2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid presented a blend of sharp edges and a streamlined profile, maintaining a familiar yet distinct look within the Lexus family. Despite its sporty F Sport Black Line enhancements, including a larger mesh grille and dark-finish wheels, the NX's design felt dated, sharing its platform with the older Toyota RAV4. Inside, the NX offered a radical design that had become familiar over time, with a stepped center console and a lack of traditional luxury materials, leaning more towards mainstream quality.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling updates inspired by the larger MDX model, with changes to the grille and bumpers. The RDX PMC Edition stood out with its exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint. Inside, the RDX emphasized a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface. While the interior materials were high-quality, the design required some acclimation, especially with the metallic gauge faces in certain trims.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX Hybrid was more focused on fuel efficiency than performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drive modes offered minimal impact on performance.

The 2022 Acura RDX, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The RDX's 10-speed automatic transmission and SH-AWD system provided a dynamic driving experience, especially on winding roads. The revised Integrated Dynamics System offered distinct driving modes, enhancing comfort and responsiveness. Despite its engaging drive, the RDX didn't quite reach the performance levels of its German rivals.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid struggled with interior space, offering the least front and rear headroom in its segment. While front seats were comfortable, rear legroom was cramped. The NX's cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. Visibility was also compromised by the sloping roofline and thick pillars.

The 2022 Acura RDX provided ample room for four adults, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. The interior featured a sporty design, though the control layout required adjustment. The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The back seat, while less comfortable for adults, folded flat for a practical cargo area.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, featuring an 8-inch display with a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface. While it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system felt outdated, with poor graphics and a lack of tactile feedback. The base audio system was underwhelming, making the optional Mark Levinson system a worthwhile upgrade.

The 2022 Acura RDX's True Touchpad Interface paired with a 10.2-inch display required a learning curve but offered a direct touchpad-to-screen relationship. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad. The ELS Studio 3D audio system with 16 speakers provided an impressive sound experience in higher trims.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids, though it lacked a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety and added new safety features like pedestrian detection and rear cross-traffic alert. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. AcuraWatch's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were improved but still not as refined as some competitors.