2023 Acura RDX vs 2024 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Acura RDX presented a sharp, angular style that was unique in its class, yet it maintained a conventional enough appearance to blend in with the crowd. The front featured the signature Acura grille, which, after years of evolution, seemed to be showing its age and in need of a refresh. Sleek wraparound headlights and deep creases in the bodywork and hood gave the nose a sporty and aggressive look. The side was accentuated by a distinctive character line that suggested forward movement, even when parked. The rear of the RDX was more conventional, resembling many other small SUVs in its overall styling. Inside, the RDX opted for a vertical dashboard layout, with a center stack of controls flowing into the center console, dominated by gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial. The interior, while not as modern as some rivals, offered a familiar feel for those averse to new glass cockpits.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender combined an old-school, boxy profile with modern features like angular headlights, visually connecting it to other Land Rover models. However, the interior felt more durable and adventure-ready, akin to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but with more soft-touch materials. Offered in three body styles—two-door 90, four-door 110, and extended-wheelbase four-door 130—the Defender catered to various preferences. The Defender 110 S, the most popular configuration, featured a County visual package with white wheels and vintage graphics, leaning into a throwback approach. Standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, and a panoramic glass roof. Higher trims offered additional luxury and performance features, such as ventilated front seats, digital rearview mirrors, and powerful V8 engines. The Defender's interior was a blend of luxury and functionality, with practical features like grip handles and rubberized floors, making it suitable for both urban and rugged adventures.

The 2023 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and came standard with front-wheel drive, while Acura's "super-handling all-wheel drive" was available on all models and standard in top trims. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, offering immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine and exhaust sound. The transmission excelled in selecting the correct gear, and the brake pedal provided reassuring firmness. The RDX's handling inspired confidence, with well-managed body roll and a comfortable ride, making it an attractive option for many shoppers.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered several powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, making 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine options, P500 and P525, provided 493 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, and 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, respectively. All engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission with full-time active four-wheel drive. The Defender's towing capacity reached up to 7,716 pounds with the six-cylinder and eight-cylinder powertrains. The most powerful V8 in the Defender 110 Carpathian Edition accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 system, making it a formidable choice for adventure enthusiasts.

The 2023 Acura RDX offered ample space in the front seats, with additional power adjustments for side bolsters and thigh extension in top trims. The generous cushioning ensured comfort during long drives, and heated and ventilated seats provided quick temperature adjustments. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults, though taller individuals might find headroom limited. The large panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's open feel. Cargo space reached up to 31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 79.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The RDX featured various storage options for smaller items, though the center stack's design could have been more space-efficient.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender struck a balance between luxury and functionality, with soft-touch materials and practical features like grip handles and rubberized floors. Seating capacity varied from five to eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The Defender 110 offered an optional third row, best suited for children, while the Defender 130 provided more space but still limited adult-friendly seating. Cargo capacity varied by model, with the Defender 130 offering up to 76.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The Defender 110 provided 78.8 cubic feet in the two-row version, while the two-door Defender 90 offered up to 58.3 cubic feet. The cargo area featured hard plastic surfaces, making it practical and easy to clean.

The 2023 Acura RDX featured a touchpad infotainment controller, which, while better than Lexus' previous attempts, still posed challenges. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen and was out of reach. The system improved with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, allowing for easier navigation. Despite the interface issues, the infotainment system offered sharp graphics, quick responses, and logically arranged menus. Standard features included a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote monitoring via the Acuralink app. The top A-Spec Advanced trim came with a 16-speaker ELS audio system.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, which, while smaller than some competitors, suited the Defender's utilitarian persona. The screen included navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo system. The straightforward setup provided a blend of refinement and utility, with home buttons for easy navigation.

The 2023 Acura RDX received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the 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 adaptive cruise control was praised for its smooth operation, though the lane-keep assist was better suited for straight highways.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a comprehensive list of standard driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety tech included traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The lane-departure and lane-keeping assist were noted for being overly sensitive, but these features could be deactivated. As of this writing, the Defender had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.