2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2020 Acura MDX

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. These headlights, with their five LED elements per side, flanked a trapezoidal grille, creating an expressive face. The MDX's sleek, low-slung profile, combined with flawless paint and chrome, contributed to its overall polished appearance. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and straightforward design, with a centre stack featuring twin infotainment screens and high-quality materials that provided a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler aesthetic, with its rugged exterior elements like the exterior-mounted spare tire, removable doors, rounded headlights, and seven-slot grille. The 4xe's unique features, such as blue decals and a charger port, subtly distinguished it as a plug-in hybrid. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe's interior quality remained consistent with the Wrangler line-up, offering leather-faced seats in the Sahara grades and cloth seats in the Rubicon. The interior featured a combination of Dark Saddle brown leather seats, black leather inserts, and contrast stitching, along with a dramatic front passenger grab handle. While the interior was dominated by black plastic, it retained the iconic Wrangler charm.

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 all-wheel drive, and the MDX Sport Hybrid, which combined a 3.0-litre V6 gasoline engine with three electric motors for a total of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The gasoline-only model, equipped with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), delivered impressive straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. This system directed power to the outside wheel during cornering, enhancing turn-in and overall handling. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a reliable companion for long journeys.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, resulting in a total system output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Wrangler 4xe retained its trail-rated capabilities, featuring a Selec-trac or Rock-trac transfer case, solid front and rear axles, and impressive ground clearance and water fording capabilities. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain offered an electric-only range of 35 kilometres, with hybrid, electric, and e-save modes for optimal efficiency. The Wrangler 4xe's electric motors provided a burst of energy from a stop, and the regenerative braking system allowed for near one-pedal driving. While not the quietest or best-handling vehicle for everyday driving, the Wrangler 4xe excelled in off-road performance.

The 2020 Acura MDX, as a three-row SUV, offered practicality and functionality for families. Its sliding and reclining second-row seats facilitated access to the third row and allowed for flexible legroom distribution. The MDX provided 447 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 1,229 litres with the third row folded, and 2,574 litres with the second row folded. The interior featured ample storage options, including a large glove box, a flexible centre console, and door panel pockets. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers, making the MDX a stylish alternative to minivans.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, designed to accommodate a battery pack under the rear seats, minimized space loss for second-row occupants. The Sahara grades offered headroom of 1,023 mm and legroom of 970 mm, while the Rubicon's soft-top roof provided additional headroom. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced compared to other Wrangler models, with 784 litres of space with the second-row seats upright and 1,908 litres with them folded. The Wrangler 4xe's compact width made it manageable in urban settings, and the optional power-retracting roof added convenience for open-air driving. Despite some quirks, the Wrangler 4xe retained its iconic Jeep character.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured a simplified trim structure with technology-rich packages. The base model included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, parking sensors, and a premium audio system. The A-Spec Package introduced LED fog lights, heated and ventilated seats, and 20-inch wheels. The Technology Plus package offered heated rear seats and an upgraded audio system, while the Elite Package included an Active Damper System and a rear entertainment screen.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe ran Uconnect 4C with navigation on an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. Uconnect's intuitive interface combined touch controls with hard buttons for essential functions. The Wrangler 4xe included off-road pages and Hybrid Electric Pages for efficiency settings. The instrument cluster featured a traditional layout with a 7-inch colour information display. While lacking some modern tech features like wireless phone charging, the Wrangler 4xe provided a user-friendly infotainment experience.

The 2020 Acura MDX came 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 Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure enhanced crash protection. The IIHS rated the MDX as "good" in most categories, with "superior" front crash prevention, while the NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe shared its structural design with other Wranglers, receiving a Good rating in most IIHS crashworthiness tests. However, it received a Marginal rating for the driver's side small overlap front test and rear passenger head protection. The NHTSA did not specifically rate the 4xe, but noted a recall for a clutch pressure plate issue. Safety features were limited, with blind spot monitoring and rear park assist standard only on the Unlimited Sahara High Altitude. The Advanced Safety Group offered additional features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control.