2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent a subtle evolution rather than a radical redesign. Its front and side profiles remained largely unchanged from the previous generation, with a broad, rounded face and expansive sheet metal. A notable update was the vertical accent strip under the mirrors, replacing the old L-shaped trim. The rear saw the most significant change, with thin LED strips replacing the square taillights, integrated into a darker trim element. The Range Rover continued to emphasize its size, especially with the long-wheelbase version, adding eight inches in length. Inside, the cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger touchscreen, maintaining a familiar yet modern look. Premium materials, including leather and wood trim, enhanced the luxurious feel, and the solid build quality was evident even on rough roads.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model, with updates to the grille surround and bumper styling. New wheel designs and paint colors were introduced, including the exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl for the PMC Edition. The RDX lineup included various packages, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300. The A-Spec Advance package, tested at $53,645, offered high-quality materials and a quieter interior. While the new vertical air inlets were not universally loved, the RDX maintained a stylish flair compared to its rivals. The interior boasted a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, with a learning curve for the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. Despite some quirks, the RDX provided a comfortable and engaging driving experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, impressive for its nearly 6,000-pound weight. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile, with well-managed body roll and standard rear-wheel steering for easy maneuverability. It excelled off-road with the Terrain Response system, offering a smooth and quiet ride.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard. 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 provided excellent torque-vectoring capabilities, enhancing driving dynamics. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered distinct driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension improved ride comfort and responsiveness. The RDX delivered a quieter ride with sound-deadening measures, making it a compelling choice among compact luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered power recline and sliding adjustments, with climate controls and USB-C ports. The optional third row was accessible with a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space was 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 93 cubic feet with seats folded. The split tailgate and air suspension height adjustment aided loading.

The 2022 Acura RDX, though compact, offered room for four adults and luggage under a panoramic sunroof. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout. The standard 12-way power-adjustable front seats were comfortable, with available ventilation. The back seat, while flat, provided a flat cargo load floor when folded. The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats down. A power liftgate with hands-free operation was standard, and hidden storage compartments were available beneath the load floor.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover featured a new 13-inch touchscreen with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered excellent sound quality, with a 35-speaker upgrade available. Other tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2022 Acura RDX used the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. The system required acclimation but offered a direct one-to-one relationship between touchpad and screen. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Three premium sound systems were available, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system offering 16 speakers. A 10.5-inch head-up display was included with higher trims.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Range Rover's safety features performed well, though some rivals offered additional advanced features.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety. It aimed to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, though ratings were pending. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder and enhanced AcuraWatch systems with pedestrian detection and blind-spot monitoring. The RDX received a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.