2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, was a visually appealing SUV that managed to convey sportiness without excessive design elements. Its styling changes were subtle yet effective, avoiding the typical performance design cues and off-roading frippery. The RDX A-Spec was positioned in the middle of the trim hierarchy, with a base price starting at $44,505, and it offered a sporty interior with features like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and unique gauges. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read during the day.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained a timeless design that combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its 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 Grand Cherokee Summit trim featured premium leather, genuine wood, and real aluminum in its interior, creating a luxurious feel. However, the interior showed signs of aging with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits, indicating a need for a redesign.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a torque-vectoring SH-AWD system, enhancing its handling capabilities. The RDX offered various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, which adjusted powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec trim had exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance all-season tires, contributing to its sporty handling. However, the lack of adaptive dampers and rev-matching in Sport modes were noted as areas for improvement.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It offered an optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, providing a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kg. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and effective brakes made it suitable for both city and off-road driving.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. Its front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. However, the rear seats lacked leg support, and the cargo space, while accommodating, was not class-leading. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,668 litres with the seats folded, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted and perforated leather seats, offering eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat was comfortable but had limited legroom for taller adults. The Grand Cherokee provided 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,934 litres with the seats folded. It included practical features like a recessed bin for carrying items and a power liftgate closing button for convenience.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console instead of a touchscreen. While it offered standard satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi tethering, the system required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav setup offered a nearly flawless user experience with fast response times and pleasing graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. The Grand Cherokee's infotainment system was complemented by its sophisticated 4WD systems and advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2021 Acura RDX came equipped with a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. 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.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, but its performance in IIHS testing was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Grand Cherokee also offered parking assistance systems for added convenience.