After about 3,500 combined kilometres of testing the 2022 Acura RDX A-Spec ($53,700) and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 Sport Design Turbo ($42,000), readers and viewers started asking an interesting question: is the pricier RDX worth the extra spend?

In the case of these specific trim grades, that’s an $11,700 premium for the Acura.

There are a few good reasons to shell out the extra dough, as well as a few good reasons not to. Below, I’ll outline where the RDX and CX-5 are the closest (and farthest) from one another in terms of the driving experience, and provide plenty of real-world impressions to help you make a better purchase decision.

android, comparison: 2022 acura rdx a-spec vs 2022 mazda cx-5 sport design turbo

2022 Mazda CX-5 Sport Design Turbo Photo by Justin Pritchard

Pricing

For 2022, the Mazda CX-5 opens the bidding around $30,000 with standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

Several sub-$40,000 models are offered with extra equipment and styling touches. My new-this-year Sport Design tester with the optional turbocharged engine ($2,200) clocked in at $42,000, leaving only the CX-5 Signature above it in the model range for a little north of $43,000.

The Acura RDX starts around $47,000 — some $4,000 more than a fully loaded CX-5. The RDX’s A-Spec grade is the most popular among Acura’s youngest shoppers, and the RDX A-Spec opens the bidding at $53,700 with numerous cosmetic and feature add-ons intended to bring its looks more in line with its spirited drive.

The CX-5 is available in six trim grades with two engine choices. The RDX is available in four trims with a single engine.

The impressions below come from testing the comparable CX-5 Sport Design Turbo and RDX A-Spec trims, but remember that both of these focus on cosmetic upgrades and don’t have significant changes to hardware or systems that affect the drive.

android, comparison: 2022 acura rdx a-spec vs 2022 mazda cx-5 sport design turbo

2022 Acura RDX A-Spec Photo by Justin Pritchard

By the numbers

The CX-5 Sport Design Turbo uses a 2.5 litre Skyactiv Turbo four-cylinder engine with 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, provided drivers feed 93 octane gasoline, which isn’t required. On regular 87-grade gas, you’re good for 227 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft of torque.

This engine is designed to run on both premium or regular fuel grades.

The Acura’s engine is not.

All RDX models, including the A-Spec, come powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder turbo VTEC engine that drinks premium unleaded and returns 272 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft of torque.

On fuel economy, there’s little difference between the pair, both achieve combined fuel efficiency of just under 10L/100km.

Both also do 0-100 km/h in just under 7 seconds.

When it comes to acceleration and fuel economy, it’s a virtual tie—even with the Mazda’s 6-speed automatic having four fewer gears than the 10-speed unit in the RDX.

The RDX is longer, wider and slightly taller than the CX-5. On board, look for slightly more front seat headroom and legroom in the Acura. The Mazda delivers better rear seat leg, head and hip room, making it the better choice for shoppers who regularly transport adults in the rear. On cargo volume, it’s a virtual tie.

Interior experience

android, comparison: 2022 acura rdx a-spec vs 2022 mazda cx-5 sport design turbo

2022 Acura RDX A-Spec Photo by Justin Pritchard

android, comparison: 2022 acura rdx a-spec vs 2022 mazda cx-5 sport design turbo

2022 Mazda CX-5 Photo by Renita Naraine

The interiors of both machines make a strong first impression.

In the Mazda, it’s a clean-cut, elegant and simple overall layout to the forward dash, which is decorated with low-profile vents and controls, precise metal linework, a subtle central screen, nicely-finished instruments, and a strong horizontal flow to the shape of the dashboard, which visually widens the cabin.

The tactile feel of all switchgear is upscale, and the switches and stalks are fresh, modern and unique. In all, shoppers will likely find the CX-5’s cockpit to be clean and luxurious in appearance, but without looking busy or cluttered.

The RDX’s cabin takes a more dynamic approach.

