Compare the2022 Acura RDXVS 2021 Volvo V90

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 V90 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Both the RDX and the V90 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, 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 116 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The V90 is only a standard “Top Pick” for 2019.

Acura’s powertrain warranty covers the RDX 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Volvo covers the V90. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the V90 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Acura vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Acura 26th in initial quality. With 10 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is ranked 29th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Acura vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Acura 10th in reliability, above the industry average. With 35 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is ranked 25th.

The RDX’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 22 more horsepower (272 vs. 250) and 22 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 258) than the V90 T5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

Both the RDX and the V90 have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stop lights and heavy traffic. All RDXs have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. A disable switch costs extra on the V90.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Acura RDX uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The V90 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The RDX has 1.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the V90 (17.1 vs. 15.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

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 V90.

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 V90 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The front and rear suspension of the RDX uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the V90, which uses transverse leafs springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

For greater off-road capability the RDX has a 2.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the V90 (8.2 vs. 6.1 inches), allowing the RDX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The RDX is 7.3 inches shorter than the V90, making the RDX easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The RDX uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The V90 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The RDX has 6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the V90 (104 vs. 98).

The RDX has .9 inches more front headroom, 2.2 inches more front shoulder room, .3 inches more rear headroom, 2.5 inches more rear legroom and .7 inches more rear shoulder room than the V90.

The RDX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the V90 with its rear seat up (31.1 vs. 25.5 cubic feet). The RDX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the V90 with its rear seat folded (79.8 vs. 53.9 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the RDX’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The V90 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Acura service is better than Volvo. J.D. Power ranks Acura 6th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 4% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 11th.

The RDX’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The V90 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

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 V90’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the RDX has standard extendable sun visors. The V90 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Insurance will cost less for the RDX owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the RDX will cost $3785 to $5670 less than the V90 over a five-year period.

The RDX will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the RDX will retain 49.86% to 51.01% of its original price after five years, while the V90 only retains 44.91% to 45.59%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Acura RDX will be $11761 to $16775 less than for the Volvo V90.

The Acura RDX has won recognition from these important consumer publications:

The Acura RDX outsold the Volvo 90 Series by almost 34 to one during the 2021 model year.