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The 2022 Acura RDX is one of the best luxury compact SUV models on the market. How does it compare to the prestigious Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class? Does the 2022 Acura RDX pummel the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class?

The 2022 Acura RDX is an affordable luxury compact SUV

A red Acura RDX is on display.
The Acura RDX is on display | Visual China Group via Getty Images

The 2022 Acura RDX starts at $39,300. It uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to produce 272 horsepower. The RDX achieves 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Acura RDX comes with Jewel Eye LED headlights. It also features a panoramic moonroof. The compact luxury SUV model also includes a blind spot information system. It features a 10.2-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The compact luxury SUV also comes with natural voice recognition.

The RDX includes an acoustic glass windshield, heated side mirrors, a power-operated tailgate, push-button start, and active sound control. It comes with a 7-inch color Multi-Information Display, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and a True Touchpad Interface.

The luxury compact SUV model has a spacious cargo and cabin area. Its cabin is luxurious. The RDX also has excellent ride quality. Can the Japanese model compete with German engineering?

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is the pinnacle of luxury

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class starts at $38,600. It uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to produce 221 horsepower. The luxury compact SUV model gets 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.

The GLB-Class comes with an ECO start/stop system. It includes a standard four-wheel independent suspension for better traction. The luxury compact SUV features aluminum roof rails.

It comes with MB-Tex upholstery, an illuminated entry system, and heated power side mirrors. The GLB also includes standard remote start via the Mercedes me mobile app, over-the-air software updates, and an outside temperature display.

2022 Acura RDX vs. 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

According to U.S. News & World Report, the Acura RDX is the third-best new luxury compact SUV model. The Mercedes-Benz GLB is ranked seventh on the publication’s list of best new luxury compact SUV models despite its amazing features. So, does the RDX pummel the GLB or not?

The truth is, The GLB currently lives in the shadow of the popular GLC model on U.S. News’ list. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC is ranked second-best on the list, following the 2021 BMW X3. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB is still a great luxury compact SUV option, it’s just less powerful than the Acura RDX. When it comes to luxury SUVs, power goes a long way.

Mercedes-Benz is tough to beat at making refined cabins and the Acura RDX may have to take the “L” in that category. Overall the RDX seems to be a more enjoyable luxury compact SUV to drive. It doesn’t pummel the GLB class, but it’s clear to see why judges would score a bout between the two models in the RDX’s favor.

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