2023 Acura RDX vs. 2023 Honda CR-V

When searching for a sport crossover, there's no point in settling for anything less than a vehicle that delivers incredible power and a comfortable cabin decked with the latest technology. That's what it means to own a true sport crossover, after all. For the model year 2023, Acura and Honda have put out a couple of real contenders. Today, the Delray Acura team will be comparing the 2023 Acura RDX and the 2023 Honda CR-V.

2023 Acura RDX vs 2023 Honda CR-V

Honda may be responsible for creating some of the more commonly owned vehicles out there, but Acura has been stepping it up by crafting some real beasts in the performance car arena. The new RDX is no exception with an impressive engine and stunning interior features.

Performance

Starting off strong, the 2023 Acura RDX comes equipped with a 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine supporting a whopping 272 horsepower backed with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive technology. For a more dynamic drive, you can include available Adaptive Dampers and a total of 4 distinct drive modes like Comfort, Normal, Snow, and Sport to handle any terrain. Additionally, the iBooster braking system enhances your stopping power along with a noticeably firmer brake pedal. With a powerful engine and robust driving assistance, you're practically guaranteed a thrill ride that will leave you wanting more.

Compared to what the RDX has to offer, the new CR-V is incredibly underwhelming with a standard 1.5L turbo engine capping out at 190 horsepower. You don't even need to bring these two onto the racetrack to figure out who will come out on top. The CR-V does come with a couple of Honda Sensing driver assist features, but nothing that can really stand up to what the RDX has under the hood.

Safety Features

Among some of the more popular safety feature packages on the market, AcuraWatch is a known favorite with drivers who have witnessed the technology in action firsthand. AcuraWatch includes intuitive features that are designed to act as your copilot in keeping an eye out for potential dangers while taking over the wheel and brakes as necessary. Traffic sign recognition in particular is something that few vehicles can properly achieve as it's not yet a common feature.

Honda Sensing provides the CR-V with a few sensors to alert you of certain dangers, but it feels more like a basic warning system rather than having someone in the car with you for more visceral support on the road. But at the very least, the rearview camera gives you multiple angles to help you back out of a parking space.

Interior

The interior of the RDX is where most of the fun happens since that's where you're spending most of your time. First of all, you'll be surrounded by all-natural and authentic materials in the Advance trim complete with full-grain leather, open-pore wood, and real aluminum accents. Ambient cabin lighting adds a bit of pizzazz while the large panoramic moonroof sets the tone. For your media, you can access your music on a 10.2-inch HD screen with the True Touchpad interface located on the center console. Wi-Fi hotspot capability makes it easier to utilize your smartphone's connection and an ELS Studio audio system with 16 speakers turns your ride into a real party. And wherever you decide to go, the possibilities are endless with 79.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

The new CR-V also offers many of the same interior features, but the quality of each component is just barely beaten out by the RDX. The single-panel moonroof may come standard in every trim, but it's literally half the size of the RDX's full panoramic moonroof. The infotainment screen is only 9 inches, the Bose audio system only has 12 speakers, and there are only 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The CR-V may have ambient lighting, but it's only for the center console in most of the trims.

Bottom Line

Again, you can't really brag about owning a sport crossover if you don't go all-out with it. To ensure that you have a car worthy of showing off, we highly recommend that you go with the 2023 Acura RDX. It has great power with a dynamic system, and there's much to enjoy within the cabin. The Honda CR-V is a decent ride, but the RDX is simply better.

Ask Us About the 2023 Acura RDX!

The 2023 Acura RDX is the perfect choice for those who are looking to bring a party with them on the road. Want to know how you can get your own? Call your friends at Delray Acura at (888) 221-4506 for more information! We'll gladly fill you in on everything you need to know.