2020 Lexus RX vs 2020 Acura RDX

Among the nearly countless luxury SUVs on offer today on the Canadian market, there are some that stand out for their styling, performance and prestige. Few however also include value, dependability and a rewarding possession experience as do the Lexus offerings. In fact, Lexus in part pioneered the concept that the ownership experience must be as important as the vehicle itself.

One of the most iconic Lexus products is the RX, also a pioneer in its own right. The Acura RDX is also an originator of many modern aspects found in today’s modern luxury SUVs. It is with this in mind that both will be compared here.

The 2020 Lexus RX continues to be a go-to luxury SUV for its intrinsic quality which is what has forged its reputation as an excellent all-around vehicle. The 2020 Acura RDX is also a well-regarded SUV and if it once operated in the RX’s shadows, the latest generation has proven to be an attractive alternative.

Where the two take a different path to entice potential buyers is in refinement. Lexus has long as a builder of some of the most soothing and comfortable road vehicles in the world and this tradition continues with the 2020 RX. From the onset, the silky-smooth 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 generates effortless and lag free power. The standard Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) glides seamlessly and expertly delivers said power to all four wheels when and how needed. The 2020 Acura RDX’s turbocharged 280-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, is noisier and not as polished.

If efficiency and performance are a must, Lexus offers the 2020 RX 450H that, despite its 308-horsepower system output, consumes as little as 7.9L/100 km in combined highway and city driving.

While on the road, the Lexus RX has you covered with the complete Lexus Safety System +2.0. It features pre-collision system with bicycle and pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control as well as a blind spot monitoring. The latter is only available on higher trim RDX.

The Lexus RX was one of the first luxury SUVs and, in 2020, continues to be a leader when it comes to combining posh luxury amenities, comfort and efficiency.