2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its age, maintained a timeless design that appealed to a diverse range of buyers. Its classic Jeep styling, including the iconic 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders, gave it a versatile appearance suitable for both rugged trails and upscale settings. The Grand Cherokee's design transcended social barriers, making it attractive to various demographics. However, as the price increased, the interior materials did not always match the premium expectations, with hard plastics becoming more noticeable.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially in the A-Spec trim, offered a sporty yet understated look. It avoided excessive off-road styling cues, focusing instead on a sleek design meant for daily driving. The RDX A-Spec's subtle styling changes effectively conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. Its interior featured quality materials and a sporty aesthetic, though the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read during the day.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 295-horsepower, 3.6-litre V6 engine, providing satisfying acceleration and a fuel consumption rating of 11.3 L/100 km. For those seeking more power, three V8 engines were available, including a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 in the Trackhawk, delivering 707 horsepower. The Grand Cherokee offered four different 4WD systems, with the Trailhawk model excelling in off-road capabilities. However, its on-road dynamics were mixed, with impressive grip but noticeable suspension movements.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission and SH-AWD system enhanced handling, making it enjoyable to drive. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between different driving modes, adjusting powertrain and steering characteristics. While the A-Spec trim offered sporty handling, it lacked adaptive dampers, resulting in some body motion on uneven roads. Nevertheless, the RDX's precise steering and responsive brakes contributed to a rewarding driving experience.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered seating for five and cargo space of 1,028 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,934 litres with them folded. Front seats were comfortable, but the lack of ventilated options in the Limited X trim was a drawback. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate comfort, and interior storage was decent, though some areas lacked space.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, provided ample passenger and cargo space. Its front seats were highly comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment and ventilation in higher trims. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low cushion and excessive recline angle. Cargo space measured 835 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,668 litres with them folded. Additional storage compartments added practicality, though the infotainment system's design limited accessible storage.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, and smartphone integration. While user-friendly, the system's responsiveness could be affected by the vehicle's ride. The Off-Road Pages app provided valuable off-roading information, and an optional Alpine audio system offered good sound quality.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface, which mirrored the screen's layout on a touchpad. While an improvement over similar systems, it required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. Despite its innovative approach, the TTI system was not ideal for all users.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three ADAS packages, with features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star NHTSA rating and poor IIHS scores in certain tests.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, though blind-spot monitoring required an upgrade. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, providing excellent occupant protection.