2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

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 RDX 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 various trims, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding destination charges. Our test vehicle, equipped with the A-Spec Advance package, showcased high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin, justifying its $53,645 price tag.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid underwent a more noticeable redesign. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models looked nearly identical to the standard RX 350, except for subtle badging. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner, minimalistic appearance with contemporary textures and backlit ambient lighting. The RX 350h Luxury model featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a sportier all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. Lexus had not announced prices for the 2023 RX models, but estimates suggested the RX 350h Luxury would be just over $60,000, and the RX 500h F Sport Performance would approach $70,000.

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 a spirited driving experience, though heavy-footed drivers would find it challenging to achieve the EPA-rated 23 mpg, as our test averaged 20.6 mpg. The RDX featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and offered front-wheel drive as standard, with the option of Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. 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. Despite its enjoyable driving dynamics, the RDX did not qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, making it less thrilling than some German competitors.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid lineup included the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models. The RX 350h featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque. It was expected to average 36 mpg in combined driving, though our test vehicle achieved 32 mpg. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, delivered 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds but averaged only 20.9 mpg during testing. The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering, and Active Sound Control, making it more fun to drive. However, accessing drive modes required navigating the infotainment system, which could be cumbersome. The RX 350h, with its lower center of gravity and electric assist motor, felt more secure in curves and offered better fuel economy.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample room 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 (TTI) infotainment system. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable, with available ventilation. However, the back seat lacked support, making it less comfortable for adults. The RDX provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid's interior was comfortable and luxurious, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim with ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had sportier front seats with eight-way power adjustment and standard leather. The rear seats, positioned higher due to the battery pack, offered excellent leg support but limited headroom. The RX provided 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which paired a 10.2-inch display screen with a touchpad controller. While the TTI offered a direct one-to-one relationship between touchpad and screen, it was more complicated and distracting than a traditional touchscreen. The RDX 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. The RDX also offered a 10.5-inch head-up display in higher trims.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, Lexus Interface, which required activation of connected services plans for full functionality. The system included a cloud-based navigation system, Intelligent Assistant digital voice assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the touchscreen was large, it could display only one menu at a time, and reflections were an issue. The RX also featured a head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be problematic for drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

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, 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 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 RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included new features like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist, which slowed the RX when the accelerator was released, was also included. The front cross-traffic alert system and curve-speed reduction tech had some issues, and the driver monitoring system could be triggered by certain driving positions. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist for low-speed, hands-free driving and Advanced Park for semi-autonomous parking.