2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited that was reviewed presented itself as a loaded version of Toyota’s popular compact SUV, with an MSRP standing at $42,083, including the destination charge. Despite its high price tag, the test vehicle didn't stand out as a premium model. Particularly, the vehicle’s 18-inch wheels appeared bland and undersized, whereas other RAV4 Limited trims boasted larger, more fitting wheels. A significant visual upgrade would have been an Adventure trim like its non-hybrid sibling, though the electronic AWD system of the hybrid couldn't support such a task.

For a compact SUV, the RAV4 Hybrid managed to project a robust and tough appearance. All it needed was a set of bolder wheels to complete the look. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid balanced practicality with style. While quality varied with a mix of good and disappointing materials, the interior was functional. However, the test vehicle revealed a rattle from the license plate vibrating on the tailgate, which detracted from the overall refinement.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX, especially in its new-for-2022 A-Spec Advance package, sought to embrace a sporty and luxurious vibe. The styling updates—subtle yet inspired by the larger MDX—enhanced both the RDX's grille surround and bumper designs. Additionally, the hand-built PCM Edition's exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint with Orchid white interior underscored Acura’s commitment to sophisticated aesthetics.

Priced from $42,300 to $53,300, depending on the packages, the RDX aimed to justify its expense with high-quality materials and quieter interiors, providing a legitimate air of luxury. Even though the new vertical air inlet designs were divisive, the RDX oozed more style than many competitors, reflecting Acura’s flair for a sportier aesthetic in the compact luxury SUV category.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasted a powertrain that paired a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, alongside a lithium-ion battery pack placed under the back seat. Combined, these elements produced 219 horsepower, making it 16 hp stronger than the standard RAV4 but 83 hp shy of the plug-in RAV4 Prime. The front electric motor contributed 149 pound-feet of torque, while the rear motor added 89 lb-ft. It featured several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV, permitting versatile user control.

Despite weighing between 3,690 to 3,780 pounds, the instant torque from the electric motors made acceleration lively, although the four-cylinder engine’s noise was less pleasing at higher revs. The RAV4 Hybrid offered an EPA rating of 40 mpg for combined driving, with real-world tests averaging 39.7 mpg. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) managed virtually seamless operation, and a competent regenerative braking system further enhanced the driving experience.

Suspension and steering played well with the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension setup, along with brake-based Active Cornering Assist for maximized handling. The Michelin Primacy all-season tires, however, did not perform well under aggressive conditions, offering limited grip and causing some consternation during sharp cornering. Nevertheless, the RAV4 Hybrid managed to be an agreeable daily driver and performed adequately off-road with its 8.1 inches of ground clearance.

The 2022 Acura RDX distinguished itself through its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, providing a robust 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and a torque of 280 pound-feet between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. This engine’s quick turbo spool contributed to the RDX’s engaging driving character. Despite its power, the fuel economy averaged just 20.6 mpg during testing, falling short of its EPA rating of 23 mpg.

A standard 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters delivered precise gear changes, albeit the new sound-deadening measures dampened the paddling experience slightly. The RDX’s base, Technology, and A-Spec trims offered front-wheel drive, whereas the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages came with the superior Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) which could divert up to 70 percent of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel, enhancing driving dynamics in complex terrains.

Revised for 2022, the RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered more distinct driving modes and a re-tuned adaptive-damping suspension for varied driving conditions. The quieter ride, thanks to enhanced sound insulation and Active Sound Control, elevated the RDX’s comfort. These improvements, combined with the sharp handling, made the RDX an enticing choice, although it still fell short of performance badges like Acura's Type S, catering instead to those seeking refined agility rather than raw thrills.

The interior of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was designed with comfort and utility in mind. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and available heated and ventilated front cushions made for a comfortable driving experience, though the passenger's seat lacked height adjustment. Rear passengers benefited from decent legroom, excellent foot space, and reclining backrests, even if the seat felt slightly too low.

The clear instrumentation, while sometimes overly colorful, and the intuitive arrangement of controls made the RAV4 easy to navigate. Storage options were generous with useful shelves and compartments throughout. The cargo area provided 37.5 cubic feet of storage, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, although the all-weather mat and subwoofer encroached on the usable space.

The 2022 Acura RDX offered ample room for four adults and their luggage under a standard panoramic sunroof. However, adaptivity to the unconventional control layout was necessary. The touchpad interface, unusual gauge design, and transmission controls introduced a learning curve. Standard features like the 12-way power-adjustable heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and optional ventilated seats supplied comfort, although the back seat’s lack of support might be a drawback for adult passengers.

Cargo space in the RDX was slightly limited compared to the RAV4, offering 29.5 cubic feet with the seats up and 58.9 cubic feet with them folded. Nonetheless, the hidden storage compartments under the load floor offered added utility.

Toyota equipped the 2021 RAV4 Hybrid with a range of infotainment systems featuring either a 7-inch or an 8-inch touchscreen display, all compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The top-level system included an 11-speaker JBL premium audio setup, dynamic navigation, and comprehensive connected services for various durations.

The user interface, mounted like a tablet at the dashboard's crest, combined usability with quick-access buttons, volume knobs, and a responsive voice recognition system. It featured camera-based tech like a surround-view system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2022 Acura RDX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) paired a 10.2-inch display with a unique touchpad controller, requiring a learning period for users. Despite criticisms of its complexity, it integrated support for natural voice recognition via Amazon Alexa, easing the interaction process.

New for 2022, the RDX incorporated wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad. Three sound systems provided escalating levels of auditory immersion, culminating in the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system with 16 speakers in higher trims. The head-up display in the advanced packages added another layer of tech-savvy convenience.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems. This included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. While generally effective, some systems, particularly the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, could act unpredictably under certain conditions.

The RAV4 Hybrid received top safety ratings from NHTSA with five stars overall and from IIHS, except for certain non-adaptive headlights.

For 2022, Acura’s RDX enhanced its safety features, adding structural improvements, rear seatbelt reminders, and additional driver aids like pedestrian detection and blind-spot monitoring. Advanced trims offered automatic braking and comprehensive parking sensors.

AcuraWatch provided an overall competent suite of safety features, though they showed some drawbacks under specific conditions. The RDX maintained high safety standards with five stars from NHTSA, though it had yet to be rated by IIHS for the 2022 model year.