2022 Acura MDX vs 2021 Toyota RAV4
Overview | |
MSRP$26,350 | MSRP$48,000 |
Listings2018 | Listings649 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2021 Toyota RAV4 Reviews SummarySince its launch in 1997, the Toyota RAV4 has ridden a wave of crossover SUV popularity to become one of Toyota’s bestselling models. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation RAV4 tries to offer the rugged style of a traditional SUV, but underneath it’s still a car-based crossover pitched against the likes of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan. Because it’s only in its third model year, this fifth-generation RAV4 doesn’t get many updates for 2021. The biggest news is the addition of the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid to the lineup, but that model actually went on sale last year. The only other changes are a new XLE Premium trim level for the RAV4 Hybrid, and a new front stainless steel front skid plate for the gasoline RAV4 TRD Off-Road model. Toyota offers compact SUV buyers more choices than most competitors. The RAV4 LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited trim levels are available with hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains. Toyota also offers the gasoline-only RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trim levels, plus the RAV4 Hybrid XSE. The RAV4 Prime is also available in two trim levels—SE and XSE. We’ve covered the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime in separate reviews, so this review will focus on the gasoline RAV4. Our test car was a RAV4 TRD Off-Road, which joined the lineup for the 2020 model year and is the first RAV4 model tuned by Toyota Racing Development, the automaker’s North American performance division. | |
2022 Acura MDX Reviews SummarySkipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 203 hp I4 | Engine3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower | Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City28 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway35 | MPG Highway26 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 203 hp I4 | Engine Name3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Torque | Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City28 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway35 | MPG Highway26 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space37.6 cu ft | Cargo Space16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight3370 lbs | Curb Weight4271 lbs |
Height67.0 in | Height67.1 in |
Length180.9 in | Length198.4 in |
Width73.0 in | Width78.7 in |
Wheelbase105.9 in | Wheelbase113.8 in |
Maximum Payload1240 lbs | Maximum Payload1173 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $26,350 | $48,000 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.3 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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Summary | Since its launch in 1997, the Toyota RAV4 has ridden a wave of crossover SUV popularity to become one of Toyota’s bestselling models. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation RAV4 tries to offer the rugged style of a traditional SUV, but underneath it’s still a car-based crossover pitched against the likes of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan. Because it’s only in its third model year, this fifth-generation RAV4 doesn’t get many updates for 2021. The biggest news is the addition of the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid to the lineup, but that model actually went on sale last year. The only other changes are a new XLE Premium trim level for the RAV4 Hybrid, and a new front stainless steel front skid plate for the gasoline RAV4 TRD Off-Road model. Toyota offers compact SUV buyers more choices than most competitors. The RAV4 LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited trim levels are available with hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains. Toyota also offers the gasoline-only RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trim levels, plus the RAV4 Hybrid XSE. The RAV4 Prime is also available in two trim levels—SE and XSE. We’ve covered the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime in separate reviews, so this review will focus on the gasoline RAV4. Our test car was a RAV4 TRD Off-Road, which joined the lineup for the 2020 model year and is the first RAV4 model tuned by Toyota Racing Development, the automaker’s North American performance division. | Skipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 203 hp I4 | 3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | |
MPG City | 28 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 35 | 26 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 203 hp I4 | 3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 28 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 35 | 26 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 37.6 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3370 lbs | 4271 lbs |
Height | 67.0 in | 67.1 in |
Length | 180.9 in | 198.4 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 78.7 in |
Wheelbase | 105.9 in | 113.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1240 lbs | 1173 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1500 lbs | 3500 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
CarGurus experts evaluated the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and the 2022 Acura MDX in the context of their own classes. The 2021 RAV4 averaged 7.3 points out of 10, while the 2022 MDX averaged 8. Based on these ratings, the Acura MDX is the recommended choice for its superior performance, luxury, and technology offerings.
Choose the 2022 Acura MDX if:
- You seek a luxury SUV with advanced technology and premium features.
- Comfort and space for up to seven passengers are crucial.
- Performance and handling are important factors in your driving experience.
Choose the 2021 Toyota RAV4 if:
- You prioritize fuel-efficiency and a lower starting price.
- Off-road capability is essential for your lifestyle.
- You desire a compact SUV with a rugged appearance and Toyota's reliability.
CarGurus highlights
CarGurus experts evaluated the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and the 2022 Acura MDX in the context of their own classes. The 2021 RAV4 averaged 7.3 points out of 10, while the 2022 MDX averaged 8. Based on these ratings, the Acura MDX is the recommended choice for its superior performance, luxury, and technology offerings.
Choose the 2022 Acura MDX if:
Shop Now- You seek a luxury SUV with advanced technology and premium features.
- Comfort and space for up to seven passengers are crucial.
- Performance and handling are important factors in your driving experience.
Choose the 2021 Toyota RAV4 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize fuel-efficiency and a lower starting price.
- Off-road capability is essential for your lifestyle.
- You desire a compact SUV with a rugged appearance and Toyota's reliability.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.