2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and heritage, evolving from its rugged origins to a symbol of opulence. With a starting price of $92,000, it offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, allowing for a highly customized experience. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, showcased a timeless design with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system, InControl Touch Pro Duo, was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX presented subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model, with updates to the grille surround and bumper styling. The RDX lineup included various packages, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300. Our test vehicle, the A-Spec Advance package, featured high-quality materials and a quieter interior, enhancing its appeal. Despite some design quirks, such as the new vertical air inlets, the RDX maintained a stylish presence. The interior offered comfort and support, with a focus on driving dynamics, making it a compelling choice in the compact luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrain options, including a turbodiesel V6, a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, and hybrid choices. The HSE Westminster edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Its 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured off-road capability. The Range Rover provided a smooth and quiet ride, with an adaptive air suspension filtering road harshness. However, its steering was slow, and the vehicle's weight and tall center of gravity affected handling. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but our test averaged 18.5 mpg.

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, and the SH-AWD system was available on higher trims. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System offered distinct driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride. The RDX was quieter than previous models, thanks to sound-deadening measures. While it excelled in driving dynamics, it didn't qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 23 mpg, but our test averaged 20.6 mpg.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access. The front seats were comfortable, but the second row lacked support and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with a small center-console bin and 25 cubic feet of luggage volume. The clamshell-style tailgate and suspension kneel function aided loading, but overall cargo space was less than some competitors.

The 2022 Acura RDX offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position, but the control layout required a learning curve. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, while the back seat lacked support. The RDX provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor. The power liftgate with hands-free operation added convenience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, requiring setup to avoid distractions while driving. The Range Rover included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for assistance.

The 2022 Acura RDX's TTI infotainment system paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller, offering a direct one-to-one relationship between touchpad and screen. While the system was complex, it included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system available on higher trims.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous parking. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety and a rear seatbelt reminder system. The standard AcuraWatch system added pedestrian detection and blind-spot monitoring. The RDX received a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though its adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were not as refined as some competitors.