2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Toyota Sequoia

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, built at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup offered various trims, including the base model, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance, with prices starting from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding a $1,045 destination charge. Our test vehicle featured the A-Spec Advance package, priced at $53,645, including destination. The RDX A-Spec Advance justified its cost with high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin, although the new vertical air inlets on the front fascia were not universally loved.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia made a bold statement with its redesigned exterior, drawing inspiration from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. The Sequoia's traditional grille and front bumper gave it a more SUV-like appearance compared to the Tundra's "manta ray on wheels" look. Inside, the Sequoia shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, featuring leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. A massive 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system dominated the dashboard, and the Capstone's interior boasted a cream white-over-black two-tone color scheme. The Sequoia lineup included the SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone trims, with prices ranging from $59,895 to $79,895, including a $1,595 destination charge. The TRD Pro trim offered enhanced off-road capability, while the SR5 and Limited trims could be equipped with a TRD Off-Road Package for added ruggedness. Our Sequoia Capstone test vehicle, priced at $81,365, featured 4WD, Wind Chill Pearl paint, and a rear air suspension.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. This engine provided an enjoyable driving experience, although heavy-footed drivers might not achieve the EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg, as our test averaged 20.6 mpg. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, and the RDX offered front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard on base, Technology, and A-Spec packages, while the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) was revised for 2022, offering more distinct driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX's quieter cabin, thanks to sound-deadening measures, added to its appeal as a compact luxury SUV.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This hybrid powertrain delivered 437 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 583 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 rpm. While it lacked the V8's rumble, the new V6 offered improved towing capacity, with a maximum tow rating of 9,520 pounds, and better fuel efficiency, achieving 20 mpg with 4WD and 22 mpg with RWD. Our Capstone 4WD test vehicle averaged 17.8 mpg on a mountainous evaluation loop. The Sequoia's driving modes included Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. The adaptive rear air suspension adjusted ride and handling traits, but the Sequoia's ride quality could be busy and jittery in Normal mode. The steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive, but the Sequoia's power and torque made it a capable performer.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable, and the thick-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel was a pleasure to hold. Dual-zone automatic climate control and Iconic Drive ambient lighting were standard, while heated rear seats were available. The rear seat, however, lacked comfort, with a flat design and limited thigh support. The RDX's cargo space measured 29.5 cubic feet, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable cabin with soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium sound system, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. The Sequoia's power-deploying running boards aided entry and exit, while the panoramic glass sunroof, starting with the Platinum trim, reduced second-row headroom. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort but lacked sliding functionality, limiting third-row space. The third-row seat, mounted above the battery pack, offered limited comfort and legroom. The Sequoia's cargo space was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, with just 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 22.3 cubic feet. The adjustable cargo shelf helped maximize space, but the Sequoia's overall cargo capacity was smaller than its predecessor and rivals.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display screen with a touchpad controller. While the TTI offered a direct one-to-one relationship between touchpad and screen, it was more complex 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 ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system offering 16 speakers. The RDX also featured a 10.5-inch head-up display in higher trims.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia boasted a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen in the base SR5 trim and a 14-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services for user accounts and Intelligent Assistant. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display, but glare was an issue. The Sequoia featured a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror, enhancing visibility and safety.

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 system, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were accurate but not as refined as some rivals. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Sequoia also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. While crash tests were pending, the Tundra's high IIHS rating suggested a positive outcome for the Sequoia.