At a glance, it’s richer with detail, depth and texture. Layers of materials and trimmings flow and stack over one another, and the driver’s eyes are immediately engaged as they hop on board. The wide centre stack cuts the cabin in half, creating a dual-cockpit layout that looks more snug and personal than the wider, more open forward cabin in the Mazda.

The RDX’s cabin seems intent on engaging the driver—the drive mode selector is even located prominently in the centre of the dash.

It’s a much busier look.

Conversely, the CX-5’s cabin seems more intent on giving drivers a calming atmosphere with less visual noise.

Infotainment

android, comparison: 2022 acura rdx a-spec vs 2022 mazda cx-5 sport design turbo

2022 Mazda CX-5 Photo by Renita Naraine

android, comparison: 2022 acura rdx a-spec vs 2022 mazda cx-5 sport design turbo

2022 Acura RDX A-Spec Photo by Justin Pritchard

These machines represent two of my least-favorite infotainment systems.

The Acura’s larger screen and sharper graphics will impress display afficionados more easily, but the central touch-pad system can be cumbersome and slow until you’ve put in some learning. The CX-5’s smaller screen has the less-impressive graphics and interfaces of the pair, and is also controlled remotely from a console-mounted dial.

Neither infotainment system will win over fans of a big, responsive and well-positioned touch-screen setup. Neither system exhibits the most logical menu structure or easy-to-navigate functions in the segment today.

You can do better for the money if infotainment is important to you. Thankfully, both models feature easy-to-use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems, making it easy for drivers to upscale key smartphone functionalities and interfaces into the central screen for distraction-free voice control.

On the backroads

android, comparison: 2022 acura rdx a-spec vs 2022 mazda cx-5 sport design turbo

2022 Acura RDX A-Spec Photo by Justin Pritchard

Both the CX-5 Sport Design Turbo and RDX A-Spec do their best work on smoother roads.

Both crossovers are designed to deliver a sporty and responsive drive, which can often translate into reduced ride comfort and refinement on backroad surfaces common in my northern Ontario locale. On these surfaces, I noted higher-than-average tire and suspension noise from both models — par for the course when an athletic crossover hits the backroads.

In the Mazda, I noted the tendency of some specific pavement disturbances and textures to dramatically spike interior noise levels. The RDX A-Spec handles these same surfaces with a slightly quieter drive, though the suspension itself feels slightly stiffer when taking a licking. This can translate into a backroads ride that’s slightly more jarring and abrupt than the Mazda, although slightly quieter.

Lighting

android, comparison: 2022 acura rdx a-spec vs 2022 mazda cx-5 sport design turbo

2022 Mazda CX-5 Sport Design Turbo Photo by Justin Pritchard

Both of these testers boast excellent lighting systems which easily rank among the best I’ve ever tested for the dollar. Both use LED headlight technology, and both transmit plenty of clean white light where it’s needed the most.

The lighting system in the CX-5 was my biggest surprise. New-for-2022 headlights feature a redesigned LED housing, and the new units work very well. Lighting output hits all of my marks for use on northern highways, with exceptional peripheral illumination into treelines and culverts, especially with the high beams engaged.

The brights offer longer-than-expected reach up the road to reflective surfaces, the automatic brights are on-the-ball, and even with the low-beams engaged, thick white light floods the way ahead. For an added bonus, the steerable projectors slightly bend the lighting output into corners, for an additional improvement to nighttime visibility.

This is one of the best lighting systems I’ve used after dark on northern highways — a remarkable trait at the CX-5’s price point.

The RDX’s lighting system is nearly as impressive. Projectors flood the road ahead with clean white light that reaches effectively into the roadside for early detection of potential hazards. High beams add some additional spot-lighting ahead of the vehicle in the mid-distance range, and engage reflective surfaces far up the highway. A precise beam cut-off helps ensure there’s plenty of light where it’s needed, little where it’s not, and helps keep oncoming traffic from flashing you.

