2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a striking vehicle, especially in its Black Onyx color. This model eradicated almost all chrome from the exterior, transforming the SUV into a sleek, dark presence on the road. However, it quickly accumulated dust, making it look old and shabby. The GX's design, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002, felt dated despite the modern touches like the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. Inside, the cabin quality was impeccable, with smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere, save for the faint roar of the V8 engine.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model. The grille surround, front and rear bumper styling, and updated wheel designs gave it a fresh look. The limited-production PMC Edition, with its exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and Orchid white interior, stood out. The RDX's interior boasted high-quality materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin than previous models. The new vertical air inlets on the front fascia added a touch of flair, making the RDX more stylish than many of its rivals.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. Despite its hefty curb weight of 5,126 pounds, the GX managed a 7.8-second run to 60 mph, thanks to its torque. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, providing a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was a mere 16 mpg in combined driving, which was slightly better than expected during testing. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and handling, but the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Acura RDX, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. The 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters provided a smooth driving experience. The RDX's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, available on higher trims, enhanced driving dynamics, especially on winding roads. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension offered a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. However, the RDX's fuel economy was lower than the EPA rating, averaging 20.6 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. Its tall, narrow, and short design made it easy to maneuver in various environments. The interior featured comfortable seats and well-placed padding, but some switchgear felt outdated. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. However, the rear seat access was challenging, and the third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading, with limited cargo capacity of 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, provided ample room for four adults and their luggage. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. The control layout required some acclimation, but the 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable and supportive. The rear seat, though flat and less supportive, was suitable for children. The RDX's power liftgate revealed 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, along with hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface (RTI) touchpad. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. A CD player and a Lexus app with smartwatch compatibility were also available. However, the stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them difficult to use. The dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition technology were notable highlights. The GX also offered Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 Acura RDX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system paired a 10.2-inch display screen with a touchpad controller. The system required a learning curve, but Amazon Alexa Built-in and other controls minimized the need to use the TTI. The RDX also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, satellite radio, and AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Technology package added a navigation system, while higher trims featured an ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system with 16 speakers and a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Lexus GX, with its older structure, lacked crash-test ratings. However, it included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services were also standard. However, the GX lacked more advanced safety technologies found in its competitors.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety and aimed to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system and additional driver-assist technologies like pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology package 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.