2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. These updates included modifications to the grille surround, front and rear bumper styling, new wheel designs, and fresh paint colors. The limited-production PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, built at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup included the base model and various packages, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding a $1,045 destination charge. The A-Spec Advance package, priced at $53,645, boasted high-quality materials, solid build quality, and a quieter interior, making it a stylish and comfortable choice.

The 2023 Audi Q5 combined subtle curves with angular accents, resulting in a classy and sporty appearance. It was available in two body styles: the regular Q5 SUV and the sleeker Q5 Sportback with a sloping rear roofline. The Sportback featured a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined layout with leather seating and heated front seats as standard. The 10-inch touchscreen atop the dash and good materials quality contributed to a pleasant cabin experience, though the rear seats had harder plastic elements for durability. The Q5's sturdy build quality ensured a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine delivered quick acceleration and an enjoyable driving experience, though heavy-footed drivers would see fuel economy drop below the EPA rating of 23 mpg. The 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters provided smooth shifts, and the SH-AWD system, standard on higher trims, offered excellent torque vectoring for improved handling. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension enhanced ride comfort and responsiveness. The RDX's quiet cabin and engaging driving dynamics made it a strong contender in the compact luxury SUV segment.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft, while the 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid (PHEV) delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft with an electric motor, offering 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5s came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The 45 TFSI engine had a noticeable delay in power delivery, making initial acceleration feel sluggish. However, the Q5's handling was sporty and precise, providing confidence on curvy roads. The Q5 balanced ride comfort and cornering ability, with a quiet cabin that met luxury SUV standards.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. The control layout required some acclimation, with unique transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation and a heated steering wheel. However, the rear seats lacked support and comfort for adults. The RDX provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018 but still felt modern and functional. The 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen was positioned for easy viewing, and traditional dials and buttons controlled the climate system. The Q5 offered good outward visibility, with ample space for taller passengers in both the front and rear seats. The Sportback model had slightly reduced headroom but still accommodated six-footers comfortably. Storage options included various pockets and bins, though some were oddly shaped. The Q5 provided 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly reduced to 24.7 cubic feet in the Sportback, making it competitive with other luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display screen with a touchpad controller. The touchpad's sections corresponded to the screen, requiring a learning curve for users. The RDX also included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Standard features included satellite radio and AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims offered a navigation system and premium sound systems, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers. The RDX also included a 10.5-inch head-up display in the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though CarPlay took longer to activate. Higher trims featured a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5's native infotainment system had large on-screen buttons for easy operation, but Apple CarPlay's app buttons were smaller and closer together. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, offering features like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning. Mid-range trims included a customizable digital instrument panel, providing detailed information when needed.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, aiming to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system, 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. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were mostly accurate but occasionally issued false warnings. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings and five-star side-impact ratings.

The 2023 Audi Q5 earned five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS also awarded the Q5 its highest score of "Good" in all crashworthiness tests and named it a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist. The top Prestige trim featured matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, a semi-automated parking system, and a traffic sign reader. Rear-seat side impact airbags were optional on all trims.