Compared: 2023 Acura RDX vs. 2023 Genesis GV70

This battle of sporty premium crossovers is decided by one factor: power.

Michael Strong | 

Aug 15, 2024 | 2 min read

Acura | Genesis

Roomy and comfortable, with plenty of high-end touches and complemented with a performance bent, the 2023 Acura RDX and 2023 Genesis GV70 are two compelling premium crossover SUVs. With this pair, there is one big difference that could determine which one you'd rather have in your garage.

Acura

The GV70 Has a Much Wider Price Range Than the RDX

Entry-level RDX pricing begins at about $43,000. Jump up to the top-level RDX A-Spec and the price rises to $49,000. If you want all-wheel drive (AWD), add another $2,200.

Genesis

The RDX comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 272 horsepower and is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The sole powertrain on offer, it's adequate for an enjoyable drive. However, the RDX can't quite match the grunt of the GV70 and its 300-hp turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Plus, that's not your only option: A 375-hp 3.5-liter V6 significantly boosts the GV70's shove.

The starting price for the GV70 2.5T is $44,000, and the Genesis comes with AWD standard. Moving all the way up to the 3.5T Sport Prestige model and its 375 horses pushes the starting price to $66,000.

Acura

Both Premium SUVs Come Well Equipped

In addition to the touchscreen infotainment systems compulsory on both vehicles, more advanced driver-assistance tech such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control come standard as well. The GV70, however, stands out with its standard airbag that can deploy between the front seats to help prevent occupants from making contact in a crash.

Genesis

The AWD GV70's Fuel Economy Can Match the Front-Drive RDX

In spite of the horsepower differences, fuel economy between these two is actually competitive. The 2023 Acura RDX is rated at 22/28/24 mpg city/highway/combined in the front-wheel-drive configuration. With AWD, fuel economy steps down to 21/27/23 mpg.

Even with standard AWD, the four-cylinder GV70 matches the front-drive RDX with an EPA rating of 22/28/24 mpg. Add a couple of cylinders and 75 more horsepower, and there is a predictable drop in fuel economy, coming in at 19/24/21 mpg.

All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.

Michael Strong

Michael Strong has spent more than 25 years writing about everything from local car shows to new product introductions to the industry’s financial news for national, regional, and local publications. He is currently the managing editor at a major automotive news website.