What To Know
- Its potent performance is complemented by an estimated 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highways, a testament to its ability to balance verve with fuel economy.
- The Acura RDX takes a more driver-centric approach, with a cockpit that envelops the driver in a cocoon of comfort.
- The Acura RDX offers slightly better fuel efficiency, with an estimated 22 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highways, compared to the Ford Explorer’s 20 miles per….
In the realm of midsize SUVs, two formidable contestants emerge as the epitome of driving excellence: the Ford Explorer and the Acura RDX. Both vehicles command attention with their potent performance, refined interiors, and unwavering dedication to safety. This blog post embarks on a comparative journey, unmasking the nuances that set these automotive marvels apart, unveiling their strengths, and illuminating their areas for improvement. As we pit the Ford Explorer against the Acura RDX, the question arises: which SUV will emerge victorious in this battle for supremacy?
Performance: Unleashing Power and Efficiency
At the heart of the Ford Explorer lies a 2.3-litre Ecoboost engine, a symphony of power and efficiency. This refined powertrain unleashes 300 horsepower and 400 pounds-per-square-foot of torque, propelling the Explorer from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a brisk 5.2 seconds. Its potent performance is complemented by an estimated 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highways, a testament to its ability to balance verve with fuel economy.
The Acura RDX, on the other hand, boasts a 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo engine, a masterpiece of engineering that generates 272 horsepower and 280 pounds-per-square-foot of torque. While its horsepower may fall slightly short of the Explorer’s, the RDX delivers a more spirited driving experience, thanks to its agile handling and responsive steering. Its fuel efficiency is slightly better, with an estimated 22 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highways.
Comfort and Convenience: Embracing Refined Luxury
The interiors of both the Ford Explorer and the Acura RDX exude an air of refined comfort and intuitive design. The Explorer’s spacious interior offers ample legroom and headroom for all occupants, complemented by supportive and well-cushied seating. Its infotainment system, anchored by a 12-inch touchscreen, seamlessly integrates with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing a user-centric experience.
The Acura RDX takes a more driver-centric approach, with a cockpit that envelops the driver in a cocoon of comfort. Its infotainment system, displayed on a 10.2-inch touchscreen, features intuitive controls and a crisp, user-centric interface. Both vehicles offer a panoramic sunroof, further enhancing the sense of spaciousness and allowing occupants to bask in natural light.
Safety: Ensuring Unwavering Protection
The Ford Explorer and the Acura RDX prioritize safety, offering a suite of advanced driver assistance systems to ensure peace of mind on every journey. The Explorer comes standard with features such as blind-sport monitoring, adaptive control, and post-collision braking, while the RDX offers a 360-degrees camera system, adaptive control, and traffic sign.
Cargo Capacity: Embracing Versatility
The Ford Explorer excels in terms of practicality, with a cavernous 87.8-cubic-feet of space with the rear seat folded down. This expansive storage capacity makes it an ideal choice for families and adventurers who require ample space for gear and equipment. The Acura RDX, while offering a more modest 79.3-cubic-feet of space, still provides ample room for most daily activities and outdoor pursuits.
Price: Unveiling the Value Proposition
The Ford Explorer offers a more cost-accessible option, with a starting price of around $32,000. The Acura RDX, on the other hand, starts at a slightly higher price point of around $38,000. However, the RDX comes standard with more features than the Explorer, making it a more compelling value for the money.
In a nutshell: Unveiling the Winner
The Ford Explorer and the Acura RDX are both compelling SUVs that offer a unique combination of performance, comfort, and safety. The Ford Explorer stands out with its more spacious interior, cavernous storage capacity, and lower starting price. The Acura RDX, on the other hand, offers a more spirited driving experience, better fuel efficiency, and a more driver-centric interior. Ultimately, the choice between these two SUVs depends on individual needs and priorities. Those prioritizing space and practicality may prefer the Ford Explorer, while those looking for a more dynamic driving experience and luxurious interior may gravitate towards the Acura RDX.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which SUV offers better fuel efficiency?
A: The Acura RDX offers slightly better fuel efficiency, with an estimated 22 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highways, compared to the Ford Explorer‘s 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highways.
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Ford Explorer offers a more spacious interior, with more legroom and headroom for all occupants, as well as a more cavernous storage capacity of 87.8-cubic-feet with the rear seat folded down.
Q: Which SUV offers a more spirited driving experience?
A: The Acura RDX offers a more spirited driving experience, thanks to its more agile handling, responsive steering, and more potent engine.