2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Subaru Outback

For the 2022 Acura RDX, identifying the stylistic updates required a discerning eye. Acura attributed these changes to the influence of its larger MDX model, particularly noticeable in the redesigned grille surround and the front and rear bumpers. The wheel designs and available paint colors were also updated, adding nuances to its visual appeal. The limited-production, hand-built RDX PMC Edition returned with its unique Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and Orchid white interior, offering exclusivity.

The PMC Edition, named after the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio where the NSX sports car is built, topped the lineup, which also included base, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance models. Pricing started from $42,300 and went up to $53,300, excluding a $1,045 destination charge. Our test vehicle featured the new-for-2022 A-Spec Advance package, including an extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, totaling $53,645 with destination charges.

Despite the price, the RDX A-Spec Advance justified its cost through premium interior materials, solid build quality, and a notably quieter cabin. Its new vertical air inlets on the front fascia might not have won universal praise, but the RDX maintained a stylish edge over many competitors.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, in contrast, underwent a facelift that enhanced its rugged look. The new front end featured redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding mimicking large air intakes. Additional elements like the simulated skid plate, oversized fog light housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model lent the 2023 Outback an aggressive demeanor.

While opinions on these changes varied, the dark paint colors helped tone down the design's excesses. The Onyx Edition with black wheels and trim complemented the bold styling more cohesively. This edition, now available with both the base and turbocharged powertrains, had a more accessible starting price of $33,495, a $5,100 saving compared to the turbocharged Onyx Edition XT.

The Outback offered trims like Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring, with prices ranging from $28,395 to $39,845, plus a $1,225 destination charge. The turbocharged XT variant, providing better acceleration, was available in Wilderness, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims, priced between $38,445 and $42,295 plus a destination charge.

Our test vehicle, a Touring trim with a standard powertrain and Cosmic Blue paint, featured Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery. Despite our reservations about Subaru’s design approach, the Touring’s interior offered an excellent mix of premium materials and cohesive, complementary design elements, enhancing its overall appeal.

Under the hood, the 2022 Acura RDX boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. The turbo-four engine provided quick power delivery, accentuating the RDX's enjoyable driving character. However, with a heavy foot, fuel efficiency dipped, achieving an average of 20.6 mpg compared to the EPA rating of 23 mpg.

The 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard and performed admirably. Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, standard on Advance and A-Spec Advance packages, enhanced the vehicle’s handling by distributing up to 70 percent of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) for the 2022 model offered more distinct driving modes, while the adaptive-damping suspension provided a smooth ride in Comfort mode and better responsiveness in Sport mode.

With improved noise reduction measures, the 2022 RDX delivered a notably quieter ride, enhancing its appeal as a compact luxury SUV. The vehicle's overall driving dynamics, comfortable seats, thick steering wheel, and responsive turbocharged engine made it enjoyable for daily driving. However, it still didn’t meet the performance levels of German rivals like the Audi SQ5, BMW X3 M40i, and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, lacking the thrill to earn a Type S performance badge.

The 2023 Subaru Outback used horizontally opposed boxer engines, known for their low center of gravity and distinct sound and vibration. However, our 3,781-pound test vehicle with the standard engine felt underpowered, producing 182 hp at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. The CVT managed well at lower speeds, but passing and climbing were challenging, and towing 3,500 pounds seemed optimistic.

Fuel economy was also below expectations, with an average of 25.6 mpg compared to the EPA estimate of 28 mpg in combined driving. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in XT models offered a more satisfying 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, though these models were less fuel efficient, rated at 25 mpg combined, with the Wilderness trim at 23 mpg due to its design.

Subaru’s Active Torque Split AWD system, standard across all Outback models, varied power distribution between the front and rear axles based on driving conditions. The X-Mode traction system and hill descent control further optimized the Outback’s performance on challenging terrain. The Outback handled off-roading with ease, demonstrating its capability in mud, ruts, and snowy conditions.

In urban environments, the Outback’s excellent visibility, compact size, and high seating position facilitated parking and navigating tight spaces. While the standard engine fell short in performance, the suspension tuning provided a firm yet comfortable ride, maintaining composure over bumps and uneven surfaces. Despite the decent steering and capable brakes, the Outback wasn’t a sports wagon, lacking the urgency and thrill of more performance-oriented rivals.

Although classified as a compact SUV, the 2022 Acura RDX offered ample space for four adults and their luggage, complemented by a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position, highlighted by an oversized IDS driving mode knob on the center dashboard.

The RDX's control layout required some acclimation due to the unconventional transmission buttons, switches, and the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system. The A-Spec, A-Spec Advance, and PMC Edition models featured metallic gauge faces with red markings, which were challenging to read in low light. Nevertheless, the standard 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats were comfortable, and the thick-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel was pleasant to hold. Dual-zone automatic climate control and Iconic Drive ambient lighting further enhanced the cabin’s appeal.

The rear seats, however, lacked comfort, feeling flat and unsupportive to ensure a flat cargo load floor when folded. Heated rear seats were available in some models. The RDX’s standard power liftgate provided access to 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, along with hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor.

The 2023 Subaru Outback focused on utility, featuring a purposeful roof rack, flat door sills for easy roof access, and a dashboard storage shelf. Our Touring test vehicle included a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with a thigh support bolster, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and heated and ventilated seats wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The Outback offered generous legroom, device charging ports, and storage spaces, although wind noise was noticeable on highways.

Accessing the Outback was easy due to its high ground clearance and height-adjustable front seats. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, accommodating full-size suitcases with ease. The robust roof rack was well-suited for tie-downs and accessories.

While practical storage could be improved, the Outback's flat door sills provided useful steps to reach the roof rack. More storage trays or cubbies could be added by redesigning the center console or relocating the transmission shifter.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display screen with a sectioned touchpad controller on the center console. While the touchpad offered a direct one-to-one relationship between finger placement and cursor location, it added complexity compared to traditional touchscreens.

However, the 2022 RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, reducing the need for the TTI for many functions. The system also featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a wireless charging pad, satellite radio, and AcuraLink connected services. A navigation system was available starting with the Technology package.

Three premium sound systems were available, including a nine-speaker setup in the base RDX, a 12-speaker ELS Studio system with the Technology package, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system in higher trims. The Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured the Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system in portrait orientation, starting from the Premium trim. Physical controls included volume and tuning knobs, climate control buttons, and defroster buttons, while everything else was embedded into the touchscreen.

The base Outback came with a 7-inch touchscreen system, offering Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims featured wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru’s subscription-based Starlink connected services included a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The system improved usability for 2023, but the voice recognition system remained subpar.

Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror, a 180-degree front-view camera, and a surround-view camera, although the latter was not available on the Outback. The digital rearview mirror and front-view camera proved useful for reversing and parking, respectively.

For 2022, the Acura RDX received structural upgrades to enhance side-impact safety, aiming to maintain a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system, additional pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology package and higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking.

AcuraWatch’s adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems showed reasonable refinement, though not as sophisticated as some competitors. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance and five-star ratings for side-impact.

The 2023 Subaru Outback’s safety features were bolstered with new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, supporting new pedestrian, cyclist, and automatic steering functions. According to the IIHS, the Outback earned top marks in safety tests, including the new, more stringent side-impact test.

EyeSight’s features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Higher trims offered a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. The Limited and Touring trims added a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for improved pedestrian and cyclist detection.

While our test vehicle demonstrated the automatic emergency braking system's effectiveness, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems introduced an artificial feel to steering. The rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways, necessitating its manual deactivation.