2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Volvo XC90

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 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 and a quieter cabin, justifying its $53,645 price tag.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 demonstrated how far Volvo had come from its boxy designs of the past. The XC90's purposeful yet understated front end, assertive grille, and modern "Thor’s Hammer" headlights gave it a contemporary flair. Our test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones, adding richness to its appearance. Inside, the XC90's elegant design included two-tone leather, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior, with wood deco inlays, provided a clean and beautiful look.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by 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 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered an enjoyable driving experience, though heavy-footed drivers might not achieve the EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg. Our test averaged 20.6 mpg. 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 revised 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 solid driving dynamics made it a comfortable and communicative SUV, though it didn't quite match the performance of German rivals.

For 2023, Volvo introduced the B5 and B6 engines in the XC90, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. These new powertrains featured mild-hybrid technology, improving fuel efficiency and smoothness. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 engine, equipped with a supercharger and turbo, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery pack to power a 13-volt starter generator, reducing the engine's load. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission provided quick acceleration and smooth shifts. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with minimal road and wind noise, and confidence-inspiring brakes. The XC90's simplicity in driving dynamics, with limited customizable modes, appealed to those who preferred straightforward operation.

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 featured a sporty driving position and a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. However, the control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, required a learning curve. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable, with available ventilation. The back seat, though flat and lacking support, was suitable for children. The RDX provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's front seats offered a peaceful and pleasant experience, though the minimalist design led to limited cubby space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult with the standard bench seat. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. This cargo capacity fell short compared to some competitors. The XC90's smaller size contributed to its car-like driving experience.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. The TTI's one-to-one relationship between touchpad and screen required acclimation. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Standard features included satellite radio and AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Technology package added a navigation system, and higher trims featured premium ELS Studio audio systems, with the top-tier system offering 16 speakers. The Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant. The 12.3-inch driver information display also showed Google Maps. Natural-language recognition via Google Assistant enhanced the user experience, and owners could issue commands to the XC90 through Google Home devices. However, many key functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to some frustration. The minimalist design meant fewer physical buttons, requiring screen interaction for tasks like adjusting the heated steering wheel or seat position.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved 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 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 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The XC90's advanced driver safety tech included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist, which maintained distance from the car ahead and provided gentle steering corrections. These safety features were standard on the 2023 XC90, reinforcing Volvo's reputation for building some of the safest vehicles on the road.