2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2022 RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by Acura's larger MDX model, including updates to the grille surround, front and rear bumper styling, 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 starting prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding a $1,045 destination charge. 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.

The 2023 Lexus RX, though shorter in height and broader in width, maintained the same overall length as its predecessor. It offered more cargo space but appeared smaller due to design changes like reduced rear overhang and softer lines. The front featured a better-integrated spindle-style grille, while the rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The RX's exterior styling was familiar yet fresh, distinguishing it from the previous generation and the smaller NX. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a touchscreen display, with high-quality materials like NuLuxe artificial leather and real wood trims.

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, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered a responsive and enjoyable driving experience. The RDX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with the option of Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which enhanced cornering and stability. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride and greater responsiveness. Despite its engaging driving dynamics, the RDX fell short of earning Acura's Type S performance badge, making it less thrilling than some German rivals.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the outgoing V6. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport Handling trim, with its adaptive damping suspension, felt more secure and responsive. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with fuel economy ratings of 24 mpg combined. Despite its less refined engine note, the RX 350 provided a satisfying driving experience.

The 2022 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered ample room 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, while the back seat lacked support. 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 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling package providing sportier bolsters. The RX 350 Luxury trim featured premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The back seat was roomy and supportive, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX provided useful storage areas and improved cargo space, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Acura RDX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller, offering a direct one-to-one relationship between touchpad and screen. Despite its complexity, the TTI became more natural to use over time. The RDX also featured 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 offering 16 speakers.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and various connected services. The Intelligent Assistant responded to voice commands, while user profiles saved individual settings. The RX also offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and available digital rearview mirror and digital key technology. A color head-up display (HUD) was available, though it could be difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety and new safety features like a rear seatbelt reminder system. The standard AcuraWatch suite included pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RDX received 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 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. New semi-autonomous driving technologies included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. While LSS+ 3.0 was impressive, it had some flaws, such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls and non-predictive curve-speed reduction technology.