2023 Acura RDX vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Acura RDX was noted for its sharp, angular style, which, while unique, remained conventional enough to blend in with its class. The front featured the signature Acura grille, which, despite its evolution over the years, seemed to be showing its age. The sleek wraparound headlights and deep creases in the bodywork and hood gave the RDX a sporty and aggressive look. The side profile was accentuated by a distinctive character line, suggesting forward movement, while the rear styling was more conventional, resembling many other small SUVs.

Inside, the RDX took a different approach with a vertical cockpit layout, dominated by gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial, emphasizing performance. The 10.2-inch infotainment display sat atop the dash, and the instrument panel combined digital and analog elements. The interior, while not as modern as some rivals, offered a familiar feel for those averse to the latest glass cockpit designs. The RDX's cabin appeared as an older design updated with newer tech features, which might not appeal to those seeking the newest, edgy design.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a radical departure from its predecessors, embracing a boxy design that prioritized storage capacity. This design choice was a significant shift from the sleek, futuristic aesthetics of other Hyundai models like the Ioniq series. The Santa Fe's upscale appearance turned heads, with sophisticated exterior colors and anodized-finish badging adding to its premium look. The XRT trim level featured dark chrome and black cladding, while higher trims boasted larger alloy wheels.

Inside, the Santa Fe offered premium styling, with the XRT and Calligraphy trims showcasing a mix of soft and hard materials. The interior was designed to be both functional and luxurious, with features like a soothing fabric headliner. The focus on cargo space was evident, with a large area designed for car camping and tailgating. The first and second rows were spacious, while the third row was snug, making the Santa Fe a great choice for those prioritizing cargo and passenger comfort.

The 2023 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and Acura's "super-handling all-wheel drive" available. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, offering a sporty driving experience with immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine sound. The transmission was praised for its smooth gear selection, and the RDX's handling inspired confidence with well-managed body roll and a comfortable ride.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a base 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional, except for the XRT trim, which had AWD standard. The Santa Fe offered Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the XRT adding off-road capabilities. A hybrid option with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine was also available. The Santa Fe's fuel economy varied by model, with the hybrid offering the best ratings. On the road, the Santa Fe provided a smooth and stable ride, with some body roll through turns. The XRT trim excelled in off-road conditions, comparable to other rugged SUVs.

The 2023 Acura RDX offered ample space in the front seats, with additional power adjustments in top trims. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults, with a large panoramic sunroof enhancing the cabin's open feel. Cargo space was generous, with 31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 79.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The RDX featured various storage options for smaller items, though the center stack's design was seen as a space inefficiency.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's design focused on cargo space, with a longer wheelbase and body compared to its predecessor. The cargo area was designed for car camping, with an extra-wide tailgate and ample storage. The first and second rows were spacious, while the third row was snug. The Santa Fe offered various seating options, with different upholstery materials across trims. The cargo area provided 14.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 79.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The Santa Fe also introduced a UV sanitization compartment in the glovebox.

The 2023 Acura RDX's infotainment system used a touchpad controller, which was challenging to use, especially while driving. The system improved with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for easier navigation. The RDX came with a Wi-Fi hotspot and options for premium audio, with the top trim featuring a 16-speaker ELS system.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a curved panoramic display in higher trims, offering intuitive controls and crisp graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 12-speaker Bose stereo and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The SE and SEL trims had a simpler 12.3-inch touchscreen. Hyundai's BlueLink system provided vehicle access and information, with Hyundai Pay and a biometric fingerprint scanner available in higher trims.

The 2023 Acura RDX received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with standard advanced safety features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Technology package added parking sensors, while the Advance package included a surround-view camera and head-up display.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe had not yet been crash-tested, but it offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, and blind-spot monitors. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system, remote automatic parking, and a driver monitoring system.