2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2023 Acura RDX

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as Land Rover offered limited options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out, such as a Firenze Red paint color and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created a high-tech and luxurious atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle priced at $98,420, including destination charges. Notable design features included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX featured a sharp, angular style that was unique yet conventional enough to blend in with other SUVs. The signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights and deep body creases, gave the RDX a sporty and aggressive look. The side profile was accentuated by a distinctive character line, while the rear design was more conventional. Inside, the RDX's cockpit had a vertical layout, with a center stack of controls flowing into the center console, emphasizing performance. The 10.2-inch infotainment display sat atop the dash, and the instrument panel featured a digital center display with analog gauges. While the interior design wasn't as modern as some rivals, it offered a familiar and user-friendly experience. The RDX's cabin was more traditional, appealing to those who preferred a less tech-heavy environment.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement, comfort, and driver-focused engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The SE P360 offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric range. Early-build P530 models had a 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine, but it was temporarily unavailable. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. The SUV's fuel efficiency was notable, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, and it averaged 22.3 mpg during testing. The Range Rover Sport's new architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and its adaptive damping air suspension enhanced ride comfort and handling. However, it didn't match the sportiness of similarly priced SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled with its advanced suspension and impressive ground clearance.

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. Front-wheel drive was standard, while Acura's "super-handling all-wheel drive" (SH-AWD) was available on all models and standard in top trims. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, offering adequate power for most drivers. The engine and exhaust produced a pleasing sound, and the transmission delivered power smoothly. The RDX's handling inspired confidence, with well-managed body roll and ample traction from the advanced AWD system. It offered a sporty driving experience without sacrificing ride comfort, smoothing over road imperfections with ease. The RDX's performance, ease of driving, and comfortable ride made it an attractive option for many shoppers.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel with a low dashboard, upright windshield, and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats were comfortable with adjustable armrests. The test vehicle featured Windsor leather, 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and optional massage and air purification features. The rear seat, while improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with hard front seatback panels and narrow door openings. The back seat provided excellent support but had a reclined angle. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle included a full-size spare, limiting storage under the cargo floor.

The 2023 Acura RDX provided ample space in the front seats, with additional power adjustments for side bolsters and thigh extension in top trims. The seats were comfortable for long drives, with effective heating and ventilation. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The cabin felt open and airy, thanks to the large panoramic sunroof. The RDX offered 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 79.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. A deep bin under the cargo floor featured a center drain plug for wet gear or as a cooler. Front passengers had various storage options, including cupholders, a center console bin, and a wireless charging pad. However, the center stack's design took up unnecessary space.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an Online Pack with connected services. Wi-Fi access required an extra-cost data plan. While the screens were generally intuitive, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating. The digital assistant struggled with basic tasks, such as finding nearby locations. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems with up to 29 speakers and 1,430 watts of power, along with Active Noise Cancellation. A wireless smartphone charging pad was included but difficult to access.

The 2023 Acura RDX used a touchpad infotainment controller, which was challenging to use, especially while driving. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen and was out of reach. The experience improved with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, allowing for easier navigation. Despite the interface issues, the infotainment system featured sharp graphics, quick responses, and logical menus. 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 with excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system with ClearSight Ground View. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the SUV to park itself via a smartphone app. The adaptive cruise control with steering assist was slow to respond and not as smooth as expected. The steering assist struggled with freeway curves, requiring driver intervention.

The 2023 Acura RDX received high safety ratings, with the NHTSA awarding it five stars for overall and side crash protection, and four stars for frontal and rollover protection. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ with "good" crashworthiness scores. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with 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 system and a head-up display. The systems generally performed well, with the adaptive cruise control praised for its smooth operation.