2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Lexus GX

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, and new wheel designs and 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 option packages, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding a $1,045 destination charge. Our test vehicle, equipped with the A-Spec Advance package, cost $53,645. The RDX A-Spec Advance justified its price with high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin, although the new vertical air inlets on the front fascia were not universally loved.

The 2023 Lexus GX boasted a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and a height of 74.2 inches. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned with only 3,000 units available in three paint colors, including the new Eminent White Pearl. Despite its imposing front end, the GX's dimensions seemed to shrink along the sides, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The GX's design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky designs, making it easier to maneuver in technical driving situations. However, the interior featured a disappointing amount of plastic, reflecting its low sales volume and the need for easy manufacturing. Despite this, the GX offered luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

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 provided quick acceleration and an enjoyable driving experience, although heavy-footed drivers would struggle to achieve the EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg, averaging 20.6 mpg during testing. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, and the drivetrain performed beautifully. The RDX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system available on higher trims. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX's quieter cabin and enjoyable driving dynamics made it a compelling choice, although it didn't qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge.

The 2023 Lexus GX's defining feature was its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. The V8 delivered a linear power curve and a satisfying engine note, although it lagged behind more modern engines in terms of performance and fuel economy. The GX's V8 allowed for a 6,500-pound towing capacity, but its fuel economy was a drawback, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to noticeable body roll in corners, but it remained predictable and controllable. The GX's driving dynamics had improved over the years, with communicative road feel and strong brakes. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard four-wheel drive system enhanced its off-road capability, making it suitable for various terrains.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position and featured a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation. The back seat, however, lacked comfort and support, making it less suitable for adults. The RDX's cargo space was generous, with 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided plenty of cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin, a phone space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. The GX retained physical controls, which were a blessing for those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens. The center console lid featured sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests, and the second row offered comfortable seating with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat. However, the third row was too tight for regular use, even for children. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2022 Acura RDX's TTI infotainment system paired a 10.2-inch display screen with a sectioned touchpad controller, creating a direct one-to-one relationship between touchpad and screen. While this system was unique, it was also unnecessarily complicated and distracting. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The Technology package added a navigation system, and three premium sound systems were available, 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 higher trims.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as those in competing models. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, stability control, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). The Off-Road Package added features like a multi-terrain monitor, transmission cooler, fuel-tank protection, crawl control, and multi-terrain select system.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades to improve 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 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it featured advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date, providing a level of protection comparable to newer models.