2022 Honda CR-V vs Acura RDX

Are you looking for an adventure-ready, luxury SUV? There's a lot to consider when choosing the best car - and if there were two options that could make it easy on you: The 2022 Honda CR-V and its upscale counterpart, the Acura RDX. As part of the legendary Honda family lineup, Acura offers enhanced comfort & performance features with their signature flair – guaranteeing whichever model fits your lifestyle will be ready for any road trip!

If you're looking for an affordable, reliable small SUV that still feels fresh and modern, then the Honda CR-V or RDX could be great options. The CR-V might have been released in 2017 but it offers all of the latest amenities such as AWD on its Touring trim level. Both vehicles offer their own unique advantages -- so ultimately affordability will likely dictate your decision when choosing between these two amazing SUVs.

Acura has refreshed the RDX with a range of stylish and practical updates to turn heads on the road. Drivers can now benefit from an array of advanced driver aids, updated infotainment technology, re-tuned suspension for improved performance and more controlled drive modes – all accompanied by reduced interior noise courtesy of enhanced insulation techniques.

When deciding between an Acura  RDX and a Honda CR-V, shoppers should be aware of their potential tradeoffs. The RDX offers limited powerplant options but more features available in costly packages; the CR-V compensates with its higher towing capacity yet comes with a challenging touchscreen display.

The Powertrain

The 2022 RDX and the CR-V provide different powertrain combinations to fit your needs - but which is better? Let's kick off this discussion by exploring these options, so you can make an informed decision.

The 2022 Honda CR-V offers a powerful performance, with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing an impressive 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. A Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission is paired to this powerplant for smooth gear shifting. Front wheel drive comes as standard on all trims except the Touring which enhances handling prowess by offering AWD capabilities in addition - optionally available across other trim levels too!

With its turbo engine, the Honda CR-V can get from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 8.2 seconds - faster than any other small SUV on the market. And amazingly for a CVT (which often suffer from sluggish power transfers and bumpy gear shifts), this one is surprisingly smooth yet responsive when you put your foot down! It's clear that Honda has figured out how to tune their transmissions perfectly; providing both economy and performance at an impressive level.

The Honda CR-V is a reliable, adept daily driver that will make any journey easier. Its secure steering and handling ensure maximum stability in your everyday drive; the wheel executes precise turns with minimal body roll for an enjoyable ride every time.

The EPA estimates that the CR-V equipped with All Wheel Drive should get an average of 29 miles per gallon. Meanwhile, Front Wheel Models are estimated to reach 30 mpg combined; however, driving style and conditions can affect actual results - you may experience as good as 35mpg or low 28mpg depending on your habits behind the wheel.

The 2022 Acura RDX is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates a power output of 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine gets matched up to a 10-speed automatic transmission. FWD is standard issue for most trim levels while AWD (which Acura actually refers to as SH-AWD) is an option for the base RDX trim level and Technology packages. Going with one of the Advance packages or the PMC Edition will give you standard SH-AWD.

From its light and accurate steering to the robust brakes, the RDX is a joy to drive. Equipped with SH-AWD for maximum stability in tight turns, it launches from 0 - 60 mph in an impressive 7 seconds flat – no small feat among vehicles of this caliber! With such responsiveness under your control you'll find yourself feeling confident as you cruise around town.

Fuel economy is where the RDX slips up. The FWD configuration is EPA rated for a combined 24 mpg, and the SH-AWD models are rated for 23 mpg combined. This puts the RDX below some of its top rivals, including the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. And it certainly does not fare as well as the CR-V does. Also, the RDX requires premium fuel where the CR-V does not. Real-world driving tests reveal that the RDX receives more like 20 mpg combined, which is even worse than the mediocre EPA ratings.

Drivability

It's no secret that we expect a lot from our vehicles these days. When discussing drivability, comfort and spaciousness as well as practicality come into play– but it doesn't stop there! With the rise of new automotive technology, consumers are also looking for cars with modern features like intuitive touch displays and automated sensors when assessing how ‘drivable’ they find their ride to be.

So, how drivable is the 2022 Honda CR-V? It ranks up there high on the list, that is for sure. Its suspension is capable of smoothing out any type of bump you come across in the road surface. While the ride quality is not quite as plush as it is in other vehicles in this segment, the sportier handling makes for a reasonable trade-off. If you get the leather upholstery, it will feel breathable on warm summer days. The front seats offer plenty of lateral and thigh support, but lumbar support could be better, which might not be ideal for people with lower back pain. Climate control is easy to use and distributes air evenly throughout the cabin, and while there is some road noise constantly present, the cabin remains otherwise well muted.

