2023 Acura RDX vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 marked a significant evolution from Volvo's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After its acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, Volvo developed new platforms, leading to the current XC90, which debuted in 2016 as the flagship SUV on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a poised stance, sleek roofline, and pronounced wheel arches, exuding athleticism. The interior embraced "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" aesthetics, featuring natural wood and metal trims, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery, catering to different preferences.

The 2023 Acura RDX stood out with its sharp, angular style, though it remained conventional enough to blend in with its class. The signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights, gave the RDX a sporty and aggressive look. The side profile featured a distinctive character line, while the rear was more conventional. Inside, the RDX diverged from the horizontal dashboard trend, opting for a vertical layout with a center stack of controls flowing into the console. The cockpit emphasized performance with gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial. While the interior design seemed dated compared to rivals, it offered familiarity for those averse to modern glass cockpits.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. The T5 models were available in FWD and AWD, while T6 and T8 were AWD only. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model, which offered smooth power delivery and fun driving dynamics.

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 FWD, with Acura's "super-handling all-wheel drive" (SH-AWD) available on all models and standard in top trims. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, offering a sporty driving experience with immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine sound. The handling was confident, with well-managed body roll and a comfortable ride, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance of performance and comfort.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults would find it lacking in legroom and thigh support. The XC90 provided 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both rows down. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, and the air-conditioning system performed well even in high temperatures.

The 2023 Acura RDX offered ample space in the front seats, with additional power adjustments in top trims. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The cabin felt open and airy, thanks to a large panoramic sunroof. The RDX provided 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 79.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior featured various storage options, though the center stack's design took up unnecessary space. Despite some room for improvement, the RDX offered a practical and comfortable interior for passengers and cargo.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, offering tablet-like functionality. While intuitive, the system was occasionally glitchy and slow, performing better with Apple CarPlay. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided easy customization, and the Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90 came with a Harman Kardon Premium Sound system, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade for audiophiles. It included USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2023 Acura RDX used a touchpad infotainment controller, which was challenging to use, especially while driving. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen, but the experience improved with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Despite the interface issues, the system featured sharp graphics and quick responses. The RDX came standard with a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote monitoring via the Acuralink app. The top A-Spec Advanced trim included a 16-speaker ELS audio system, delivering potent bass and clear high notes.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several features for assisted driving on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The 2023 Acura RDX also received top safety ratings, with five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Technology package added parking sensors, while the Advance package included a surround-view camera and head-up display. The systems performed well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and effective lane-keep assist.