While luxury cars used to be the bread and butter of European manufacturers, Japanese brands such as Acura have entered the game with great agility, even beating the Europeans on their own turf. This is the case for the 2021 Acura RDX compact SUV, which is more advanced than ever, offering a comfortable, state-of-the-art interior with a powerful engine, great stability and an enjoyable driving experience.
Here, we’ll compare it to one of its main rivals on the market, the 2021 Volvo XC60, a Swedish SUV of the same size with which it shares many common features while being different in several respects.
Acura Montreal Centre in the heart of the metropolis, near Laval and Longueuil, presents this exciting duel: your Acura dealer in Quebec awaits you with a vast inventory of used and new Acura vehicles to suit your needs!
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One of the most notable differences between the two vehicles is the price: between the two basic models, there is a difference of over $3,000 due to Volvo’s higher transportation costs.
To get a more upscale Volvo model, the prices quickly climb to $60,000 and then to $70,000, while Acura offers five different luxury models ranging from $44,390 to $54,390.
As for the powertrain, the models have two similar engines in their entry-level lineup: both are equipped with a 2.0 L turbocharged engine; however, the power ratings are different. The RDX has 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, while the XC60 has 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque; therefore it is less efficient at delivering power to the wheels.
Both offer all-wheel drive and therefore excellent stability on the road; however, the Japanese vehicle’s 10-speed automatic transmission offers smoother shifting than the Swedish SUV’s 8-speed.
As for the exterior of both vehicles, it becomes a matter of taste: the Acura RDX, with its sharper, more incisive lines and diamond-patterned pentagonal grille, has a sportier look than the Volvo. Its chiselled Jewel Eye headlights, each with 7 LED lamps, contribute to this; both vehicles are elegant, but one is sporty while the other is more classic.
Since these are two luxury cars, it goes without saying that comfort and quality materials are staples in the interior, as well as amenities such as heated seats and a huge panoramic sunroof.
Both offer generous passenger space, both in the front and in the back, although the Acura RDX offers a little more room for front passengers; however, the trunk capacity is 881 litres, compared to 613 litres for Volvo. This difference may be a factor to consider for travellers or large families with a lot of equipment and luggage to carry.
However, the Japanese automaker stands out from the competition with its cutting-edge and user-friendly technologies, such as its infotainment system, a 10.2-inch True Touchpad screen. The True Touchpad, an Acura innovation, makes it easy to navigate the system from the centre console; the Volvo also offers advanced technologies, but many consumers find the system too slow and not very responsive.
In short, when you compare the features of the two basic luxury SUV models and consider the prices of each one, you quickly realize that the Japanese manufacturer Acura offers you more for less.
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Your Acura Montreal Centre dealer carries a large inventory of new and pre-owned Acura vehicles: get your hands on quality Acura-certified vehicles at competitive prices and enjoy an unparalleled buying experience.
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