2023 Acura RDX vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup included the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, with the new ST-Line adding a sporty flair to the XLT version. The King Ranch model, tested with 4WD, Rapid Red paint, and a Premium Technology package, reached an MSRP of $59,880. Despite its top-trim status, the King Ranch's visual distinctions were subtle, featuring King Ranch emblems, 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, boasted a long hood, short front overhang, and a tapering greenhouse, creating a taut, athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts, though the cabin mixed quality materials with some less impressive elements.

The 2023 Acura RDX was noted for its sharp, angular style, though it remained conventional enough to blend in. The signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights, gave the front a sporty look, while the side featured a distinctive character line suggesting forward movement. The rear was more conventional, resembling other small SUVs. Inside, the RDX diverged from the horizontal dashboard trend, opting for a vertical layout with a center stack of controls flowing into the console. The cockpit emphasized performance with gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial. The interior, while not as modern as some rivals, offered a familiar feel for those averse to glass cockpits. The RDX's cabin, though updated with newer tech features, retained an older design aesthetic.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and RWD, with 4WD available. It had a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and achieved up to 24 mpg combined. The hybrid option, available for the Limited, combined a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs and returning 27 mpg combined. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, produced 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs with a maximum of 21 mpg combined. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and felt athletic in daily driving.

The 2023 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It came standard with FWD, with Acura's SH-AWD available on all models and standard on top trims. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, with immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine and exhaust sound. The transmission was adept at selecting the correct gear, and the brake pedal offered reassuring firmness. The RDX's handling inspired confidence, with well-managed body roll and ample traction from the advanced AWD system. It cornered sportily without sacrificing ride comfort, smoothing over road imperfections with ease.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. The King Ranch model featured triple-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with 14-way power adjustment for drivers and eight-way for passengers. The third-row seat was difficult for adults to access, with limited legroom. Storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage solutions. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, offering 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2023 Acura RDX offered generous front seat space, with additional power adjustments in top trims. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The cabin felt open and airy, enhanced by a large panoramic sunroof. The RDX provided 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a deep bin under the cargo floor featuring a center drain plug. Folding the rear seats expanded capacity to 79.8 cubic feet, with remote seatback levers for easy transformation. Front passengers had ample storage options, though the center stack's design took up unnecessary space.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The larger screen appeared as an afterthought, while the smaller screen integrated well with the interior. The King Ranch model included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. It also had wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system showed its age, with voice recognition issues and limited functionality compared to newer systems. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Acura RDX used a touchpad infotainment controller, which was challenging to use, especially while driving. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen and was out of reach. The system improved with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, allowing for easier operation. Despite the interface issues, the infotainment system had sharp graphics, quick responses, and logically arranged menus. The RDX came standard with a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote monitoring via the Acuralink app. The top A-Spec Advanced trim featured a 16-speaker ELS audio system with potent bass and clear high notes.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete. It came with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions. The systems operated smoothly, though the lane-centering assist occasionally disengaged on curvy roads.

The 2023 Acura RDX received five stars from NHTSA for overall and side crash protection, and four stars for frontal and rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Technology package added parking sensors, while the Advance package included a surround-view camera and head-up display. The systems worked well, with smooth adaptive cruise control, though lane-keep assist was better suited for straight highways.