2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out by not mimicking its competitors' styles. Instead, it adopted the successful design language of the larger Navigator, resulting in a sharp-looking vehicle with crisp lines and chrome accents. Inside, the Aviator differentiated itself from its Ford counterpart with a luxurious cabin featuring soft-touch materials, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and a piano button shifter. The soothing chimes and massaging front seats in higher trims added to the Aviator's air of class and comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model, including updates to the grille surround and bumper styling. The RDX's interior emphasized a sporty driving position and included a standard panoramic sunroof. However, the control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, required a learning curve. Despite this, the RDX offered high-quality materials, a quieter cabin, and a comfortable driving experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with a 21-mile electric-only range. The Aviator provided robust acceleration and a smooth ride, though it exhibited noticeable body roll in corners and was somewhat cumbersome in tight spaces.

The 2022 Acura RDX, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard. The RDX offered front-wheel drive (FWD) on base models, with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available on higher trims. The SH-AWD system enhanced driving dynamics, especially on winding roads. The RDX's revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride and greater responsiveness. However, the RDX's fuel economy fell short of its EPA rating during testing.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second-row captain's chairs and digital control panel in the Grand Touring trim added to passenger comfort. However, the power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2022 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, provided ample room for four adults and their luggage. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a standard panoramic sunroof. The control layout, including the TTI infotainment system, required acclimation. The back seat, while spacious, lacked support for adults. The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and included hidden storage compartments.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display (HUD) provided clear, easy-to-read information. The Aviator's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a sensible menu layout and large icons for connectivity programs.

The 2022 Acura RDX's TTI infotainment system paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller, requiring a learning curve. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Three premium sound systems were available, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers. The RDX also offered a 10.5-inch head-up display in higher trims.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added features like reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top marks from the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.

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 and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. 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.