2023 Acura RDX vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a distinctive design that set it apart from its siblings in the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's signature quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, along with a prominent shield-shaped grille. The GV70's sloping roofline and ribbed detailing added a touch of athleticism to its profile, blending the visual bulk of an SUV with sleek, car-like elements. The Sport Prestige model further enhanced its character with unique styling features, including a model-specific front fascia, 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's wing, with an elliptical theme that extended to the controls, door handles, and armrests. The design was minimalistic, with a perched touchscreen and hidden air vents, creating a baroque spaceship-like ambiance. The interior offered a variety of color options and luxurious materials, such as Nappa leather upholstery with suede seat inserts, although base models featured leatherette seats.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX presented a sharp, angular style that was unique within its class, yet conventional enough to blend in. The front showcased Acura's signature grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights and deep bodywork creases, giving it a sporty and aggressive look. The side profile was marked by a distinctive character line, suggesting forward movement even when stationary. The rear, however, was more conventional, resembling other small SUVs. Inside, the RDX took a different approach with a vertical cockpit layout, featuring a center stack of controls flowing into the center console. The gear-selector buttons and drive-mode dial emphasized performance, while the 10.2-inch infotainment display sat atop the dash. The instrument panel combined a digital center display with analog gauges, accentuating the RDX's sporty intent. While the interior wasn't as modern as some rivals, it offered a familiar layout for those averse to glass cockpits, though it might disappoint those seeking the latest edgy design.

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 powertrains were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), a feature not commonly found in competitors like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, which typically offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard. The GV70 also included a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, features more commonly associated with sporty coupes. The Sport+ drive mode further emphasized the GV70's sporty aspirations, holding high revs and sharpening throttle response. However, the GV70's chassis felt big and heavy, lacking the sharpness of rivals like the Acura RDX, BMW X3, or Porsche Macan. The steering, while adequate at most speeds, lacked precision for spirited driving. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising but fell short of the luxurious driving experience expected from a true luxury vehicle, with a firm ride even in Comfort mode.

The 2023 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), while Acura's "super-handling all-wheel drive" (SH-AWD) was available on all models and standard in top trims. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, offering average performance for its class. The turbo powertrain provided immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine and exhaust sound. The transmission excelled in selecting the correct gear, while 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 with enough prowess to be considered sporty, yet maintained ride comfort, smoothing over road imperfections with ease. The RDX's broad performance range, easy-to-drive nature, and comfortable ride made it an attractive option for many shoppers.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it provided front-seat headroom comparable to a Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and back-seat headroom similar to a BMW X3. Legroom in both rows was adequate, and rear-seat visibility was good due to thin rear pillars. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded, placing the GV70 in the middle ground between segment leaders like the Infiniti QX50 and lower-ranked models like the Lexus NX and Porsche Macan. The daring interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. However, a covered storage cubby with USB ports was included for phones, and rear-seat passengers had their own climate controls. The heavily bolstered front seats in the Sport Prestige model were great for spirited driving but might feel confining for some. Heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions were available, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2023 Acura RDX provided ample space in the front seats for taller adults, with additional power adjustments for side bolsters and thigh extension in top trims. The generous cushioning ensured comfort during long drives, and the heated and ventilated seats quickly adjusted temperatures. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, though six-footers might find headroom limited. Legroom was more than sufficient, and the large panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's open and airy feel. Cargo space behind the rear seats measured 31.1 cubic feet, slightly larger than competitors. A deep bin under the cargo floor with a center drain plug offered additional storage, useful for wet gear or as a tailgate cooler. Folding the rear seats expanded capacity to 79.8 cubic feet, with remote seatback levers for easy transformation. Front passengers had various storage options, including cupholders, a narrow tray, a center console bin, and a wireless charging pad. However, the center stack's gear selector buttons and drive mode dial occupied unnecessary space.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered a wealth of technology, with a standard 14.5-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The screen's tile-based layout and crisp graphics were user-friendly, and the glass rotary controller with pinch-and-zoom functionality was a high-quality, functional addition. Higher trim levels included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 also featured a digital-key option, allowing drivers to use a smartphone instead of a key fob, and a fingerprint scanner for starting the car and accessing cloud-based driver profiles. Genesis Connected Services, included free for three years, offered remote camera activation, driver profiles, last-mile guidance navigation, and a valet mode. The GV70's rear-seat monitors used radar to detect a baby's breathing, enhancing safety.

The 2023 Acura RDX's infotainment system was controlled by a touchpad, a decision that puzzled many given the challenges faced by similar systems in the past. While Acura's version was an improvement over previous attempts, it still required precise finger movements, making it difficult to use while driving. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen and was out of reach. The experience improved with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, allowing for easier navigation with quick glances. Despite the challenging interface, the system featured sharp graphics, quick responses, and logically arranged menus. The RDX came standard with a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote monitoring via the Acuralink app. Premium audio options included a 16-speaker ELS system with potent bass and clear high notes in the top A-Spec Advanced trim.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, being a new model, had not yet received crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, it came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-attention monitor, and Highway Driving Assist with automated lane centering and adaptive cruise control. The GV70 also included eight standard airbags, such as a front-center airbag that inflated between the front seats. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control with auto-curve slowdown. Highway Driving Assist impressed with smooth control inputs, though its lane-centering function struggled with curves.

The 2023 Acura RDX received high safety ratings, with the NHTSA awarding it five stars for overall and side crash protection, and four stars for frontal and rollover protection. The IIHS gave it the highest score of "good" for crashworthiness and named it a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist. The Technology package added parking proximity sensors, while the Advance package included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display. The systems generally performed well, with the adaptive cruise control praised for smooth inputs, though lane-keep assist was better suited for straight highways.