Hyundai Tucson Vs. Acura Rdx: Battle Of The Compact Suvs

What To Know

  • Both SUVs make a striking presence on the road, but the Tucson’s edgier styling may appeal to those seeking a more dynamic and adventurous look, while the RDX’s elegant lines cater to those who prefer a more understated and luxurious appearance.
  • The RDX, on the other hand, offers a more refined and luxurious experience, with a more powerful engine, a more upscale interior, and a comprehensive suite of safety features.
  • The Hyundai Tucson offers better fuel economy than the Acura RDX, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to the RDX’s 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

The Hyundai Tucson and Acura RDX are two of the most popular compact SUVs on the market, offering a compelling blend of style, performance, and practicality. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the intricate details of both vehicles to determine which one emerges as the superior choice for discerning SUV buyers.

Exterior Design:

The Hyundai Tucson sports a bold and aggressive exterior design, characterized by its angular lines, sharp creases, and prominent grille. In contrast, the Acura RDX exudes a more refined and sophisticated aesthetic, with its sleek profile, fluid curves, and signature diamond-shaped grille. Both SUVs make a striking presence on the road, but the Tucson’s edgier styling may appeal to those seeking a more dynamic and adventurous look, while the RDX’s elegant lines cater to those who prefer a more understated and luxurious appearance.

Interior Comfort and Convenience:

Inside, the Hyundai Tucson offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard layout is intuitive and user-friendly, featuring a large touchscreen infotainment system and an array of physical buttons and knobs for easy access to essential controls. The Acura RDX, on the other hand, boasts a more upscale and refined interior, with premium materials, soft-touch surfaces, and a panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with natural light. Its infotainment system is equally impressive, with a larger touchscreen display, a more intuitive interface, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Performance and Handling:

Under the hood, the Hyundai Tucson offers a choice of two powertrains: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque, or a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 232 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Acura RDX, on the other hand, comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Both SUVs offer a smooth and responsive driving experience, with the RDX delivering slightly more power and acceleration. However, the Tucson’s smaller engines may prove more fuel-efficient in the long run.

Safety Features:

When it comes to safety, both the Hyundai Tucson and Acura RDX come equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The RDX, however, offers a few additional features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system, providing drivers with enhanced visibility and peace of mind.

Cargo Capacity and Towing:

The Hyundai Tucson offers a generous 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 87.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Acura RDX, on the other hand, provides slightly less cargo space, with 31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 79.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. In terms of towing capacity, the Tucson can tow up to 2,000 pounds, while the RDX can tow up to 1,500 pounds.

Price and Value:

The Hyundai Tucson has a starting price of $26,190, while the Acura RDX starts at $40,050. This significant price difference reflects the RDX’s more luxurious interior, more powerful engine, and additional safety features. However, the Tucson offers excellent value for money, with a long list of standard features and a more affordable price tag.

Takeaways:

In the end, the choice between the Hyundai Tucson and Acura RDX depends on individual preferences and priorities. The Tucson is a more affordable option with a bold design, spacious interior, and a fuel-efficient powertrain. The RDX, on the other hand, offers a more refined and luxurious experience, with a more powerful engine, a more upscale interior, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. Ultimately, the best SUV for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and driving style.

Top Questions Asked

1. Which SUV has better fuel economy?

The Hyundai Tucson offers better fuel economy than the Acura RDX, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to the RDX’s 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

2. Which SUV has more cargo space?

The Hyundai Tucson offers more cargo space than the Acura RDX, with 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 87.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down compared to the RDX’s 31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 79.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

3. Which SUV has a more powerful engine?

The Acura RDX has a more powerful engine than the Hyundai Tucson, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque compared to the Tucson’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque.