Compare the2022 Lexus RXLVS 2022 Acura RDX

For enhanced safety, the front and middle seat shoulder belts of the Lexus RXL have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Acura RDX doesn’t offer pretensioners for the middle seat belts.

The RXL has standard Active Headrests, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Headrests system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The RDX doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The RXL offers optional Auto Brake that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The RDX doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The RXL’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The RDX doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the RXL and the RDX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, 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.

The RXL’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the RDX’s (6 vs. 5 years).

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the RXL’s reliability 40 points higher than the RDX.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RXL first among midsize premium suvs in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The RDX isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Acura vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 56 more problems per 100 vehicles, Acura is ranked 26th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Acura vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 27 more problems per 100 vehicles, Acura is ranked 10th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Acura vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in reliability. Acura is ranked 28th.

The RX 350L’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 18 more horsepower (290 vs. 272) than the RDX’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The RX 450hL’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid produces 36 more horsepower (308 vs. 272) than the RDX’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

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

Regenerative brakes improve the RXL Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The RDX doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The RXL’s standard fuel tank has 2.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the RDX (19.2 vs. 17.1 gallons).

The RX 450hL has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The RDX doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the RXL’s brake rotors are larger than those on the RDX:

The RXL’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the RDX are solid, not vented.

The RXL stops shorter than the RDX:

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the RXL’s wheelbase is 1.5 inches longer than on the RDX (109.8 inches vs. 108.3 inches).

The RXL has standard seating for 7 passengers; the RDX can only carry 5.

The RXL has 13 cubic feet more passenger volume than the RDX (117 vs. 104).

The RXL has .2 inches more front headroom, .8 inches more front hip room, .2 inches more rear headroom, 5.9 inches more rear hip room and 1.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the RDX.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the RXL’s middle row seats recline. The RDX’s rear seats don’t recline.

Maximum trailer towing in the Acura RDX is limited to 1500 pounds. The RXL offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

Optional Trailer Sway Control on the RXL uses the Vehicle Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The RDX doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Acura. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 28% lower rating, Acura is ranked 6th.

The RXL’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The RDX’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

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

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the RXL offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The RDX doesn’t offer cornering lights. The RXL also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The RXL offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The RDX doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Insurance will cost less for the RXL owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the RXL with a number “5” insurance rate while the RDX is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the RXL is less expensive to operate than the RDX because it costs $9 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost less on the RXL than the RDX, including $187 less for front brake pads, $70 less for a fuel pump and $137 less for front struts.

Consumer Reports® chose the Lexus RXL as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Acura RDX isn't recommended.

The Lexus RX Series outsold the Acura RDX by over two to one during the 2021 model year.