2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling was not particularly groundbreaking or attention-grabbing. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings, neither embarrassing nor overly impressing its driver. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to its front end. The sleek, low-slung design with chiseled details and a fast roofline gave it a modern appearance, complemented by flawless paint and chrome finishes. Inside, the MDX offered a simple yet modern interior, with a centre stack highlighted by twin infotainment screens and a high-quality fit and finish that contributed to a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained a timeless design that combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its bold appearance, with big wheels and flared fenders, made it a standout in the SUV market. The Grand Cherokee's design was a significant factor in its continued success, offering a range of trims from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit and high-performance SRT and Trackhawk models. The Summit trim, in particular, featured premium leather, genuine wood, and real aluminum, creating a luxurious cabin atmosphere. However, the interior design showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits indicating the need for a redesign.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, and the MDX Sport Hybrid, which combined a 3.0-litre V6 engine with three electric motors for a total of 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. The gasoline-only model with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system demonstrated impressive straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a reliable companion for long journeys.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a towing capacity of up to 2,818 kilograms. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine offered 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kg. The V8's cylinder deactivation technology improved fuel efficiency, though it remained relatively thirsty. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, combined with Quadra-Lift air suspension, provided excellent off-road capabilities and a comfortable ride on various terrains. However, the V8's fuel consumption and occasional bounciness on uneven surfaces were notable drawbacks.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered a practical and spacious interior, with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It provided 447 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 1,229 litres with the third row folded, and up to 2,574 litres with the second row down. The MDX featured numerous storage options, including a flexible centre console, water-bottle pockets, and a covered underfloor storage space. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers, making the MDX a stylish alternative to a minivan.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted and perforated leather seats, though rear legroom was somewhat limited. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added to the sense of claustrophobia, but large windows and a panoramic sunroof helped alleviate this. The Grand Cherokee offered 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 1,934 litres with the second row folded. While interior storage was adequate, the centre console space was limited when equipped with the rear-seat entertainment system. Practical features like grocery bag hooks and a power liftgate added convenience.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of technology features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD/MP3 player. The Technology Package added navigation, parking sensors, and a premium audio system, while the A-Spec and Technology Plus packages offered additional tech upgrades. The Elite Package included an Active Damper System suspension and a rear entertainment screen, enhancing the MDX's tech offerings.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's user-friendly interface and voice recognition technology were highlights. The Summit trim included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, providing excellent sound quality. While the Grand Cherokee's tech offerings were somewhat limited compared to newer models, its infotainment system remained impressive.

The 2020 Acura MDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX's ACE Body Structure contributed to its excellent safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it "good" ratings in all crash-test categories and the NHTSA giving it a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were mixed. While it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in certain crash tests. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. However, the Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were a potential concern for buyers.