWD four-cylinder upped this to 4,122 pounds, and the V6-powered Edge ST could handle 4,525 pounds. Nevertheless, this lagged behind the Honda Passport and VW Atlas Cross Sport, both of which could tow up to 5,000 pounds with AWD.

Every 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine putting out 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. This engine provided a lively driving character, though fuel economy lagged at an average of 20.6 mpg compared to its EPA rating of 23 mpg. The RDX's standard 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters behaved smoothly, although the new sound-deadening measures rendered the paddles less engaging.

Front-wheel drive was the default for base, Technology, and A-Spec packages, while the Advance and A-Spec Advance featured Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system as standard. This system could channel up to 70% of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel, enhancing agility in tight turns. For 2022, Acura refined the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) for more distinct driving modes and retuned the adaptive-damping suspension for a smoother ride in Comfort mode and heightened responsiveness in Sport mode.

The RDX also benefitted from significant noise reduction improvements, resulting in a quieter cabin. These refinements made the RDX a strong contender among compact luxury SUVs, though it still did not match the thrill level associated with the Acura Type S performance badge. German alternatives like the Audi SQ5, BMW X3 M40i, and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 remained more exhilarating drives.

The 2021 Ford Edge continued to excel in interior space, boasting the most rear-seat headroom among its two-row midsize crossover rivals. It also trailed only the Hyundai Santa Fe in legroom for both rows. Standard dual-zone automatic climate control offered comfort across all models. Cargo capacity was notable, with 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanding to 73.4 cubic feet when folded, surpassing most competitors except the Honda Passport and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The availability of a foot-activated power liftgate on higher trims added convenience.

Despite Ford's efforts to maximize space with features like the rotary shift knob, the narrow center console remained only adequately spacious. The raised console provided a storage nook below, which was inconveniently located and possibly forgotten by users.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, provided ample room for four adults and their luggage, all beneath the standard panoramic sunroof. The interior featured a sporty driver-centric design highlighted by an oversized IDS mode knob. However, a learning curve accompanied the transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system.

Standard 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats provided comfort and support, and optional ventilation was available. The flat-bottom steering wheel, new for 2022, offered a heated option and added to the driving experience. Dual-zone automatic climate control came standard, with Iconic Drive ambient lighting available on most trims.

The rear seat, designed for optimal cargo load floor flatness when folded, lacked support, making it less comfortable for adults. Heated rear seats were optional on some models. The RDX offered a power liftgate with hands-free operation, revealing 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space and additional hidden storage compartments under the floor. Folding the seats down expanded the cargo area to 58.9 cubic feet, less than the Edge but sufficient for many uses.

The 2021 Ford Edge featured the latest Sync 4 infotainment system, standard with a 12-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Standard tech included Bluetooth, SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. ST models also boasted a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. Sync 4’s direct and simple interface was praised, along with four USB ports to keep devices charged, including rear USB ports added in 2021.

Conversely, the 2022 Acura RDX’s TTI infotainment system required adaptation. The 10.2-inch display paired with a sectioned touchpad controller on the center console facilitated navigation but could be distracting. Integrated Amazon Alexa helped minimize the need for touchpad use, offering voice-activated controls. The system gained wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in 2022, along with a wireless charging pad.

Three premium sound systems were available: a nine-speaker base, a 12-speaker ELS Studio in the Technology package, and an advanced 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D system in higher trims. A 10.5-inch head-up display was included in top trims.

The 2021 Ford Edge earned a Top Safety Pick from IIHS with top ratings in most crash tests and advanced ratings in front crash prevention. However, pedestrian detection rated lower, and headlight ratings varied by trim. NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating with high marks in most crash tests. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, offering automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more. Adaptive cruise control and Evasive Steering Assist were standard on most trims.

For the 2022 Acura RDX, structural upgrades aimed to improve side-impact safety, aspiring to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating. Although IIHS hadn't rated the 2022 model yet, it received new features like a rear seatbelt reminder. The AcuraWatch suite now included pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional park assist features in higher trims. Despite improvements, Acura’s adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping weren’t as seamless as some rivals. The RDX earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA, with high marks in side-impact tests.