When purchasing a luxury compact SUV, drivers have many options to choose from, including the 2021 Acura RDX and the 2022 Lexus NX. But which vehicle is best for your unique needs?
Our team at Maus Acura North Tampa discusses the similarities and differences between the two vehicles so you can make an informed purchase decision.
Performance
The Acura RDX is equipped with an award-winning 2.0-liter turbo inline-4-cylinder engine that offers 272 hp and 280 lb.-ft of torque. It also has a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard FWD. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive is also available. The Acura RDX can go from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds and offers 22 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway.
The Lexus NX and NX-F Sport have a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with 235 hp and a 6-speed automatic transmission. A continuously variable transmission with step-down mode powers the NX's AWD system. The Lexus NX can go from 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds and offers 33 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway.
Based on the above, Acura's RDX offers more athleticism and comfort than the NX and offers more punch.
Inside the Cabin
Both vehicles offer luxurious interiors with synthetic leather styling, but the RDX looks more futuristic and sportier.
Both the Acura RDX and the Lexus NX offer Bluetooth compatibility and voice recognition, but you will notice a few differences in the interiors of the two vehicles:
● The RDX offers a 16-speaker audio system while the NX maxes out at 14. The base trim of the RDX offers 10 speakers, and the NX is only 8.
● A programmable garage door feature comes standard with the RDX, but you must upgrade to enjoy that feature on the NX.
● Heated front seats come standard in the RDX, while they are an upgrade in the NX.
The 2021 Acura RDX also has more cabin space than the Lexus NX, with 104 cubic feet of passenger space as compared to the 72 cubic feet in the NX.
With the seats down, the RDX has 58.9 cubic feet while the Lexus NX has 54.5 cubic feet.
The RDX also offers many luxury upgrades including:
● Heated and cooled front seats
● A heated steering wheel
● A hands-free power liftgate
● Milano leather interior
● Wood interior trim
● And more!
Tech + Safety Features
The RDX includes features like push-button gear selectors, a powered tailgate, 19-inch alloy wheels, an ultra-wide panoramic moonroof, a 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, and dual-zone climate control. The tech package includes navigation with real-time updates, GPS-linked climate control, and safety features like rear-cross traffic alert, and front/rear parking sensors.
The Lexus NX offers blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert as a standard feature as well as power-folding side mirrors and wipers. The NX also comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Bottom Line
While the Lexus NX may have slightly better gas mileage than the Acura RDX, it still is second place due to the Acura RDX's interior, standard features, and cargo space size. You would have to pay extra for the RDX's standard luxury amenities on the Lexus NX.
If you want to add luxury to your day-to-day commute in Tampa Bay, the 2021 Acura RDX is the right fit. Equipped with style, technology, luxury, and performance, the RDX promises to keep you driving in style and comfort.
Test Drive a 2021 Acura RDX
Ready to experience all that the Acura RDX has to offer in person? Schedule a test drive at (813) 723-5208 or come visit us at Maus Acura North Tampa today!
