2023 BMW X1 vs 2022 Acura RDX

The 2022 Acura RDX underwent subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model. Upgrades included tweaks to the grille surround and front and rear bumpers, enhanced wheel designs, and new paint color options. The limited-edition, hand-built RDX PMC Edition returned with a striking Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, reflecting Acura’s attention to bespoke details. The PMC Edition was notably crafted at Acura’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, renowned for producing the NSX sports car.

The lineup for the 2022 RDX consisted of several trims, starting from the base model and extending through Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance packages. Prices ranged from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding a $1,045 destination charge. Our test model featured the A-Spec Advance package, showcasing an Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, setting its price tag at $53,645 including destination.

The RDX A-Spec Advance justified its premium pricing through high-quality interior materials, impeccable build quality, and a remarkably quieter cabin. While the new vertical air inlets flanking the front fascia were a divisive design choice, the RDX maintained a stylish edge over many competitors.

In comparison, the 2023 BMW X1 embraced an evolutionary design that enhanced its robust appearance. The larger, squarer kidney grille was less polarizing than the grille on the BMW 4 Series, signaling the X1's readiness for improved airflow. Flush door handles, akin to those on the i4, and standard LED headlights and taillights were new additions. The updated L-shaped taillights further modernized the rear.

BMW expanded the X1’s color palette to include 13 external color choices, with new options like Blue Bay Lagoon and Utah Orange. Our test vehicle flaunted an extra-cost Portimao Blue paint. The X1 retained standard 18-inch wheels and introduced 20-inch wheels as an optional upgrade, paired with performance tires for the first time.

The xLine design added silver trims and accents, while the M Sport Package incorporated body-colored elements and a black Shadowline exterior package. Inside, the X1's cabin, though not overtly luxurious, exuded a premium feel. The BMW Curved Display dominated the dash, accompanied by streamlined vents and a minimalistic center armrest. Our tester, equipped with the M Sport Package, featured sport seats, a stitched SensaTec dashboard, and an M leather steering wheel, while the Premium Package added a panoramic moonroof.

Under the hood, the 2022 Acura RDX boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. This engine provided quick thrust delivery, enhancing the RDX’s engaging driving dynamics. However, during testing, it averaged 20.6 mpg, below the EPA rating of 23 mpg.

A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, though the new sound-deadening measures somewhat diminished the driving pleasure derived from the paddles. Front-wheel drive was standard on the base, Technology, and A-Spec packages, while the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages came with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. SH-AWD could direct up to 70% of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel, particularly beneficial on winding mountain roads.

The RDX’s Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension saw refinements for 2022, offering a smoother ride in Comfort mode and heightened responsiveness in Sport mode. The enhanced Active Sound Control and additional insulation provided a quieter ride, making the RDX a competitive alternative in the compact luxury SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X1 received a notable power upgrade with its 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This increase, combined with a new dual injection system and revised combustion chamber geometry, allowed the X1 to achieve 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds and tow up to 3,500 pounds—a first for the X1.

A new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) replaced the previous eight-speed automatic, enhancing the driving experience. BMW’s Adaptive M Suspension and damping systems were improved for better comfort and stability, with minimal body roll evident even during spirited driving.

The 2023 X1’s fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined, with premium fuel recommended. Visibility was satisfactory despite the narrow rear window design, thanks to large windows and narrow pillars.

Despite being a compact SUV, the 2022 Acura RDX offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with everyone enjoying the standard panoramic sunroof. The interior layout featured a sporty driving position and prominent IDS driving mode knob at the center of the dashboard. The control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, required a learning curve. The metallic gauge faces in the A-Spec and PMC Edition models were difficult to read in low light.

The RDX provided standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and available heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seats, however, lacked comfort and support, likely to ensure a flat cargo load floor when folded. Cargo capacity included 29.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 58.9 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2023 BMW X1, benefiting from increased dimensions, offered more spacious interiors. Front-row headroom stood at 42.1 inches, with rear headroom at 39.3 inches, far exceeding some competitors. Even with the sunroof, the X1 felt roomy. It also provided 40.4 inches of front-row legroom and 37 inches in the rear. Cargo space was 25.7 cubic feet behind the split-folding rear seats, expandable to 57.2 cubic feet with seats folded.

However, heated seats remained an option, packaged with a heated steering wheel for $550, unlike some competitors where this feature was standard. The wireless charging pad in our tester ensured secure charging.

The 2022 Acura RDX's infotainment system, the TTI, featured a 10.2-inch display screen controlled by a touchpad on the center console. The system's touchpad had a unique one-to-one correspondence with the screen, which took time to master but became intuitive over time. The 2022 model saw the addition of Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Available sound systems included a nine-speaker setup, a 12-speaker ELS Studio system, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X1 featured the BMW Curved Display that combined a 10.7-inch infotainment screen with a 10.25-inch driver information display. The system, part of iDrive 8, was user-friendly and responsive, despite a cluttered menu layout. Voice commands worked well, particularly for climate control. The X1 offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and our tester included the optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Live Cockpit Plus with navigation, Bluetooth, and four USB-C ports was standard, while Live Cockpit Professional added a head-up display and augmented reality navigation.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured structural upgrades aimed at improving side-impact safety, with hopes for maintaining its Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. New safety additions included a rear seatbelt reminder and enhanced AcuraWatch features such as pedestrian detection and blind-spot monitoring. Advanced safety features like front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking came with the Technology package and higher. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall rating.

For 2023, the BMW X1 made active blind-spot detection standard, including a new exit warning function. The front-collision warning system added pedestrian and cyclist detection with brake intervention. BMW’s Active Driving Assistant Professional suite, which includes lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control with stop & go, was newly available. Parking Assistant Plus, part of the Premium Package, offered advanced parking assistance.