2022 Acura RDX – Compact SUV
Pros: A cushy, refined ride is the RDX‘s default, but it can be sporty and fun when you want it to be. The interior is spacious, too. Starting with the 2022 model, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every trim.
Cons: The central infotainment display is not a touchscreen, instead employing a frustrating center console-based touchpad. We also encountered occasional shifting hiccups from the RDX’s 10-speed automatic. The baby ute has some sizable blind spots, but blind-spot monitoring is standard starting with the 2022 model.
2022 Acura RDX – Compact SUV Specifications
- Approximate Price: From $32,500
- IntelliChoice Value Rating: Good
- Safety Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA 5 Stars overall
- Fuel Economy: 22/28 mpg city/highway
- Driving Range: 410 miles
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: 7.0 seconds
2022 Lincoln Nautilus – Midsize SUV
Pros: Regardless of engine, power impresses. A supple suspension and hushed cabin make for isolated transportation. Lincoln also equips the well-rounded Nautilus with high-quality interior materials.
Cons: The V-6’s eight-speed automatic isn’t as snappy as the turbo-four’s transmission. More side bolstering for the front seats would be appreciated, as well. The Nautilus’ lack of an off-road mode is a bummer.
2022 Lincoln Nautilus – Midsize SUV Specifications
- Approximate Price: From $32,000
- IntelliChoice Value Rating: Good
- Safety Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA 5 Stars overall
- Fuel Economy: 21/26 mpg city/highway
- Driving Range: 414 miles
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: 5.7 seconds*
*Same generation 2021 Nautilus V-6
2020-2022 Lexus RX – Midsize SUV
Pros: The RX delivers edgy styling and a well-built interior filled with soft-touch surfaces and thoughtful cubbies and storage nooks. Although every model year in this span comes with several driver assist features with the RX’s Lexus Safety System+, blind-spot monitoring with a rear cross-traffic alert didn’t become standard until the 2021 model. The first two rows are capacious, and the standard V-6 model provides plenty of grunt, but the hybrid feels more energetic and gets way better fuel economy.
Cons: The gas-only model’s eight-speed automatic transmission can get confused hunting for gears, and the F Sport model’s handling is decidedly stiff and un-sporty. Inside, the touchscreen atop the dash isn’t easily reached by most drivers and the third row is only big enough for children.
2020-2022 Lexus RX – Midsize SUV Specifications
- Approximate Price: $30,000
- IntelliChoice Value Rating: Good to Excellent
- Safety Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick, 2020 and 2021 NHTSA 5 Stars overall
- Fuel Economy: 20/27 mpg city/highway
- Driving Range:442 miles
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: 6.8 seconds*
*Same generation 2016 RX350 F Sport AWD model
