2023 Acura RDX vs. 2023 Honda CR-V

2023 Acura RDX vs. 2023 Honda CR-V

 

If you are in the market for a compact SUV, you likely have the 2023 Acura RDX and the 2023 Honda CR-V on your list to test drive. While in the same segment, these two compact SUVs have very different mission statements!

 

Not sure which is better for you? Our team at Maus Acura of North Tampa puts these two compact SUVs to a head-to-head test. We'll look at performance, technology, and safety features to see which vehicle comes out on top. Ready? Let's go!

 

Key Takeaways

 

●       The Acura RDX targets upscale customers

●       The Honda CR-V is a highly popular vehicle in the compact SUV market

●       Each vehicle comes with its advantages and disadvantages

 

Performance

 

Every 2023 RDX is powered by a 272-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard though all-wheel drive is available for $2000. 

 

The A-Spec RDX can hit 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, placing it mid-pack for compact luxury SUVs. At low speeds, the RDX's throttle is quite responsive, and it pulls away from stop lights with pep. The turbocharged engine gives the RDX a high-pitched roar during hard acceleration, but this noise is mostly artificial and piped into the cabin through the audio system.

 

The RDX has been rated to get 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, though these numbers drop by 1 mpg when all-wheel drive is selected.

 

Behind the 2023 Honda CR-V's grille, you will find a 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission and either front or all-wheel drive. The Sport and Sport Touring trims come with a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors that create 204 horsepower.

 

The standard front-wheel drive version of the CR-V with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

 

Exterior

 

Though these compact SUVs are distant cousins, (Acura is Honda's luxury brand) when looking at them, you can't tell that the Honda CR-V and Acura RDX are related at all.

 

Looking at the exterior, the 2023 RDX boasts one of the sharpest looks in the compact crossover segment, and as a true luxury model, it is ready to wow even in its standard trim level.

 

The 2023 CR-V is all-new for the compact SUV's sixth generation. It is larger overall, has fresh exterior styling, and has a more refined overall design.

 

Though the 2023 Honda CR-V looks modern and refined it is not as luxurious as the RDX. The CR-V also lacks the standard features exterior of the RDX.

 

Interior

 

Inside the cabin, you will find a large rotary drive-mode selector sitting front and center as well as standard features including:

 

●       Ambient lighting

●       Power-adjustable heated front seats

●       Dual-zone climate control

 

The interior delivers a sporter experience than the Honda CR-V could ever provide. Nothing feels cheap inside, and the driving position is high enough to satisfy fans of SUVs and driving enthusiasts alike.

 

For cargo, you can release the outboard seats to fold the flat row flat, or you can lower the seat backs from the cargo hold. Eight carry-on bags can fit with the seats up and 22 with them folded down.

 

The CR-V's interior was also updated for 2023 and is highlighted by a honeycomb-textured insert that spans the dashboard and hides the air vents. It comes equipped with a partially digital gauge cluster and an analog speedometer. It also has a 7.0-inch display that allows the driver to swap between different infotainment menus. Cargo-wise, you will find 36 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row.

 

Technology

 

Every RDX has a 10.2-inch touchscreen that perches high on the dashboard. It can be operated via a touchpad on the center console as well. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hotspot come standard.

 

The optional Technology package comes equipped with a better audio system, navigation, leather-trimmed seats, rear-seat USB ports, a 12-speaker ELS Studio audio system, and more.

 

The CR-V has a 7.0-inch infotainment system, featuring physical volume and tuning knobs as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The higher trims come with a 9.0-inch touchscreen. If you want an upgraded 12-speaker Bose sound system, you will have to purchase the top-of-the-line CR-V Sport Touring model.

 

Safety Features

 

Every RDX comes with a host of standard driver-assistance technologies, but some features are only available with the Technology package.

 

Key safety features include:

 

●       Forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking

●       lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

●       Adaptive cruise control

 

Honda includes ample standard driver-assistance features in the CR-V. Along with standard blind-spot monitoring, it also comes with traffic-sign recognition, a driver-attention monitor, and a back-seat reminder.

 

Other safety features include:

 

●       Forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking

●       Lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning

●       Adaptive cruise control

 

Bottom Line

 

Though these compact crossover SUVs are closely related, if you are looking for a true luxury compact SUV, there is one true winner in this head-to-head battle; the Acura RDX. With a refined exterior and ample enhanced technology features, the RDX is the best choice. Yes, the Honda CR-V does have some luxury features on higher trims, but nowhere near the level of the RDX.

 

If you aren't looking for luxury and want a reliable thrifty crossover, the 2023 Honda CR-V could be the choice for you.

 

Visit Maus Acura of North Tampa for a Test Drive

 

Ready to see what makes the 2023 Acura RDX so special? Come visit us at Maus Acura of North Tampa for a test drive or call us at (813) 535-6287 to learn more!