Acura RDX vs Toyota bZ

The 2025 Acura RDX, positioned between the smaller ADX and the larger MDX, offered a range of packages such as Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance, replacing traditional trim levels. It came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, with prices ranging from $44,700 to $52,450, excluding a $1,350 destination charge. The A-Spec Advance test vehicle, priced at $56,400 including destination, featured a refreshed design with a frameless grille, new wheel designs, and paint options like Sonic Silver and Urban Gray Pearl. The A-Spec Advance model boasted a sportier look with gloss black accents and a finned rear diffuser, complemented by full leather upholstery and a panoramic glass sunroof. Interior materials included premium leather, simulated suede, and brushed aluminum, though the red-marked gauges on a silver background were harder to read. The True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was less desirable, but the vehicle had plenty of intuitive controls.

The 2026 Toyota bZ was available in XLE and Limited trims with options for single-motor FWD or dual-motor AWD, and two battery sizes. Prices ranged from $36,495 to $46,895, including destination. The XLE test vehicle featured FWD and an optional larger battery, bringing the MSRP to $40,468. The restyled bZ looked better with body-color trim, and the interior boasted a cleaner dashboard and center console. The XLE's fabric seats had an upscale pattern, and the 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate control with large icons for easy use. However, the digital driver display was criticized for its placement and readability. The bZ's driving experience was agreeable around town, with good visibility and standard parking sensors, though it lacked robust mid-range passing power on the highway. The ride could be choppy on uneven surfaces, and the FWD model struggled on winding roads due to its tires and steering.

The 2025 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, capable of directing up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with adaptive-damping suspension on higher trims. The RDX's performance was lively, but fuel consumption was high, averaging 19.3 mpg in testing compared to the EPA's 23 mpg rating. Despite initial impressions of feeling dated, the RDX's driving dynamics were enjoyable, with responsive steering and effective brakes. However, it lacked a configurable Individual mode, and the A-Spec badge indicated sporty looks rather than performance.

The 2026 Toyota bZ XLE with FWD featured a single electric motor and a 57.7-kWh battery, providing 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models offered 338 hp and varying ranges depending on trim. The bZ could recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using a DC fast charger, and the larger battery took seven hours to recharge with a Level 2 home charger. Efficiency tests showed favorable results, with the bZ averaging 4.5 miles per kWh in Eco mode. The bZ's driving experience was agreeable around town, but it struggled with traction and steering on winding roads, and the ride could be choppy on uneven surfaces.

The 2025 Acura RDX A-Spec Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The interior had soft or padded surfaces, but front seat comfort was compromised for taller drivers due to the center console's padding. Rear seat comfort was limited by a flat bottom cushion and excessive backrest recline. The RDX offered generous storage space, including oversized cupholders and a wireless charging pad. Cargo space was competitive, with 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.9 cubic feet with them folded, plus underfloor storage compartments. The interior layout was practical, though the TTI touchpad compromised the center console design.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, offered easy entry and exit with 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Both front seats had standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment in XLE and Limited trims. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated seats in the Limited trim. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with a large bin under the center armrest and a tray beneath the console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom, though foot space was tight. Cargo space was 27.7 cubic feet (25.8 in Limited trim) with the rear seats up, expanding to 56.9 cubic feet (55 in Limited) with them folded.

The 2025 Acura RDX featured a 10.2-inch display atop the dashboard, controlled by the TTI touchpad on the center console. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa Built-in, with additional controls for volume, tuning, and climate. The infotainment system included SiriusXM satellite radio, AcuraLink connected services, and a premium sound system with 16 speakers in higher trims. Despite the learning curve, the TTI system was manageable, though bumpy roads could lead to accidental selections.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The driver display was criticized for its placement and readability, while the infotainment system was generally user-friendly but lacked a home screen for simultaneous data panels. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with SiriusXM satellite radio and various connected service plans. The Drive Connect system powered navigation and voice assistant features, which performed well in testing.

The 2025 Acura RDX came standard with AcuraWatch, a comprehensive 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 additional features like low-speed braking and a surround-view camera. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. However, the lane-assist systems were found to be intrusive during testing.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs, while the Limited trim offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. The bZ's adaptive cruise control was inconsistent in traffic, and the driver monitoring system was overly sensitive. The IIHS rated the bZ's front-crash avoidance tech as Good, but the headlights received a Poor rating, and frontal-impact crash-tests earned Acceptable ratings.