2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 showcased a distinctive design that set it apart from its siblings in the Genesis lineup. While it borrowed some styling cues like the quad LED strips for headlights and taillights and a prominent shield-shaped grille, the GV70 introduced a sloping roofline that leaned more towards a fastback style than a traditional SUV. This, combined with ribbed detailing, gave the GV70 a muscular profile. The Sport Prestige models further enhanced this unique appearance with specific styling elements, including a model-specific front fascia with large vents, 21-inch wheels with a web pattern, and dark chrome trim. Inside, the GV70's interior was inspired by the cross-section of an airplane wing, featuring an elliptical theme with minimalistic design elements. The cabin offered a variety of color options and luxurious materials, such as Nappa leather upholstery with suede inserts in the Sport Prestige model.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX required a closer look to notice its styling updates, which were inspired by the larger MDX model. These included changes to the grille surround and bumper styling, along with new wheel designs and paint colors. The limited-production PMC Edition stood out with its exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and Orchid white interior. The RDX lineup offered various packages, with the A-Spec Advance package in our test vehicle featuring Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior. The RDX emphasized high-quality interior materials and a quieter cabin, thanks to sound-deadening measures. Despite some controversial design elements like the vertical air inlets, the RDX maintained a stylish presence among its competitors.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The GV70 included features like a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. However, while the powertrain could deliver impressive performance, the chassis felt heavy and lacked the sharpness of some competitors. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising but didn't quite match the luxurious driving experience expected from a true luxury vehicle.

The 2022 Acura RDX came equipped with 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, provided an enjoyable driving experience. The RDX offered front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with the option of Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which enhanced driving dynamics. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension contributed to a smoother ride and improved responsiveness. The RDX also boasted a quieter cabin, thanks to sound-insulation measures. While the RDX delivered a comfortable and communicative driving experience, it didn't quite reach the performance levels of some German rivals.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it provided adequate headroom and legroom in both rows. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded, placing it in the middle ground among competitors. The interior design, while daring, compromised storage space, with limited room in the center console and door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions.

The 2022 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, provided ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position and featured a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. The RDX's front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation and a heated steering wheel. However, the back seat felt flat and lacked support, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor. The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its tech offerings, featuring a standard 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The infotainment system's tile-based layout and crisp graphics were user-friendly, and the glass rotary controller added functionality. Higher trim levels offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 also included a digital-key feature, a fingerprint scanner, and advanced rear-seat monitors. Genesis Connected Services provided additional features like remote camera activation and driver profiles.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. While the TTI required a learning curve, the RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system available on higher trims. The RDX also featured a 10.5-inch head-up display on select packages.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also featured a driver-attention monitor and Highway Driving Assist. The GV70 included eight standard airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety and aimed to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The RDX included a rear seatbelt reminder system and the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assist features, which added pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were refined but not as sophisticated as some competitors. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating.