Compare the2022 Acura RDXVS 2021 Genesis GV80

The Acura RDX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The GV80 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Compared to metal, the RDX’s plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Genesis GV80 has a metal gas tank.

Both the RDX and the GV80 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the RDX its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2019, a rating granted to only 107 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The GV80 is only a standard “Top Pick” for 2019.

On the EPA test cycle the RDX gets better mileage than the GV80:

The RDX has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The GV80 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Acura RDX higher (6 out of 10) than the Genesis GV80 (5). This means the RDX produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the GV80 every 15,000 miles.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Acura RDX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the GV80.

The RDX stops shorter than the GV80:

The RDX has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The GV80 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The RDX AWD handles at .81 G’s, while the GV80 Standard AWD pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the RDX has a greater minimum ground clearance than the GV80 (8.2 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the RDX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Acura RDX may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 700 to 1000 pounds less than the Genesis GV80.

The RDX is 7.3 inches shorter than the GV80, making the RDX easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The RDX has a much larger cargo volume than the GV80 with its rear seat up (31.1 vs. 11.6 cubic feet).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Acura service is better than Genesis. J.D. Power ranks Acura 6th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 3% lower rating, Genesis is ranked 9th.

If the windows are left open on the RDX the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the GV80 can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

Consumer Reports rated the RDX’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the GV80’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The RDX’s available headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the GV80’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

The Car Book by Jack Gillis recommends the Acura RDX, based on economy, maintenance, safety and complaint levels.