Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2012 Acura RDX VS 2012 Porsche Cayenne Near Scottsdale, AZ

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the RDX deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The RDX’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Cayenne’s side airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

The RDX has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Cayenne doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the RDX and the Cayenne have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding and available all wheel drive.

Acura’s powertrain warranty covers the RDX 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Porsche covers the Cayenne. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Cayenne ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 35 percent more Acura dealers than there are Porsche dealers, which makes it easier to get service under the RDX’s warranty.

The camshafts in the RDX’s engine are driven by a hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs. The Cayenne Hybrid 3.6 DOHC V6 hybrid, Cayenne 3.0 DOHC V6 hybrid’s camshafts are driven by a rubber belt that needs periodic replacement. If the Cayenne’s cam drive belt breaks the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RDX second among entry premium crossover/SUV’s in their 2011 Initial Quality Study. The Cayenne isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Acura vehicles are better in initial quality than Porsche vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Acura third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 11 more problems per 100 vehicles, Porsche is ranked fifth.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Acura RDX is faster than the Porsche Cayenne V6 hybrid (automatics tested):

The RDX stops shorter than the Cayenne:

The Acura RDX may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 1000 pounds less than the Porsche Cayenne.

The RDX is 8.3 inches shorter than the Cayenne, making the RDX easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The RDX has 1.2 inches more front legroom and 1.7 inches more rear legroom than the Cayenne.

The RDX has a much larger cargo area than the Cayenne with its rear seat up (27.8 vs. 23.7 cubic feet).

The RDX offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The driver can also remotely turn on the heater or air conditioner. The Cayenne doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

When the RDX is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Cayenne’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The RDX’s available GPS navigation system has a real-time traffic update feature that offers alternative routes to automatically bypass traffic problems. (Service available in a limited number of metro areas.) The Cayenne’s available navigation system doesn’t offer real-time traffic updates.