2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2022 Acura RDX underwent subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. These updates included modifications to the grille surround and front and rear bumper styling, along with new wheel designs and paint colors. The limited-production RDX PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, named after the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup offered various trims, with prices starting from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding destination charges. Our test vehicle, equipped with the A-Spec Advance package, featured high-quality interior materials and a quieter cabin, justifying its $53,645 price tag. Despite some design quirks, the RDX maintained a stylish edge over many competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from the blocky exterior of its predecessors. The refreshed model featured a traditional front end with a Ford blue oval logo and a stylish LED light bar. The Escape offered a range of trim levels, with the ST-Line Elite being our test vehicle. It sported 19-inch wheels and body-color mirror caps, giving it an upscale appearance akin to a Mazda CX-5. Inside, the ST-Line Elite showcased diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt hard and plasticky. The seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat provided excellent driving comfort. However, the interior was dominated by plastic materials, some of which felt scratchy and poorly reinforced.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a spirited driving experience, though fuel economy fell short of its EPA rating, averaging 20.6 mpg during testing. The RDX featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system was standard on higher trims. The SH-AWD system offered impressive torque-vectoring capabilities, enhancing the RDX's handling on winding roads. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) allowed for distinct driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride. Despite its dynamic prowess, the RDX didn't qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, leaving driving enthusiasts to consider German alternatives.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and could be configured with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, exclusively available with all-wheel drive. While the Escape's performance was adequate, it lacked the precision and tuning of a true performance crossover. The suspension was soft and compliant, and the transmission lacked paddle shifters. However, the Escape's brakes offered predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness seen in some competitors.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, provided ample space for four adults and their luggage, thanks to a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. The RDX's front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation and heating options. However, the rear seats lacked support, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor when folded. The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats down, along with hidden storage compartments.

The 2023 Ford Escape boasted comfortable and supportive seats with excellent ergonomics. The steering wheel felt great to hold, and the armrests were well-positioned. The Escape's cargo space, at 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the second row folded, was competitive but fell short of segment leaders like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Passenger space was slightly limited in the rear, but headroom was impressive, and the front-seat backs were designed to maximize space for tall passengers.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. While the TTI offered a direct one-to-one relationship between touchpad and screen, it was more complex than traditional touchscreens. However, the RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad, reducing the need for the TTI. The RDX also offered three premium sound systems, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system available on higher trims.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 13.2-inch screen on higher trims. The larger screen enhanced the cabin's look and offered intuitive navigation with individual tiles for various functions. While Sync 4 was generally user-friendly, it occasionally lagged in response. The Escape's tech features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Sirius XM Satellite Radio, with a static "Home" button for easy navigation.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, aiming to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured a rear seatbelt reminder system and the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assist technologies, including pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RDX earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.

The 2023 Ford Escape earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, it received a Marginal score in the IIHS's updated side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, and a surround-view camera.