2019 Toyota RAV4 vs 2019 Acura MDX

Reviewing the 2019 Toyota RAV4 and the 2019 Acura MDX revealed two distinct aesthetic philosophies. The RAV4 immediately captured attention with its bold and chunky design, closely reminiscent of the rugged Toyota Tacoma pickup. Its aggressive and futuristic design language conveyed strength and modernity, traits accentuated by sharp edges running along the side profile and extending to the taillights, which seemed inspired by Lexus.

While the exterior design was busy with aggressive elements, the cabin offered a stark contrast, being surprisingly simple and elegant. The layout focused on convenience, with many controls being centralized in a floating touch screen and a control "pod" extending from the center dash to the cupholders. The RAV4's various trims showcased different finishes and features, from the base LE with steel 17-inch wheels to the top-tier Limited trim with 19-inch chrome-finished alloy wheels and luxurious interior upgrades.

In contrast, the 2019 Acura MDX, particularly in the new A-Spec trim, gave off a more refined vibe. It sported a performance-oriented aesthetic with unique front bumpers, Shark Gray 20-inch wheels, dark chrome trims, and redesigned rear bumpers with pronounced exhaust outlets. Inside, the A-Spec variant encapsulated a sporty yet luxurious feel with red leather and black Alcantara upholstered seats, a racing-inspired steering wheel, and metal accents. The dual-cowl dashboard design and dual infotainment screens were consistent with Acura’s emphasis on high-tech sophistication, even if the infotainment setup had its critics.

Performance-wise, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The power was transmitted via an 8-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or an available all-wheel-drive system. There were two AWD systems: a basic one and a more advanced torque-vectoring setup in the Adventure and Limited trims. The latter allowed the engine's power to be distributed to the wheels needing it most, enhancing off-road capability. Despite the engine providing decent highway acceleration, it lagged at lower speeds and was notably noisy.

In terms of ride quality, the RAV4 was comfortable but exhibited some body roll and twitchy steering, feeling heavy towards the rear. Its handling was less refined compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V, but it did offer some rugged off-road credentials, particularly in the Adventure trim, making it apt for activities like beach driving or reaching remote campsites. Fuel economy was respectable, with the AWD model achieving 29.3 mpg in combined driving.

The 2019 Acura MDX, on the other hand, featured a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The SH-AWD system was highly recommended for driving enthusiasts, providing torque vectoring and enhancing front-to-rear weight distribution. Even more engaging was the MDX Sport Hybrid model, which added three electric motors to a 3.0-liter V6, producing a combined 321 horsepower. This variant also featured an adaptive damping suspension and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, blending high performance with improved fuel economy.

Driving the MDX A-Spec was a pleasure, with quick acceleration, a satisfying engine sound, and improved transmission response. The vehicle handled well in various driving modes, from Comfort to Sport, with precise and predictable steering. However, prolonged spirited driving could lead to heated brakes and resultant smoke. Fuel efficiency on the test loop was slightly below the EPA rating but reasonable for its class.

When it came to interior functionality, both the RAV4 and the MDX had their strengths. The RAV4’s cabin was clean and practical, featuring plenty of cargo space with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet when folded. Although slightly behind some competitors, it still offered ample room. The interior provided thoughtful storage solutions, including deep center console trays and bins in the doors, enhancing everyday usability.

The MDX excelled in interior comfort and practicality, particularly for the front and second-row seats, which provided excellent support and cushioning. The triple-zone climate control and ample storage options further added to its family-friendly appeal, especially with the Advance Package’s second-row captain’s chairs. The third row, while present, was cramped and better suited for occasional use. With the third-row folded down, the MDX boasted 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space, increasing to 68.4 cubic feet with the second row folded, slightly less than the RAV4 but still substantial. The MDX also featured a handy storage bin under the cargo floor, adding to its versatility.

In the technology department, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running Toyota’s Entune 3.0 infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, but not Android Auto, which was a notable omission. Higher trims offered additional USB ports, a larger 8-inch screen, and options for a premium JBL sound system. The infotainment interface was praised for its simplicity, blending hard dials for major functions with touchscreen controls, maintaining ease of use.

Acura’s dual-screen infotainment in the MDX was less universally liked. Despite the addition of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and improved graphics, the dual-screen setup was perceived as cluttered and complicated, with the top screen handling navigation and settings, and the bottom screen managing audio and secondary climate controls. Voice recognition was subpar, often failing to register commands accurately. The system’s design felt outdated compared to competitors, despite the presence of advanced features.

Both vehicles excelled in safety, but with different approaches. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 included a comprehensive suite of safety features as standard under Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, traffic-sign detection, and Lane-Tracing Assist. This made the RAV4 highly equipped from the base trim onwards.

The 2019 Acura MDX also came well-equipped with safety features. The AcuraWatch suite was standard across all trims, offering impressive crash-test ratings and essential driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. For additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, upgrading to the Technology Package was necessary. Despite some operational quirks, the MDX provided robust safety credentials.