2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Acura RDX

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler aesthetic, with its rugged exterior features like the exterior-mounted spare tire, removable doors, rounded headlights, and the iconic seven-slot grille. The only noticeable differences indicating its plug-in hybrid nature were the blue decals, specific badging, and the charger port on the driver’s side front quarter panel. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe offered a mix of Dark Saddle brown leather seats and black leather inserts, with a prominent front passenger grab handle. However, the interior was dominated by black plastic, a typical feature for a Wrangler, and lacked some modern comforts like heated seats as standard, which was surprising for a vehicle in its price range in Canada.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX, with updates to the grille surround and bumper styling. The RDX's interior was marked by high-quality materials and a quieter cabin, thanks to sound-deadening enhancements. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package, which we tested, offered a sporty driving position and a dramatic centre dashboard with a large IDS driving mode knob. However, the control layout required some acclimatization, especially with the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. Despite these quirks, the RDX provided a comfortable and stylish environment, with standard features like a panoramic sunroof and heated front seats.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total system output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed through an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a trail-rated experience with features like a Selec-trac or Rock-trac transfer case, solid axles, and impressive off-road capabilities, including 27.4 cm of ground clearance and 76 cm of water fording capability. The plug-in hybrid system offered an electric-only range of 35 kilometres, with modes to optimize battery usage and regenerative braking for near one-pedal driving. While the Wrangler 4xe delivered a burst of energy from a stop, it was not the quietest or best-handling vehicle for everyday driving.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which provided excellent torque-vectoring capabilities. The RDX's driving dynamics were enhanced by a revised Integrated Dynamics System and adaptive-damping suspension, offering a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX also benefited from sound insulation improvements, resulting in a quieter cabin. While the RDX was enjoyable to drive, it did not qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, lacking the thrill of some German competitors.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was designed to accommodate its battery pack under the rear seats, minimizing space loss for second-row occupants. Headroom remained consistent with standard Wrangler models, and legroom was only slightly reduced. However, cargo space was somewhat compromised, with 784 litres available with the seats upright and 1,908 litres with them folded, compared to higher capacities in non-hybrid Wranglers. The Wrangler's width of 1,875 mm made it manageable in urban settings, and a home charging cable was included. The optional power-retracting roof was a notable feature, allowing for easy operation at speeds up to 96 km/h.

The 2022 Acura RDX offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface. While the front seats were comfortable and supportive, the rear seats lacked support, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor when folded. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats down. A standard power liftgate with available hands-free operation added convenience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. The system was intuitive, with hard buttons and dials for essential functions. Off-road pages and Hybrid Electric Pages provided useful information, but the instrument cluster remained traditional, lacking some modern tech features like a wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Acura RDX's True Touchpad Interface paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller, requiring a learning curve for users. Despite its complexity, the system included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers. A 10.5-inch head-up display was included with the A-Spec Platinum Elite package.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe shared its structure with other Wranglers, receiving a Good rating in most IIHS crashworthiness tests but a Marginal rating in the driver’s side small overlap front test. The NHTSA rated it four stars overall for front crash tests and three stars for rollover resistance. Safety features were limited, with options for blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic detection, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, maintaining its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder and enhancements to the AcuraWatch suite, such as forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The RDX earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.