2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a spacious interior that belied its compact exterior appearance. This new generation was built on a dedicated platform, distinct from the Honda Pilot, with refined proportions including a longer wheelbase, wider body, and increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant design. The MDX featured standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to a sportier and more modern exterior. Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX showcased high craftsmanship and quality. Inside, the MDX boasted a modernized, layered dashboard, authentic materials, and a unique gear selection system. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed for safety, and the front seats offered comfort and adjustability, making the MDX a luxurious choice in its price range.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe combined Jeep's iconic design cues with modern enhancements, such as active grille shutters for improved aerodynamics. Available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, the 4xe offered a distinct trim lineup, including the Overland trim with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and bronze contrast stitching. Despite some hard plastic materials, the interior felt upscale, especially with the optional gloss black finishes. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's exterior featured signature surf blue tow hooks and optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens. The vehicle's design allowed for a comfortable and capable family experience, with ample space and a quick-down air suspension for easy loading and unloading.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup for improved handling, and its overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly enhanced. The vehicle offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor performance to their preferences. During test drives, the MDX impressed with its solid ride feel and smooth transmission, standing out among competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe's standout feature was its plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with a 400-volt battery pack. This setup delivered 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the company's 5.7-litre V8. The 4xe offered a total driving range of 719 kilometres, with 42 kilometres of all-electric range. The vehicle featured an electronic front-axle disconnect for improved fuel efficiency and E Select powertrain modes for versatile driving. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's off-road capabilities were enhanced by two 4x4 systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, and the Select-Terrain traction system. However, its towing capacity was lower than the V6 and V8 models.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable centre section. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the vehicle's sliding seats allowed for adaptable cargo space. With the third row folded, the MDX provided up to 1,367 litres of storage, expanding to 2,690 litres with the second row down. The power tailgate featured a "Walk Away Close" function and customizable opening height, while the interior lighting offered 27 themes for a personalized cabin experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, available only as a two-row model, provided ample space for passengers and cargo. Folding the second row expanded cargo capacity from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres. The vehicle's air suspension allowed for quick height adjustments, facilitating loading and unloading. Despite the absence of a third row, the Grand Cherokee 4xe served as a comfortable family vehicle, with standard heated steering wheel and optional rear-seat entertainment screens.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System on higher trims, offering 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. All models included a 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel. Standard tech features included Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Platinum Elite trim added a head-up display and surround-view camera, enhancing the vehicle's tech offerings.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with customizable My Pages and a 10.1-inch touchscreen front-passenger display. A 10.25-inch digital driver information display and wireless charging pad were standard. Optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens and a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo were available on higher trims, providing an exceptional audio experience.

The 2022 Acura MDX earned a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. The vehicle featured a high-strength steel structure and advanced safety systems, including low-speed braking control and collision mitigation throttle control. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, offering comprehensive driver assistance technologies.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and Intersection Assist. Blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree surround-view camera were available on higher trims. While the IIHS had not yet rated the Grand Cherokee 4xe, the NHTSA awarded the gas-powered model a five-star safety rating.