2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, presented a sleek and sporty appearance without excessive embellishments. Its design was subtle yet effective, conveying a sense of sportiness without overpromising on performance. Unlike some SUVs, the RDX did not attempt to mimic an off-road vehicle, focusing instead on its role as a daily driver and road trip companion. The A-Spec trim sat in the middle of the RDX's trim hierarchy, offering a balance of style and features at a competitive price point. Inside, the RDX A-Spec continued the sporty theme with high-quality materials and a unique design, though some elements, like the gauge cluster, were less user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler was all about ruggedness and adventure. Buyers had to choose between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door body style, with a variety of engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, and a plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler's design was unmistakably Jeep, with its iconic boxy shape and removable roof and doors. The High Tide model, based on the Sport S trim, added features like LED lighting and a body-colour hardtop. Despite its high price, the Wrangler's interior remained basic, emphasizing durability over luxury. The Wrangler's unique character and off-road capabilities made it a favourite among enthusiasts, even if it meant sacrificing some comfort and refinement.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which enhanced the RDX's handling by distributing power to the rear wheels as needed. The RDX offered various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to their preferences. The A-Spec trim featured exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, contributing to its sporty driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system, ideal for challenging weather conditions. Despite its off-road prowess, the Wrangler's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with its open-air design and rugged capabilities, but it also came with compromises in terms of ride comfort and handling.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered impressive interior space for a compact SUV, with comfortable front seats featuring Alcantara and leather upholstery in the A-Spec trim. The rear seats, however, sacrificed some comfort for cargo space, resulting in a less supportive seating position. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,668 litres with the seats folded. Despite its official cargo volume figures, the RDX's trunk was practical and well-organized, with additional storage compartments for smaller items.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was more utilitarian, with durable cloth upholstery and a focus on functionality. Entry and exit were challenging, especially with a raised suspension, and the driving position required some adjustment. The Wrangler offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,050 litres with the seats folded. While storage options were limited, the Wrangler's design prioritized off-road capability and adventure over interior refinement.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touchpad on the centre console instead of a touchscreen. While it offered features like satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi tethering, the TTI system required some adjustment and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a premium 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D audio system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, came with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While it lacked the larger Uconnect 8.4 system, the Wrangler's basic infotainment features were sufficient for most needs. Optional tech features included remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system, enhancing convenience.

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 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS in certain tests. Safety features were optional rather than standard, and the Wrangler's design required extra caution when driving.