2023 Acura RDX vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's past boxy designs. It showcased a purposeful yet understated front end, with an assertive grille and the distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The 21-inch wheels and Platinum Gray paint added a touch of drama and richness. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design, complemented by wood deco inlays, created a clean and beautiful look, though it lacked physical controls, giving it a decidedly minimalist feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX featured a sharp, angular style that was unique yet conventional enough to blend in. The signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights and deep body creases, gave it a sporty and aggressive look. The side profile was accentuated by a distinctive character line, while the rear was more conventional. Inside, the RDX had a vertical cockpit layout with a center stack dominated by gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial. The instrument panel featured a digital center display with analog gauges, giving it a sporty feel. However, the interior design felt more like an older design updated with newer tech features.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 powertrain, featuring a supercharger and turbo, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the benefits were minimal. The XC90 offered a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with quick acceleration, a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, and excellent brakes. It handled well in a New Hampshire snowstorm, despite lacking extensive off-road features.

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 front-wheel drive, while Acura's "super-handling all-wheel drive" (SH-AWD) was available on all models. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, with immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine and exhaust sound. The transmission selected gears efficiently, and the brakes provided a reassuring firmness. The RDX's handling inspired confidence, with well-managed body roll and a comfortable ride, making it sporty yet comfortable.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, though Scandinavian minimalism led to some storage frustrations. There was limited cubby space for smaller items, and the USB port for phone charging was inconveniently located. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult. With the third row in place, the XC90 provided 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. This fell short compared to competitors like the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX.

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 individuals might find headroom limited. The large panoramic sunroof enhanced the sense of space. The RDX provided 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 79.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A deep bin under the cargo floor added versatility. For smaller items, the RDX offered various storage options, though the center stack's design took up unnecessary space.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant as standard features. The natural-language recognition was excellent, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, many key functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. The minimalist design lacked physical buttons, making it challenging to adjust certain features.

The 2023 Acura RDX used a touchpad infotainment controller, which was difficult 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 operation. The infotainment system itself had sharp graphics, quick responses, and logically arranged menus. The RDX also came with a Wi-Fi hotspot, remote monitoring via the Acuralink app, and options for premium audio, including a 16-speaker ELS system.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, carrying a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard advanced safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance and lane position.

The 2023 Acura RDX also received high safety ratings, with five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Standard advanced 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 system and a head-up display.