Acura RDX vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, with a long hood and low ground clearance, drawing inspiration from the classic Seville Elegante of the early 1980s. The LYRIQ featured vertical light bars with nine LED headlights that performed a light show upon unlocking, surrounded by a solid grille with lighting effects. The Sport trim, in particular, had a muted dark triangular motif, and the vehicle's imposing presence was enhanced by 22-inch wheels. Inside, the LYRIQ boasted a luxurious interior with C-shaped headrests, leather-wrapped seats, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display. However, the floating center console offered limited functionality, and some elements seemed cobbled together.

The 2025 Acura RDX, on the other hand, presented a more refined and sporty appearance. Its styling had aged gracefully, with a frameless grille and new wheel designs. The A-Spec Advance model featured gloss black exterior accents and a finned rear diffuser panel, adding to its sporty look. Inside, the RDX offered a comfortable and well-appointed cabin with 16-way power-adjustable front seats, ambient lighting, and quality materials. The panoramic glass sunroof flooded the interior with natural light, and the vehicle provided ample storage space, including three generous underfloor compartments. However, the rear seat comfort was less satisfactory for taller passengers due to a flat bottom cushion and excessive backrest recline angle.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was designed for long-distance comfort rather than sporty driving. It featured a dual-motor powertrain with 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, providing continuous all-wheel drive. The standard setup was a single rear motor with 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. The LYRIQ's 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack offered a claimed range of 314 miles with rear-wheel drive and 307 miles with all-wheel drive, though real-world testing showed closer to 260 miles. Charging was efficient, with the ability to top the battery to 80 percent in about 30 to 35 minutes. However, the LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its weight, resulting in understeer and uninspiring steering feel. The lack of handling-enhancing features like torque vectoring and magnetic dampers further detracted from its performance.

In contrast, the 2025 Acura RDX delivered a lively performance with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system provided excellent power distribution. The RDX offered multiple driving modes through the Integrated Dynamics System, allowing drivers to tailor the powertrain response and steering effort. While the RDX's fuel economy was lower than expected, its driving dynamics were enjoyable, with crisp steering and strong braking. However, the A-Spec badge reflected sporty looks rather than true performance, and the RDX lacked the thrill that driving enthusiasts might seek.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges in terms of build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a loose motorized charging port, and a problematic pull-out tray in the dash were notable issues. The glovebox was difficult to access while driving, and the floating console offered limited space. Despite its midsize dimensions, the LYRIQ's cargo hold was smaller than most compact SUVs, with 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded. However, the LYRIQ provided generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat.

The 2025 Acura RDX, on the other hand, excelled in terms of interior space and functionality. The A-Spec Advance trim offered 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, along with a heated steering wheel and rear seating positions. While the front seats were exceptionally comfortable, the rear seats lacked proper leg support for taller passengers. The RDX provided generous storage space, with 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats and 58.9 cubic feet when folded. Three underfloor storage compartments added to its practicality, and the power liftgate made access easy.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls for lighting and gauge cluster layouts. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The available Super Cruise system provided hands-free driving capabilities, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo offered variable surround sound modes. However, the lack of an augmented reality video feed and certain physical controls detracted from the overall experience.

The 2025 Acura RDX's infotainment system was accessed through a 10.2-inch display, controlled by the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. While the TTI required some adjustment, the system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa Built-in. The RDX also featured a stereo volume knob, radio tuning buttons, and separate climate controls, reducing reliance on the TTI. The infotainment system included SiriusXM satellite radio, AcuraLink connected services, and a premium sound system with 16 speakers.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. It came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and rear emergency braking.

The 2025 Acura RDX featured the AcuraWatch safety package, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered low-speed front and rear braking and a surround-view camera system. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.