LEXUS NX VS ACURA RDX, BMW X3, AND MERCEDES GLA: WHICH IS BEST?
LEXUS NX VS ACURA RDX, BMW X3, AND MERCEDES GLA: WHICH IS BEST?
Posted on April 14, 2022
The small luxury crossover segment might be the most competitive in Edmonton, offering fantastic options for buyers like the Lexus NX, Acura RDX, BMW X3, and the Mercedes GLA. The question often is — which SUV is the right fit for your lifestyle?
We decided to compare these four luxury SUVs in terms of performance, cost, cargo space, standard features and fuel efficiency. What we found might surprise you. Read on to learn more about these four luxury SUVs so you can choose the right one for you.
PERFORMANCE COMPARISON
LEXUS NX: The 2022 Lexus NX has been completely redesigned for a new year and that also means a brand new engine. The 2022 NX 350 gets a new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This is an increase of 40 hp and 59 lb-ft from the old NX 300 which had a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. The base model NX 250 has a 2.5 L 4?CYL and there is a new Self-Charging Hybrid Electric engine in the NX 350H which gives drivers a 240 (179) NET Horsepower.
ACURA RDX: The 2022 Acura RDX is a little different from the other SUVs in our comparison as it does not offer trim levels but instead offers buyers one model with five package upgrades: Technology, A-Spec Technology, Advance, A-Spec Advance and PMC Edition. All of the models house a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive comes standard while all-wheel drive is an option for the base model and Technology packages. All-wheel drive comes standard on the Advance and PMC Edition packages.
BMW X3: The 2022 BMW X3 is available in three trim levels: The sDrive30i and xDrive30i which both offer a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that gives out 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The third trim is the M40i which has a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque and this is mated to a hybrid system. The sDrive30i is rear-wheel drive while all-wheel drive is included with the xDrive30i and M40 trims.
MERCEDES GLA: The 2022 Mercedes GLA is now in its second iteration and offers buyers a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that puts out 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system. The second trim is the AMG GLA 45 which has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 382 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque.
THE WINNER: The 2022 NX (275 HP) is the clear winner in terms of performance putting out more horsepower on the base engine than compared to the Acura RDX (272 horsepower), BMW X3 (248 HP), and the Mercedes GLA (221 HP). The new NX engine is also incredibly quick — according to Edmunds, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.8-seconds, a very impressive feat.
COST COMPARISON
LEXUS NX: We have included the MSRPs for all the new 2022 Lexus NX models starting with the 2022 NX 250 from $47,400, 2022 NX 350h from $49,900, 2022 NX 350 from $54,850 and the NX 450h+FROM $59,950.
ACURA RDX: The 2022 Acura RDX has an MSRP of $46,900 and it goes up in price with each additional package with the Tech starting from $50,200, the A-SPEC starting from $53,700, and the Platinum Elite A-SPEC at $59,100.
BMW X3: The 2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i has an MSRP of $56,525.01
MERCEDES GLA: The 2022 Mercedes GLA 250 stars from $43,200.
THE WINNER: Choosing the SUV with the advantage in terms of price is difficult. We like to compare these SUVs in terms of the value they offer for their price tag. That being said, when looking at these luxury crossovers in terms of their performance, features and overall offerings for Edmonton buyers, the Lexus NX has the slight advantage of offering more power at the base level and giving buyers a long list of standard features.
CARGO SPACE COMPARISON
LEXUS NX: The 2022 NX has as much as 28% more cargo space compared to its 2021 predecessor with 642 litres behind the back row. When the rear seats are folded down, NX owners can enjoy 1238 litres of cargo space, making it perfectly roomy for things like grocery bags, backpacks, weekend gear and more. In addition to this growth inside, Lexus has placed cargo containers throughout the cabin, including a storage bin underneath the cargo floor and available power-folding rear seats.
ACURA RDX: With 880 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, the 2022 RDX leads the pack in terms of cargo space. When you fold down the rear seats, there is even more room with 1667 litres to pack away all your goods.
MERCEDES GLA: The smallest SUV of the bunch, the 2022 GLA has a measly 436 litres behind the rear seats and because of the shape of the exterior, loading cargo is difficult on the best days. Things do get better when you fold the rear seats, opening up 1430 litres of space for your things.
BMW X3: The 2021 BMW X3 is right behind the RDX in terms of space, offering almost 813 litres behind the rear seats and when folded down, drivers enjoy a cushy 1775 litres which certainly makes weekend getaways a breeze.
THE WINNER: While Lexus lovers will enjoy the additional space the next-generation model has in addition to that extra storage unit under the cargo floor, the most spacious SUV of this group for your cargo is the Acura RDX.
