2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. Updates included a revised 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 ranged from the base model to the top-tier A-Spec Advance, with prices starting at $42,300 and reaching up to $53,300, excluding destination charges. Our test vehicle, equipped with the A-Spec Advance package, showcased high-quality materials, solid build quality, and a quieter interior, justifying its $53,645 price tag.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure from its predecessors with a more assertive, truck-like design. It was longer and wider, with a more muscular stance and modernized D-pillar taillights. The Sport Touring trim we tested featured black roof rails, mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the design direction of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with high-quality materials and attractive contrast stitching. The honeycomb grille surrounding the climate control vents added a premium feel to the cabin.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a spirited driving experience, though fuel economy suffered with heavy-footed driving, averaging 20.6 mpg compared to the EPA rating of 23 mpg. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, and the SH-AWD system, available on higher trims, delivered up to 70% of the engine's power to a single rear wheel. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension offered distinct driving modes, enhancing comfort and responsiveness. Despite its dynamic capabilities, the RDX fell short of earning Acura's Type S performance badge, making it less thrilling than some German rivals.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a simplified powertrain lineup, with a new hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a two-motor hybrid-electric system. This setup produced 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful CR-V to date. The hybrid powertrain provided a responsive driving experience, with a top speed of 115 mph and a towing capacity of up to 1,000 lbs. The CR-V Hybrid introduced a fourth drive mode, Snow, and an updated Real Time AWD system capable of sending up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. A new "B" shifter position increased regenerative braking, enhancing fuel efficiency. The FWD CR-V Hybrid achieved impressive fuel economy ratings of 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined.

The 2022 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered ample space for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable, with available ventilation and a heated steering wheel. However, the rear seats lacked support, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor. The RDX provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid benefited from its larger exterior, translating to increased interior volume. Cargo space grew to 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing many competitors. The Sport Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-Vs had wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The interior included a cubby for two smartphones, eight cupholders, and a best-in-class console for storage.

The 2022 Acura RDX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller, requiring a learning curve for users. Despite its complexity, the system offered a direct one-to-one relationship between touchpad and screen. The RDX also included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Three premium sound systems were available, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers. Higher trims included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid catered to user preferences with physical buttons for important functions. The standard 7-inch touchscreen had volume and tuning knobs, while the 9-inch touchscreen on the Sport Touring trim included a volume knob and hard Seek buttons. Both Hybrid models featured USB-A and USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. The Sport Touring trim added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system. The smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

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 and enhancements to the AcuraWatch suite, such as pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. The RDX earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings, and five-star side-impact ratings.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist systems. New features for 2023 included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. A blind-spot information system and cross-traffic monitor were standard across the lineup, with parking sensors on higher trims. The CR-V Hybrid also featured new airbags, dashboard patches, and a stiffer structure for enhanced crash protection. It maintained its Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five-star rating from the NHTSA.