2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX 460’s styling was a testament to its long tenure on the market. Retaining the same basic body shell from a decade ago, it had undergone several updates over the years, including the addition of Lexus’ spindle grille in 2014 and a textured insert in 2020. The 2021 model didn’t see any new styling changes, but it did come with standard silver 18-inch wheels on the Premium trim level. Despite its age, the GX’s tough, aggressive look remained distinctive and appealing to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, but the overall interior quality lagged behind its competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle yet impactful styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model. Updates included modifications to the grille surround, front and rear bumper styling, new wheel designs, and paint colors. The limited-production RDX PMC Edition stood out with its exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and Orchid white interior. Our test vehicle, equipped with the new-for-2022 A-Spec Advance package, showcased high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin. The RDX’s sporty design and comfortable interior made it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and refined compact SUV.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 kept things simple with a single powertrain option: a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample grunt for acceleration (0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds), the GX’s 5,130-pound weight made higher-speed maneuvers challenging. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and several driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. The optional Off-Road Package added even more rugged features, making the GX a formidable off-road vehicle. It also boasted a respectable 6,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2022 Acura RDX, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered a spirited driving experience. The RDX’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, available on higher trims, enhanced its handling dynamics, especially on winding roads. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX also benefited from improved sound insulation, resulting in a quieter cabin. While it didn’t match the performance of some German rivals, the RDX offered a balanced and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX’s interior ergonomics revealed its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console that limited legroom. The steering wheel’s odd angle and tall seating position made it feel like driving a bus. However, the boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded. The GX’s interior storage options were also minimal, with small center-console storage bins and cupholders.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, thanks to its spacious interior and standard panoramic sunroof. The RDX’s sporty driving position and dramatic dashboard design added to its appeal. While the control layout required some acclimation, the standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable and supportive. The back seat, however, lacked support and comfort 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. Hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor added to its practicality.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity as standard, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. The infotainment system’s graphics were outdated, and the touchscreen offered limited functionality. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface. The available 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was a highlight, but overall, the GX’s tech offerings felt dated.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which paired a 10.2-inch display screen with a touchpad controller. While the TTI required a learning curve, it offered a direct one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and the screen. The RDX also included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The Technology package added a navigation system, and higher trims featured an impressive ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system with 16 speakers. The RDX’s tech offerings were comprehensive and modern, enhancing its appeal.

The 2021 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety and new safety features like 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. While the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were mostly accurate, they occasionally issued false warnings. The RDX received 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.