FEATURES COMPARISON
LEXUS NX: The 2022 Lexus NX has been completely redesigned and the excitement around this luxury urban crawler is justified. The 2022 NX is the first vehicle in the Lexus lineup to receive the latest infotainment system which surrounds you with intuitive technology and seamless connectivity with features that range from standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity to available cloud-based services like intelligent assistant and advanced navigation.
All NX models are equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system; the NX 250 comes standard with a 9.8-inch display, a 10-speaker stereo system as well as a free trial of Amazon Music. Buyers can opt for a 14.0-inch display as well as a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system with the Premium or Luxury packages. Other standard features include 18-inch wheels, power-adjustable, heated front seats, simulated leather upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Every 2022 NX comes standard with Lexus Safety System 2.5 which includes driver-assisted features like Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Blind-Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
ACURA RDX: For comparison's sake, we are going to match these luxury SUVs in terms of their standard equipment. On the 2022 Acura RDX standard features include 19-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, simulated leather upholstery, a 10.2-inch central display with touchpad controller, a nine-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity) and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind-Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane Keeping Assist.
BMW X3: The 2022 BMW sDrive30i and xDrive30i share the same standard features with some of the standouts being adaptive LED headlights, auto-dimming mirrors, front and rear parking sensors and a power liftgate. Also standard are luxury standards like dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and central touchscreen, a navigation system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. 12-speaker audio system. In terms of safety features, buyers will enjoy standard Blind Spot Monitor, Frontal Collision Mitigation, and Lane Departure Warning.
MERCEDES GLA: The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA comes in three trims GLA 250, AMG GLA 35 and AMG GLA 45. The GLA 250 comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, fog lights and taillights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated exterior mirrors, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats with driver memory settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard with a 7-inch display infotainment system, Forward Collision Mitigation and Blind-Spot Monitor.
THE WINNER: This competition is tight and it ultimately depends on your preferences in standard and available features. The BMW X3 offers the largest standard-sized infotainment while the Mercedes GLA has a tiny 7-inch screen in comparison, with the NX and Acura being square right in the middle. But if you opt for the available 14-inch touchscreen in the NX, you open the door for some of the most advanced touchscreen technology and additional upgrades on the market right now, including a new voice command system that answers to “HEY LEXUS.”
The NX offers more comprehensive coverage in terms of safety features and we also LOVE that Mark Levinson stereo system which is available on higher NX trims… with the tech package. The BMW and RDX have a standard WiFi HotSpot, while the Acura is also home to the largest standard wheels. All in all this race is tight, but if you are as enamoured by the new infotainment system in the NX as we are, we think the choice is clear.
FUEL EFFICIENCY COMPARISON
LEXUS NX: The 2022 NX 250 comes equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that gives 9.4/7.4 (CITY/HWY). If you go with the hybrid option of the NX 350H, you will be astounded by the incredible fuel economy, getting an incredible 5.7/6.4 (CITY/HWY). The NX 350’s new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gets drivers 10.5/8.3 (CITY/HWY).
ACURA RDX: The Acura RDX only has the one 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It gives drivers 11/8.6/9.9 L/100 KM (CITY/HIGHWAY/COMBINED)
MERCEDES GLA: The 2022 GLA comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that gives drivers 7.3 – 12.3 L/100km (CITY/HIGHWAY).
BMW X3: The standard engine available on the 2022 BMW X3 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that has a less than desirable 11.0 L/100km in the city, giving drivers 8. L 100/km on the highway and 9.9 L/100km combined. The new X3 xDrive30e hybrid 6-lire engine gets a combined fuel consumption of 2.6–2.0 L/100 km.
THE WINNER: When comparing the standard gasoline engines against all three of these SUVs, the Lexus NX has the slight edge over the RDX and GLA, although the difference is minimal. The hybrid options between the BMW X3 and the Lexus NX are also close and both offer reduced trips to the pumps.
WHICH MIDSIZE LUXURY SUV IS THE BEST?
Choosing the right vehicle for a buyer comes down to their individual needs. Now that you have read our detailed comparison, make some considerations based on your lifestyle.
Do you drive more in the city than long stretches of highway? Do you have a family that requires more space? Do you value standard features or are you willing to travel up the trim levels for the best in luxury amenities? These questions and more will help you determine which SUV is best for you.
The 2022 Lexus NX is on another level this year, featuring a new engine, exterior refresh, interior tech, infotainment system, advanced connectivity features and a hybrid engine that offers astounding fuel efficiency. If you are narrowing in on your decision and want to test drive the 2022 NX, visit us today at 830 100 St SW, Edmonton or give us a call at 780-989-2222.