After dark, I think new RDX drivers will quickly take comfort in its potent and nicely calibrated lighting system.

android, comparison: 2022 acura rdx a-spec vs 2022 mazda cx-5 sport design turbo

2022 Mazda CX-5 Sport Design Turbo Photo by Justin Pritchard

The biggest difference

So far, we’ve got two crossovers with a pretty significant price gap, despite minimal differences in performance figures, fuel efficiency, lighting performance, backroads ride quality, and even infotainment system presentation — for better or worse.

If these are the primary factors guiding your purchase decision, I don’t think you’ll find a significant advantage by moving up into the RDX.

Still, there’s one area where the RDX stands the furthest apart from the CX-5: driver engagement.

This largely comes from the powertrain. Where the Skyactiv Turbo engine is expert at dispensing smooth and quiet low-rev torque and keeping noise levels down, the VTEC Turbo engine in the RDX is more assertive and captivating.

As an enthusiast driver, I appreciated the hard-hitting low-RPM torque punch of the CX-5’s engine, though softer full-throttle upshifts, a flat and uneventful power curve, and the lack of any meaningful exhaust note mean this engine is strong but quiet.

Conversely, the RDX’s engine has a much stronger auditory character, especially at higher revs where the cam timing system works to create a familiar VTEC snarl as the turbocharger boosts output, even towards maximum revs. In the RDX, full-throttle shifting is quick, the sound effects are proud, engaging and pleasing, and there’s a sensation of rising action as power builds and swells when the tachometer closes in on redline.

android, comparison: 2022 acura rdx a-spec vs 2022 mazda cx-5 sport design turbo

2022 Acura RDX A-Spec tachometer Photo by Justin Pritchard

Both machines accelerate about as quickly — the Mazda doing so as smoothly and quietly as possible, and the Acura putting on more of a show. Opened up, the CX-5’s turbo engine made me smirk, while the RDX’s turbo engine made me grin. If you’re a lover of fast-spinning Honda engines from days gone by, I think you’ll connect quickly with the powertrain in the new RDX.

The Acura’s more engaging powertrain is backed by the more engaging handing feel of the pair, too.

The CX-5’s handling and ride feel a little more laid-back and comfortable. It’s an ideal setup for the driver primarily after relaxing cruising, but from a machine that’s happy to follow a favourite winding road at speed. Reflexes are sharper than average, and the steering is fantastic: I found the CX-5’s ability to confidently browse narrow two-lane highways a major asset, and appreciated how easy it was to place the car into its line for a corner with no second guessing.

The CX-5 has strong performance and handling attributes when drivers go digging a little beneath its more relaxed overall personality.

android, comparison: 2022 acura rdx a-spec vs 2022 mazda cx-5 sport design turbo

2022 Mazda CX-5 Sport Design Turbo Photo by Justin Pritchard

In the RDX, more athletic tuning of the suspension, engine, and steering is more apparent, and for more of the time. Drivers need smaller inputs to steering and braking to stir their desired reaction from the vehicle, and the suspension tuning and torque-vectoring AWD add a lively polish that sees the chassis send subtle but satisfying signals to the driver more often when going around a corner, on-ramp, or even just around a bend on the 401.

At the tips of your fingers and toes, expect the RDX to feel friskier, more engaging, and more responsive, more of the time. This one feels more sports car and less laid-back — but still long-distance road trip ready.

Though these machines are surprisingly close to one another in many aspects, drivers with a strong desire for an engaging driving experience will likely find the highest return on their investment when opting to make the extra spend on the Acura.

Keyword: Comparison: 2022 Acura RDX A-Spec vs 2022 Mazda CX-5 Sport Design Turbo

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

R530,000 SUVs that rival the new Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max

Heading upmarket Honda HR-V 1.5 Comfort Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance S Mahindra Scorpio-N 2.2D Z8 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2.0 GLS Haval H6 2.0GDIT Luxury Proton X70 1.5T Standard Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip Opel Mokka 1.2T GS Line Mazda CX-5 2.0 Active auto VW T-Cross 1.5TSI ...

