2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, was a visually appealing SUV that managed to convey a sense of sportiness without overemphasizing performance elements. Its design was subtle, avoiding the rugged off-road aesthetics, and instead focused on a sleek, road-friendly appearance. The A-Spec trim sat in the middle of the RDX's hierarchy, with a starting price of $44,100, and offered a sporty interior with features like front sport seats, a sport steering wheel, and unique red ambient lighting. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read, except at night.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, maintained a robust presence with its large silhouette. The Sequoia received a facelift in 2018, but its design still reflected its 2007 origins. The interior was spacious, with a massive center dash reminiscent of mid-2000s styling. The Sequoia offered a range of trims, including the new Nightshade Special Edition, which featured black 20-inch wheels and black leather upholstery. While the front seats were bulky, the second-row seats provided ample headroom and legroom, ensuring comfort for passengers.

The 2021 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 offered an optional Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which significantly improved handling. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between different driving modes, enhancing the driving experience. However, the A-Spec model lacked adaptive dampers, which could have improved its handling on uneven roads. Despite this, the RDX was praised for its precise steering and fade-resistant brakes.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It was equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive options. The Sequoia's V8 engine provided strong acceleration, but its six-speed transmission was considered outdated compared to modern multi-speed transmissions. The Sequoia's driving dynamics were truck-like, with a soft suspension and strong brakes. It could tow up to 7,400 pounds, which was less than some competitors in the full-size SUV segment.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though classified as a compact SUV, offered impressive passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, but the rear seats lacked leg support due to their low and flat design. The RDX provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While not class-leading, the cargo area was practical, with additional storage compartments for organization.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 120 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. It featured a power-retractable rear window, adding convenience for loading and accessing items. The Sequoia's interior had ample storage options, including deep door pockets and a large center console. However, newer SUVs offered better space utilization.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad instead of a touchscreen. While it improved upon similar systems from other brands, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 16-speaker premium audio system, but the TTI system was not ideal for all users.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was user-friendly, with physical buttons for easy navigation. Our test model had a larger 9-inch screen, but it still felt small on the large dash. The Sequoia's infotainment system was simple and straightforward, appealing to those who preferred ease of use over advanced features.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars in frontal-impact and rollover tests.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense-P, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While it lacked some advanced safety technologies, the Sequoia offered a comprehensive set of standard safety features. However, it scored four out of five stars in the NHTSA's rollover test and had not been rated in other crash tests.