In a battle of Japanese luxury SUVs, the 2023 Lexus NX350 and Acura RDX face off, aiming to cater to buyers seeking an upscale replacement for the popular Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Both Lexus and Acura, introduced as luxury brands by Toyota and Honda in the late 1980s, offer enhanced versions of their mainstream models.
The Lexus NX, based on the RAV4, and the Acura RDX, a cousin of the CR-V, showcase more powerful turbocharged engines, unique tech features, and distinct interior designs. During a test in Big Bear, California, these SUVs exhibited a mix of excitement, creativity, disappointment, and even potential hazards, leaving the question of which is the superior choice.
Power is a significant aspect of the luxury experience, with the Acura RDX featuring a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine producing 272 hp, while the Lexus NX boasts a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder with 275 hp and more torque. The Acura accelerates slightly quicker, thanks to its gearing, but both models offer improved performance over their non-luxury counterparts.
When it comes to driving dynamics, the Acura RDX impresses with light and accurate steering, excellent brake modulation, and a more engaging overall driving experience. In contrast, the Lexus NX, while offering precise steering, falls short in terms of refinement, exhibiting more body roll and higher levels of noise compared to the RDX.
Both SUVs come equipped with driver assist technologies, but they faced issues such as delayed responses in adaptive cruise control and lane centering systems. Despite safety accolades, including top ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, the Acura and Lexus lag behind competitors offering more advanced autonomous driving features.
Aside from performance, luxury SUV buyers seek premium materials, elegant designs, spacious interiors, and advanced tech features. The Lexus NX impresses with a user-friendly 14.0-inch touchscreen, intuitive controls, and luxurious touches, while the Acura RDX falls short with a cumbersome infotainment system and dated driver assistance features.
In conclusion, the Acura RDX offers a great driving experience but is let down by its poor infotainment system and lack of modern driver aids. On the other hand, the Lexus NX, while not perfect, excels in user-friendly technology and safety features. Ultimately, the decision between these two Japanese luxury SUVs comes down to personal preferences and priorities.
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