2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Acura RDX

The 2022 Subaru Forester came in various trim levels: base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. It started at an MSRP of $25,195 for the base model, maxing out at $35,295 for the Touring trim, with an additional $1,125 destination charge. Standard across all models was the all-wheel-drive system, a Subaru hallmark.

Our road test took place in the rugged terrain of Bend, Oregon, and the Cascade Mountains using the Forester Wilderness. This model, priced at $33,945 including destination and extras, featured unique attributes such as white paint, a dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a highly functional option package. The sporty exterior with its suspension lift, higher ride height (totaling 9.2 inches of ground clearance), and anti-glare matte-black hood decal imparted a rugged, albeit somewhat raccoon-like, appearance.

Inside, the 2022 Forester balanced functionality and rugged charm with hard plastic and soft surfaces, copper-colored stitching accents, and a focus on intuitive design. The interior's centerpiece was an 8-inch Starlink infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly physical knobs but slightly criticized for the less-than-ideal three-screen layout.

The 2023 Acura RDX, meanwhile, exhibited a sharply angular style, making it distinctive. The iconic Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights and bodywork creases, added a sporty and aggressive demeanor. The side had a character line that suggested forward motion even when stationary. However, the rear design remained more conventional.

Inside, the RDX showcased a vertically oriented cockpit, a departure from the horizontal layouts favored by many competitors. The center stack, dominated by gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial, underscored Acura’s performance focus. Above it sat physical climate controls and a 10.2-inch infotainment display. The instrument panel combined a digital center display with traditional analog gauges, leaning towards an older yet updated interior design.

In summary, while the Subaru Forester opted for rugged and practical aesthetics, the Acura RDX aimed for a sporty, performance-oriented look but could appear somewhat dated.

Behind the wheel of the 2022 Subaru Forester, users noted its practicality and utility. It retained the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine from previous years, producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. The standard CVT and AWD configuration, especially the Wilderness model's improved CVT design, rendered the Forester competitively adequate for routine tasks. Although fuel efficiency was commendable at a combined 26 mpg, the absence of a turbocharged engine limited its power, making it sluggish at high altitudes.

The suspension revisions, particularly in the Wilderness trim with its enhanced off-road capabilities, improved the overall driving experience. The long-travel suspension and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires provided a smooth ride over bumps and strong off-road performance. Despite some wind noise at higher speeds and the need for more engine power, the Forester proved reliable in various driving conditions.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered a robust 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. Its FWD came standard, but Acura’s SH-AWD system was available, adding to its sporty credentials. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, placing it on par with its competition.

Drivers lauded the RDX’s responsive throttle, pleasing engine and exhaust sounds, and adept transmission. The confident handling, bolstered by the advanced AWD system, offered a spirited driving experience without sacrificing comfort. Road imperfections were easily managed, ensuring a smooth, controlled ride.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized practicality and ease of use. Entry and exit were convenient, thanks to the tall seating hip points. The rugged interior with StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats was designed to withstand adverse conditions. Comfort was high in both front and rear seats, with sufficient legroom and headroom.

Storage options were sensible but not extraordinary. The SUV provided 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space without the panoramic sunroof, extending to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. These figures placed the Forester among the roomiest compact SUVs, surpassing competitors like the Mazda CX-5.

In the 2023 Acura RDX, front seat space was ample, particularly in higher trims with additional power adjustments. The panoramic sunroof added an airy feel to the cabin. However, the rear seat headroom might be tight for six-footers. The RDX’s cargo capacity stood at 31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which was slightly larger than competitors. Folding the rear seats expanded the space to 79.8 cubic feet.

The cabin offered numerous storage options, including small cupholders, a covered center console bin, a large rubberized tray, and front seatback pockets. However, the center stack’s design, dominated by gear selector buttons, occupied more space than necessary, limiting usability.

In the 2022 Subaru Forester, even the base trims featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims, such as the Wilderness, Limited, and Touring, came with an 8-inch screen, upgraded audio systems, and an optional navigation system. Off-road enthusiasts appreciated the 180-degree forward-view camera. The navigation system and the Harman Kardon audio were noted for their clarity, though the voice recognition could be erratic.

However, the Forester lacked some modern conveniences like seat ventilation, and its user interface, while intuitive, was less sophisticated compared to rivals.

The 2023 Acura RDX, conversely, faced criticism for its touchpad infotainment controller. The dashtop display, not a touchscreen, posed difficulties, especially while driving. However, the system's performance improved with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, making it easier to navigate. Despite this drawback, the infotainment system was lauded for its sharp graphics and responsive interface.

The RDX included standard features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote monitoring via the Acuralink app. The 16-speaker ELS audio system in higher trims provided potent sound quality but couldn't completely offset the cumbersome touchpad interface.

The Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 system with an improved field of vision and automatic emergency steering for stability in evasive maneuvers. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Rated 5 stars by NHTSA and anticipated to retain its IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” rating, the Forester was well-equipped for safety.

The 2023 Acura RDX also received high marks for safety, earning a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and the IIHS “Top Safety Pick+.” Standard safety features encompassed forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a head-up display. Acura's systems performed reliably, though the lane-keep assist was less refined on curvy roads.