2021 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, was a head-turner in the SUV market. It artfully balanced sporty aesthetics without going overboard on blacked-out trims or aggressive performance cues. This trim offered a subtle yet commanding presence, conveying a sense of sportiness without making unfulfilled promises regarding performance metrics.

Acura maintained the RDX’s urban appeal, sidestepping the off-roading pretenses so commonly seen in other SUVs. There were no oversized skid plates or exaggerated fender flares. Instead, the RDX was purpose-built for everyday driving and road-tripping, not for conquering rocky terrains.

Priced starting from $38,200, the RDX’s trim levels progressively added features, with the A-Spec sitting comfortably in the middle at $44,100. Adding the SH-AWD system and additional options could bring the price to $47,625. The A-Spec’s interior enhancements included sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and sophisticated ambient lighting. Its design felt unique and sporty, differing from the typical compact crossover cabins. However, some elements drew minor complaints, mainly the less-than-ideal gauge cluster visibility due to red markings on a brushed silver background.

In stark contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V did not stand out in a sea of similar-looking compact crossovers. With a design language that echoed its competitors, the CR-V largely blended into the crowd. Some distinctive features like the grille opening and subtle chromed elements offered slight differentiation. However, it was clear that buyers weren’t choosing the CR-V for its exterior charms.

The color palette for the CR-V included safe choices like multiple shades of gray, black, and white, with the more vibrant options, such as Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic, being quite scarce. Interior options ran the gamut from cloth to leather, dependent on trim levels, with higher trims offering a more upscale feel thanks to added chrome and wood panels.

Acura equipped every 2021 RDX with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 rpm to 4,500 rpm. Though the A-Spec didn’t offer performance upgrades, the standard setup ensured a robust drive. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and optional SH-AWD provided agility and enhanced handling, especially in inclement weather.

Drivers could switch between various modes—Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+—using the Integrated Dynamics System, altering the SUV’s responsiveness and steering effort. A-Spec’s exclusive Shark Gray 20-inch wheels and performance tires contributed to its drive quality, albeit with a slight compromise in body motion control on rough roads.

While the RDX offered sportiness and engagement, the 2021 Honda CR-V focused on steady, reliable performance. All CR-V trims used a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine that reached 60 mph in roughly 7.8 seconds. This was not thrilling by sports car standards but perfectly acceptable for a compact crossover.

The CR-V employed a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which favored smooth acceleration over driving engagement. Despite its lack of adrenaline-pumping power, the drivetrain was competitive with its segment peers. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup, with Subarus being a notable exception in providing AWD as standard on all trims.

Honda's suspension design, a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, was typical for the class and ensured a decent ride quality without many surprises.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite its compact classification, excelled in offering ample passenger and cargo space. Its front seats were highly adjustable, heated and ventilated, ensuring comfort even during spirited driving. However, rear-seat comfort took a hit due to design choices aimed at maximizing utility, leading to less than ideal leg support and an overly reclined seatback angle.

Cargo capacity figures revealed practical yet competitive numbers. With the rear seats up, the RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet when folded. A deeper examination showed a maximum capacity of 79.8 cubic feet, though Acura's measurements might differ from competitor metrics. Clever storage solutions included a deep side well and compartments under the cargo floor for organized stowage.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, designed to comfortably fit five passengers with their gear. It boasted 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, slightly more than some rivals, including the Toyota RAV4. Behind the rear seats, it provided more cargo space than the RAV4, with a total of 75.8 cubic feet available with seats folded. This spaciousness enabled it to handle large loads effectively.

Tailgate operation varied by trim, from manual lifts on lower trims to hands-free, power-operated tailgates on higher ones. This convenience feature could be a mixed bag, sometimes requiring precise foot motions to activate.

In the 2021 Acura RDX, technology was both a strong suit and a potential point of frustration. The True Touchpad Interface (TTI) functioned differently from conventional touchscreens, requiring a learning curve to operate efficiently. While it mirrored screen placement with touchpad location, making it less distracting over time, regular touchpad users found it counterintuitive initially.

Standard technology included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the A-Spec featuring a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality. Yet, the touchpad's idiosyncrasies remained a distraction despite its sophisticated design.

The 2021 Honda CR-V varied significantly based on trim. The base LX was fairly basic, featuring a 5-inch color screen, while other trims upgraded to a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with smartphone integration. The audio system escalated from a 180-watt, six-speaker setup in lower trims to a 300-watt, nine-speaker system with a subwoofer in the Touring trim.

Higher trims benefited from additional features like Sirius XM, HD radio, and wireless phone charging, ensuring a modern tech experience, although the overall system lacked the premium feel of the RDX's offerings.

Safety was a strong point for both SUVs. The 2021 Acura RDX came with the AcuraWatch suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were reserved for higher trims. It garnered top safety ratings from both the IIHS (“Top Safety Pick+”) and NHTSA (five-star overall), though with four stars in frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

Honda made the 2021 CR-V's comprehensive safety features standard across trims, enhancing its appeal. The Honda Sensing system included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, ensuring safety at all price points. The CR-V retained its status as a safe bet, achieving excellent ratings in crash tests, although falling short of “Top Safety Pick+” due to the headlight evaluation and updated side crash test performance.