Overall, the interior is attractive to behold. The cabin is spacious fore and aft, and the controls are easy to use and placed well within the driver's reach. The slender roof pillars lend to excellent outward visibility, and even though the rear window is a tad on the short side, the multi-angle rear-view mirror and optional blind spot monitoring system will help you get a good idea of what is behind your vehicle. They can certainly help you back out of a tight parking spot.

Step into the Honda CR-V and immediately enjoy its intuitive infotainment touchscreen display. Crisp graphics on the optional navigation system, plus Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility — even wirelessly with Touring trim! Connection speeds are fast too via USB cords if desired. A few tricky prompts may take time to learn, but otherwise you'll be navigating quickly in no time at all for a truly enjoyable experience.

Storage space is a major plus on the CR-V, as its 39.2 feet of cargo space behind the rear seats is one of the most sizable in this segment. Folding the rear seats down maxes that space out to 75.8 cubes. There are plenty of small item storage areas with deep bins and door pockets, plus there is a sliding tray on the armrest that can cover your valuables. Unfortunately, the CR-V can only tow 1,500 pounds, which is 2,000 pounds below the average for this segment.

How does the 2022 Acura RDX hold up against its corporate cousin? Pretty well, actually. The supportive front seats will keep you locked in place while rounding through turns, and their heating and ventilation functions do a thorough job of keeping you warmed or cooled. The suspension is able to smooth out most bumps, making the potholes you might roll over feel tolerable. Plus, you won't get much noise inside of the cabin, even at highway speeds. Although the front air vents are aimed right at the rider's hands, the airflow from the climate control system itself is rather strong.

Driving in the RDX can leave you feeling somewhat overwhelmed. With a multitude of intricate controls and relatively chunky pillars up front, it may take some time to get familiar with everything. But fear not - there is plenty of room inside for total comfort while seating comfortably in an adjustable driver's seat, as well as rear-view camera technology and blind spot monitoring systems that help keep things secure when navigating around tight spots.

This vehicle takes the cake when it comes to state-of-the art technology - its sound system is unbeatable and provides a crystal clear listening experience no matter what type of music you're into. Not only that, but with wireless smartphone app integration drivers can enjoy an even smoother ride than before.

Get ready to never worry about having enough room again in the car! Enjoy cargo capacity galore with 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the back seats, as well as a multi-tiered center console for all your little treasures and trinkets. Plus, installing child safety seats has been made easy thanks to LATCH system compatibility – convenience is key when you have young children.

Safety

Honda clearly takes safety very seriously and goes all-out on equipping its vehicles with all the latest and greatest in terms of safety designs and driver aids. On the 2022 CR-V, the base LX trim level is outfitted with automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. The EX trim adds a blind-spot monitor with a rear cross-traffic alert. These systems are quite handy, although the collision warning does sometimes issue alerts when you are simply driving in dense traffic.

The 2022 Acura RDX is outfitted with quite a few driver aids as well. Adaptive cruise control, frontal collision warning, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert is equipped on each trim level. Front and rear parking sensors are added to the Technology trim, and the Advance gets a surround-view camera to help you see all around the outside of the vehicle with its top-down, 360-degree vantage point.

Which Has the Best Value?

In terms of value, both the CR-V and RDX hold a lot of it in their own respective segments. The CR-V's build quality is superb, and the panels and interior components all fit together well, and the leather on the higher trim levels comes off as being high-end. Warranty coverage is industry average, but you do get roadside assistance throughout the duration of the limited warranty coverage.

The 2022 Acura RDX is a great bang for your buck; with all the standard driver aids, you won't have to invest in expensive packages like some of its rivals. But don't think that just because it's cost-effective means any corners were cut - this SUV offers top notch craftsmanship and interior design quality, rivaling even the CR-V itself! If there's one fault we can find, however, it would be on the powertrain side where engine output isn’t as robust as expected yet fuel consumption remains high.

Which is Better?

If you're looking for a car that is reliable, efficient and comfortable without breaking the bank, there's no need to look any further. The 2022 Honda CR-V exceeds industry standards while offering incredible value - with features on its highest trim levels rivaling those of luxury models. Similarly impressive yet slightly more expensive is the RDX from Acura; both cars are crafted equally well so it all comes down to cost at the end of your search.