View more: R530,000 SUVs that rival the new Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max

2024 Mazda CX-5 Facelift Set to Hit Malaysian Roads Soon?

In development for Malaysian automotive enthusiasts, Bermaz Motor is gearing up to introduce the facelifted Mazda CX-5 to the local market. The anticipation surrounds the 2024 model, which boasts a series of updates, both in terms of design and features, promising a refreshed driving experience for Malaysian consumers. In ...

View more: 2024 Mazda CX-5 Facelift Set to Hit Malaysian Roads Soon?

Surprisingly, Mazda's Push To Move Upmarket Is Actually Working

Photo: Mazda Thanks to the popularity of the CX-50 and CX-90, Mazda’s profits grew significantly in the last quarter, Automotive News reports. In fact, the Japanese automaker believes this fiscal year will be the best on record from both a profit and U.S. sales perspective. If its forecasts are ...

View more: Surprisingly, Mazda's Push To Move Upmarket Is Actually Working

At $9,200, Is This 1988 Acura Legend Coupe Accurately Priced?

Photo: Craigslist When it was first introduced, today’s Nice Price or No Dice Acura Legend was promoted with the tagline “Precision Crafted Performance.” Let’s see how precisely priced this well-kept example might now be. Imagine you’re choosing teams for a pickup football game; who would you rather have on ...

View more: At $9,200, Is This 1988 Acura Legend Coupe Accurately Priced?

Mazda Says "Very Cool" MX-5 Miata Special Editions Are Coming

MX-5 Program Manager Shigeki Saito says the ND generation will be sold for as long as possible.

View more: Mazda Says "Very Cool" MX-5 Miata Special Editions Are Coming

2024 Acura TLX Gets Simplified Trim Structure, Subtlest Facelift Ever

There are more standard features and added sound deadening for 2024, but you’d barely know it from looking.

View more: 2024 Acura TLX Gets Simplified Trim Structure, Subtlest Facelift Ever

Best-selling bakkies in South Africa – Models and pricing

Best-selling bakkies in South Africa 1. Toyota Hilux – 3,110 units 2. Ford Ranger – 1,853 units 3. Isuzu D-Max – 1,464 units 4. Nissan NP200 – 961 units 5. Mahindra Pik Up – 565 units 6. Nissan Navara – 354 units 7. VW Amarok – 352 units 8. ...

View more: Best-selling bakkies in South Africa – Models and pricing

Mazda CX-8 and MX-30 Saying Goodbye to Australia at the End of 2023

Mazda has confirmed that the CX-8 and the MX-30 will be saying goodbye to the Australian market at the end of 2023 as Mazda looks to expand its range of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric offerings. The news comes as a bit of a surprise, at least for the MX-30, ...

View more: Mazda CX-8 and MX-30 Saying Goodbye to Australia at the End of 2023

Mazda Hits Two Million Production Milestone for Famed Rotary Engines

Mazda sports car concept in Tokyo previews the future of the MX-5

Mazda Miata Owner Regrets Getting Retractable Hardtop

Mazda Says It Can Shrink The Iconic SP To The Size Of A Miata

Mazda debuts gorgeous Iconic SP!

MY24 Mazda CX-30 Prices & Specs Confirmed, Arrives January

A Closer Look At the Mazda Iconic SP Concept In All Of Its FD RX-7-eqsue Glory

Honda Prelude, Mazda Iconic SP, Subaru Sport Mobility, Nissan Hyper Force: Rambling About Cars 147

Here's How The Rotary-Electric Powertrain Works In The Mazda Iconic SP Concept

The Rotary-Electric Mazda Iconic SP Concept Marks The Return of Pop Up Headlights

Mazda Iconic SP Concept Is An FD RX-7-Inspired Rotary Hybrid Beauty

The best of Tokyo: Japan Mobility Show's most innovative vehicle concepts

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel