2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Lexus NX

When the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX went on sale in December 2021, it was available in four variants: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Depending on the model, trim levels included base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with prices ranging from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding a $1,075 destination charge. The NX 250 and turbocharged NX 350 were conventional gasoline models, while the NX 350h was a hybrid, and the NX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid.

The Lexus NX presented a refined design that showcased the brand's distinctive spindle grille and simplified styling elements. The overall look was influenced by the Lexus IS sports sedan. Newly added block lettering on the tailgate was set to standardize across the Lexus lineup. The new 2022 NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space.

Most NX models featured NuLuxe simulated leather, and the NX Luxury model included genuine leather and open pore wood trim. A panoramic sunroof was now available for the first time. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with a bespoke mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, a unique F Sport steering wheel, and distinctive instrumentation further distinguished the F Sport version. The model also featured dark trim and alloy pedals.

The interior design adopted a minimalist approach, moving away from the button-laden dashboard of the previous model. Physical controls for essential features like stereo volume and temperature adjustments remained. However, integrating numerous functions into the 14-inch touchscreen could make it challenging to locate features quickly. Quality was generally high, though the turn signal felt a bit less premium.

Similarly, the 2022 Acura RDX underwent subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model. The PMC Edition in Long Beach Blue Pearl with an Orchid white interior returned. The limited-production PMC Edition was hand-built in Ohio, where the NSX sports car was also manufactured. The RDX lineup included the base, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance packages, with starting prices between $42,300 and $53,300 plus a $1,045 destination charge.

Our test model featured the new A-Spec Advance package, sporting Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, summing to $53,645. The RDX A-Spec Advance justified its price with high-quality materials, solid build quality, and a much quieter cabin. Despite some ambivalence about new vertical air inlet designs, the RDX exhibited more style and flair than many competitors.

Electrification was a significant aspect for Lexus. The 2022 NX had two electrified versions: the NX 350h, with a combined output of 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg, and the NX 450h+, a 302-hp plug-in hybrid delivering an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 had a lower center of gravity, reduced curb weight, and dynamic tuning developed at Lexus's technical center in Shimoyama, Japan. The turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine in the NX 350 produced 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Eco, with additional Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes for the F Sport. The NX 350 accelerated smoothly to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with observed fuel economies of 22.2 mpg (F Sport) and 25.5 mpg (Luxury). While handling was generally impressive, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine wasn’t as smooth as German competitors. The NX wasn't designed for off-roading, with only 7.7 inches of ground clearance and limited approach and departure angles.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, delivering a spirited drive. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the drivetrain behaved beautifully. Standard FWD was available for the base, Technology, and A-Spec packages, while the AWD system with torque-vectoring capabilities was included as standard in the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages, and optional in other trims.

The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered improved driving mode distinctions for 2022, with revised adaptive dampers for a smoother ride in Comfort mode and enhanced responsiveness in Sport mode. Active Sound Control and added sound-insulation measures led to a quieter cabin. The RDX excelled in driving dynamics, offering comfortable seating, a torquey engine, and effective torque-vectoring AWD. However, it fell short of Acura's Type S performance standards. Despite its enjoyable and comfortable drive, true driving enthusiasts might still prefer German competitors like the Audi SQ5 and BMW X3 M40i.

Lexus claimed the new NX provided more interior space for passengers and cargo, though the cozy dashboard design didn't make it feel roomier from the driver’s perspective. The NX was comfortable, particularly models with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats were roomy, with air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB charging ports. A panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat. The NX offered 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, provided ample space for four adults and their luggage under a standard panoramic sunroof. The RDX’s interior emphasized a sporty driving position, with complex control layouts including a sectioned touchpad for the infotainment system. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, featuring heated and ventilated options. However, the rear seats lacked comfort, being flat and less supportive. Cargo capacity was superior, offering 29.5 cubic feet with the seats up and 58.9 cubic feet with them folded down, along with additional hidden storage compartments.

The 2022 Lexus NX represented a significant advancement with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. Large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, music streaming, and cloud-based features were highlights. The new system ditched the previous Remote Touch Interface. Standard features included a 9.8-inch touchscreen (optional 14-inch), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected services. The new Voice Assistant, activated with “OK Lexus,” controlled multiple functions with natural speech.

Additional options comprised a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and User Profiles for storing and transferring driver preferences. However, the touchscreen rapidly collected fingerprints and glare, and navigating multiple data panels simultaneously was challenging. A tuning knob was notably absent.

In comparison, the 2022 Acura RDX utilized a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) paired with a 10.2-inch display. The TTI involved a complex relationship between the touchpad and screen, requiring acclimatization. However, the addition of Amazon Alexa Built-in offered natural voice recognition, minimizing touchpad usage. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Sound systems ranged from a nine-speaker base setup to an impressive ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system with 16 speakers. A 10.5-inch head-up display was available in higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus NX incorporated extensive driver assistance and collision avoidance systems through the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management for adaptive cruise control. The NX also had Emergency Driving Stop System for unresponsive drivers, standard blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trims added adaptive front lighting, rain-sensing wipers, and additional parking assist technologies.

Acura enhanced the 2022 RDX with structural upgrades for side-impact safety and a rear seatbelt reminder system. The AcuraWatch collection added pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. While generally accurate, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems occasionally issued false warnings and corrections under specific conditions. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall rating, with varying scores in specific tests.