2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Volvo XC60

Volvo made some subtle styling changes for the 2022 XC60. The new front fascia incorporated “air blades,” vertical elements on either side of the grille, giving the XC60 a slightly sportier appearance. A new rear bumper hid the tailpipes, and all models received new wheel designs. The reworked front grille moved sensors for the driver-assist systems behind the Volvo logo, which was also heated to keep those sensors working in cold weather. The interior remained largely unchanged except for a new digital instrument cluster, maintaining the same clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The XC60 Inscription trim level featured Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Acura RDX required a close look to spot the styling changes. Inspired by the larger MDX model, the RDX's grille surround and front and rear bumper styling were updated, along with new wheel designs and paint colors. The limited-production, hand-built RDX PMC Edition returned in exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint with an Orchid white interior. The PMC Edition topped a lineup that included the base model and option packages named Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance. Our test vehicle, the A-Spec Advance package, featured high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a much quieter interior, justifying its $53,645 price tag.

For 2022, the Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 powertrains. Both combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD and the B6 only in AWD. The B5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid delivered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a zero to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 hp at 6,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard. The RDX offered FWD as standard with the base, Technology, and A-Spec packages, while the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included Acura’s SH-AWD system. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel, enhancing driving dynamics. The RDX’s standard Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) was revised for 2022, providing more distinct differences between driving modes and a smoother ride in Comfort mode. The RDX also offered a quieter ride due to Active Sound Control enhancements and added sound-insulation measures.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but tied with the Audi Q5 for worst rear-seat headroom. Legroom in both rows was about average. Mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 49.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good forward and rear visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2022 Acura RDX offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position and dramatic positioning of the oversized IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. The control layout required a learning curve, with transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system control pad. The back seat was less comfortable, feeling flat and lacking support. The RDX featured a standard power liftgate with available hands-free operation, revealing 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space and hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor. Folding the back seat down created 58.9 cubic feet of cargo area.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The new system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The system also enabled over-the-air software updates. Apple users could still use the system, but without the added functionality of syncing their Google profile. The digital instrument cluster offered a “Calm” setting to minimize distraction.

The 2022 Acura RDX’s TTI infotainment system paired a 10.2-inch display screen with a sectioned touchpad controller. The system required a learning curve, as it offered a direct one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and the screen. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Standard features included satellite radio and AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Technology package added a navigation system. Three premium sound systems were available, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received the IIHS’s highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features for 2022 included a Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver-assistance system was available as an option.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades to improve side-impact safety, aiming to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system and additional features in the standard AcuraWatch collection, such as pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology package and higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings, and five-star side-impact ratings.