2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

In the past, observing the 2022 Acura RDX closely was necessary to notice the subtle styling changes it underwent. These involved grille surround modifications and tweaks to both the front and rear bumpers, inspired by Acura's larger MDX model. Acura also revamped the SUV’s paint colors and wheel designs, and the exclusive, hand-built RDX PMC Edition returned, boasting a unique Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior. Built at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, the PMC Edition represented the pinnacle of the 2022 RDX range, which also included the base model along with Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance packages, with starting prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300 before the destination charge of $1,045 was added.

The test vehicle for the Acura RDX came with the A-Spec Advance package, featuring Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, pushing the total price to $53,645, including the delivery charge. The RDX A-Spec Advance impressively justified its cost with high-quality interior materials, robust build quality, and a significantly quieter cabin. It presented a sportier style through its design elements like the unique air inlets on the front fascia, distinguishing it from its competitors.

In contrast, descriptions of the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport often employed the terms “modernist” and “reductive” to emphasize its sleek and straightforward design. However, this might not have appealed to those preferring more ostentatious luxury SUVs. Land Rover provided limited options for a flashy appearance from the factory, with colors like Firenze Red and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels being some of the available choices. Yet, a performance-tuned SVR model promising a loud twin-turbocharged V8 and attention-grabbing design elements was anticipated to join the lineup later.

The evaluation model for the Range Rover Sport featured a muted Eiger Gray paint, complemented by silver 23-inch wheels and a subtle Black Exterior Pack, along with a luxurious interior adorned in Deep Garnet over Ebony with aluminum and shiny black trim. It offered understated luxury rather than overt flamboyance. The available trims included the SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e, with our SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle's upgrades bringing the MSRP to $98,420, including the $1,475 destination fee.

Design highlights for the new Range Rover Sport included ultra-slim LED headlights, flush door handles that responded to proximity, and the first use of surface LED taillights in a production vehicle. The SUV's aerodynamics were also commendable, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.29. Inside, the SUV paired high-tech features with luxurious materials, including the sustainable Ultrafabrics, though the Windsor leather upholstery, known for its luxurious feel and aroma, remained the most noticeable aspect.

Previously, every 2022 Acura RDX came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. This turbo-four quickly spooled up, ensuring an enjoyable driving experience, though frequent heavy-footed driving decreased fuel efficiency from the EPA’s rating of 23 mpg (as tested), averaging only 20.6 mpg during evaluations.

The RDX's 10-speed automatic transmission, paired with paddle shifters, delivered seamless performance. Acura's new sound-deadening measures slightly dampened the enthusiasm for using the paddle shifters, which were standard on all trim levels. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard on the base, Technology, and A-Spec packages, while the Advance and A-Spec Advance models featured Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This advanced torque-vectoring AWD system, capable of directing up to 70 percent of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel, enhanced the SUV’s agility on winding roads.

For 2022, Acura had re-tuned the RDX’s standard Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension found in the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages. This tuning provided a smoother ride in Comfort mode and sharper handling in Sport mode, enhancing the SUV’s driving dynamics. Additional sound control measures also contributed to a quieter cabin, positioning the RDX as a compelling alternative in the compact luxury SUVs segment.

Conversely, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to blend refinement and comfort with driver-focused engagement, though it achieved this only partially. The SE and SE Dynamic models featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The SE Dynamic's engine produced 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, while the SE P360's version offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), exclusive to the Autobiography P440e, delivered 434 hp and an estimated 51-mile electric range. Meanwhile, a 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine was available for selected early-build 2023 models like the P530, although it was temporarily withdrawn from the lineup.

The test Range Rover Sport, equipped with a 395-hp inline-six, demonstrated credible acceleration to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, driving all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission and an Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. It had a towing capacity rated at 7,716 pounds and offered a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg according to the EPA, though it surpassed expectations by averaging 22.3 mpg on the test route and 25.1 mpg on a highway drive.

Built on a new architecture providing a 35 percent increase in torsional stiffness, the Range Rover Sport featured an adaptive damping air suspension tuned for optimal ride comfort and handling. Dynamic driving mode, along with various stability and control systems, promised superior driving dynamics. While the SUV performed well on city streets and highways, its handling on winding roads didn’t match that of sportier German rivals.

Off-road, the Range Rover Sport was impressive, with features like Terrain Response, All Terrain Progress Control, and significant ground clearance allowing it to tackle tough terrains effectively. It also provided additional conveniences like Wade Sensing and autonomous systems for handling various off-road conditions.

Despite being a compact SUV, the 2022 Acura RDX comfortably seated four adults with ample luggage space, enhanced by a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position, with the large IDS driving mode knob prominently placed on the dashboard. However, its control layout, including transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, required a bit of a learning curve.

The RDX offered comfortable standard 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats, with optional ventilation. The thick-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel, new for 2022, could also be heated. Dual-zone automatic climate control and Iconic Drive ambient lighting were available across various trims. However, the rear seats lacked comfort due to a flat design, although heated cushions were optional. The RDX featured a power liftgate, opening to 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Meanwhile, the redesigned 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, promoting an open and airy feel in the cabin. The new air suspension facilitated easier entry and exit, particularly for shorter individuals. The front seats, with Windsor leather upholstery and 20-way power adjustments, offered supreme comfort and optional features like heating, ventilation, a massage function, and a heated steering wheel.

Rear seat comfort, though improved, still fell short for long-legged passengers, with hard front seatback panels proving uncomfortable. However, the deeply bucketed rear seats provided excellent support, marred only by a lack of upright adjustment and narrow door openings. Storage solutions within the cabin were practical, albeit with some limitations in design.

The Range Rover Sport's cargo capacity measured 31.9 cubic feet, extendable to 53 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. Unique features like controls to lower the air suspension and power-fold the back seats eased loading and maximized usability. However, the test vehicle’s full-size spare occupied significant underfloor space.

Previously, the 2022 Acura RDX featured the TTI infotainment system, integrating a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. The touchpad sections corresponded directly with display areas, requiring users to match their touchpad interactions with the screen cursor. Despite initial complexity, drivers could grow accustomed to the system over time.

The addition of Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto simplified smartphone connectivity. The RDX also included satellite radio, AcuraLink with a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system in higher trims. Three sound systems were available, ranging from a nine-speaker base setup to a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround sound system in the higher trims, along with a 10.5-inch head-up display in certain packages.

On the other hand, the 2023 Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrument display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and connected services were standard. However, Wi-Fi access required an additional data plan.

While intuitive in design, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform could be confusing and frustrating. Features like the automatic driver exit assist added to the complexity, and the native voice assistant often struggled with basic commands. In contrast, the Meridian audio system with up to 29 speakers and Active Noise Cancellation offered impressive sound quality.

For 2022, Acura enhanced the RDX's safety with structural upgrades and new features like rear seatbelt reminders and additional driver-assist systems. The 2022 RDX aimed to retain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, although official ratings were pending. The standard AcuraWatch suite now included pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking in higher trims. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worked well, though not as smoothly as some competitors. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 RDX a five-star safety rating overall, with mixed ratings in specific areas.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with an array of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included automatic high beams, a driver monitoring system, parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and Wade Sensing for off-road water crossings. Remote Park Assist allowed the SUV to park itself via a smartphone app. However, the adaptive cruise control lacked responsiveness, and steering assist technology was inconsistent, struggling with poorly painted lane lines.