Large grille highlighted by chrome trim, but a clean face by current standards. More slender headlights than on the original CX-5.
Cleaner, more elegant body sides on the second-gen CX-5. Dramatic curvy character lines deleted. The RDX's exterior is far busier, especially the front end. Does anyone find this pretty?
Long hood => lack of interior space. Somewhat justified by efficient exhaust manifold it permits. Truncated tail. Elegant and sporty, but not good for cargo-hauling capacity.
The Acura is also far busier and less elegant when viewed from the rear. A lot going on. So much cleaner than the Acura. Smaller exhaust tips belie larger engine.
Far more upholstered and stitched surfaces than usual at this price point. Real wood in Signature. Much busier inside as well. More complicated controls. A much racier red on the seats.
Easy controls, but slow responses and smallish screen. Classic white-on-black instruments. Too clean? Do people now expect more of a light show?
Driver seat lacking in lateral support. Nothing special. RDX has a cushier seat with larger side bolsters. A-Spec seat looks a little less wild in person.
A passable rear seat. Most competitors (but not the RDX) are much roomier. Handy releases to fold rear seats without having to walk around to the side or lean way forward.
Less cargo space than in many competitors. But possibly all you need. Just your typical basic engine cover.