2020 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was a vehicle that stood out on the road with its iconic design. Its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and boxy styling gave it a rugged, industrial look. The Wrangler's design allowed for a unique experience, with features like a foldable windshield and removable doors, which added to its recreational utility vehicle persona. Inside, the Wrangler maintained a retro aesthetic with circular climate vents and gauges, emphasizing utility over luxury. The various trims, from the basic Sport to the off-road-ready Rubicon, offered different levels of comfort and capability, with options for enhanced technology and cold-weather features.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, presented a sleek and sporty appearance without excessive performance cues. It was designed for daily driving and road trips rather than off-roading, with a focus on style and comfort. The RDX A-Spec sat in the middle of the trim hierarchy, offering a balance of features and price. Its interior was sporty and well-appointed, with quality materials and a unique gauge cluster. However, the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a point of contention, requiring a learning curve for users accustomed to traditional touchscreens.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. An 8-speed automatic was available, particularly with the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which delivered 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine, producing 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque, was a highlight, providing excellent low-speed performance and highway overtaking capability. Despite its off-road prowess, the Wrangler's on-road experience was less refined, with significant road noise and a rough ride compared to car-based SUVs. Fuel economy for the diesel engine was 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, offering a marked improvement over the gas-powered versions.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The SH-AWD system enhanced handling, distributing power effectively to improve driving dynamics. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to select from various driving modes, adjusting powertrain response and steering effort. The RDX A-Spec's handling was further improved by its 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, though it lacked adaptive dampers. Despite some body motion on uneven roads, the RDX was enjoyable to drive, with precise steering and effective brakes. The Sport+ mode added an aggressive engine note, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, a four-door variant, was popular for its versatility. It featured removable doors and a foldable windshield, with options for a soft or hardtop roof. The Sky One-Touch roof offered a convenient retractable option. With the rear bench folded, the Wrangler provided 72 cubic feet of cargo space, though less than some less-capable SUVs. The Wrangler's design prioritized off-road capability over interior space and comfort, making it unique in its class.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered impressive passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, with heating and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, affecting leg support. Cargo space measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with additional storage compartments for organization. Folding the rear seats expanded the space to 58.9 cubic feet, competitive but not class-leading. Acura's quoted maximum cargo volume of 79.8 cubic feet was based on an unconventional measurement method.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler's technology varied by trim. The Sport and Sport S trims featured a basic 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Rubicon and Sahara offered a 7-inch touchscreen with Uconnect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, available as an option on the Sport S. An 8.4-inch Uconnect system with navigation, HD Radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was available on higher trims, along with an Alpine premium audio system that delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad instead of a touchscreen. This system mirrored the screen, requiring users to adapt to its unique operation. While it improved upon similar systems from other brands, it still posed a distraction risk. The RDX included physical controls for stereo and climate functions, smartphone integration, and voice-recognition technology. The A-Spec trim featured a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler came with standard safety features like airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera. Optional safety packages added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection, addressing the Wrangler's sightline challenges. The Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning, enhancing safety on the road.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.