2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2022 Acura RDX underwent subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. These updates included modifications to the grille surround and front and rear bumper styling, along with new wheel designs and paint colors. The limited-production RDX PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, named after the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup offered various trims, with starting prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding destination charges. The A-Spec Advance package, priced at $53,645, featured high-quality interior materials and a quieter cabin, although some design elements like the vertical air inlets were less favored.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X7 received a more noticeable mid-cycle makeover, adopting design cues from the BMW 7 Series sedan. The front end featured LED accent lights and a recessed headlight design, which sparked mixed reactions due to its bold styling. The sides and rear remained largely unchanged, offering two design themes: Design Pure Excellence with chrome trim and M Sport with a dark finish. Inside, the X7's dashboard was refreshed with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The interior boasted excellent materials, though some trim choices caused glare. Despite its weight, the X7 maintained a sturdy build and offered a modern, elegant appearance.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. This engine provided a lively driving experience, though fuel economy fell short of the EPA rating, averaging 20.6 mpg. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, and the RDX offered front-wheel drive or Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The SH-AWD system could direct up to 70% of power to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The RDX's adaptive-damping suspension and Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered distinct driving modes, contributing to a smoother ride and improved responsiveness.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup began with the xDrive40i model, featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 offered impressive acceleration, with the M60i reaching 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The X7's handling was composed, with minimal body roll, and it provided a comfortable ride, though slightly firmer than some competitors.

The 2022 Acura RDX, a compact SUV, offered ample space for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the cabin's openness. The interior featured a sporty design, though the control layout required acclimation. The RDX's front seats were comfortable and supportive, while the rear seats lacked support for adults. The cargo area provided 29.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 BMW X7, a large SUV, excelled in providing space, with a roomy second row and a power-operated third row that accommodated average-sized adults. The cargo area offered 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row stowed and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats folded. The X7 featured a split tailgate and a button to lower the suspension for easier loading. Front-seat passengers enjoyed ample storage space, including a large center console bin and cupholders.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. While the TTI offered a direct one-to-one relationship between touchpad and screen, it was considered more distracting than traditional touchscreens. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Three premium sound systems were available, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers.

The 2023 BMW X7 came with the latest iDrive infotainment system, which had a more complex menu structure and fewer physical buttons. Basic functions were easy to operate, but more advanced settings required navigating through menus. Voice commands were available but could interrupt audio playback. The X7's infotainment system was less intuitive than previous iterations, and more physical buttons were desired for frequently used features.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, aiming to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were mostly accurate but not as refined as some competitors. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2023 BMW X7 lacked crash test results from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, and options included adaptive cruise control and a highway driving assist feature. The X7's safety features performed reliably, with no false alarms or unpredictable responses.