2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Acura RDX presented subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. These updates included modifications to the grille surround and front and rear bumper styling, along with new wheel designs and paint colours. The limited-production PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, named after Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup offered a range of trims, from the base model to the A-Spec Platinum Elite, with prices starting at $45,800 and reaching up to $61,500, excluding destination charges. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package, priced at $60,375 in Canada, boasted high-quality interior materials and a quieter cabin, enhancing its appeal despite its cost.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained its classic style while extending its length by over 30 centimetres, offering a more luxurious experience than many midsize SUVs. The High Altitude package added bold styling elements, including a blacked-out grille and logos, dark gray 21-inch wheels, and a sophisticated interior with black leather and gold stitching. The Grand Cherokee L's design combined traditional Jeep elements with modern touches, such as slim LED lighting and a mild curve to the roofline. The interior of upper trims impressed with high-quality materials, although some hard plastics and rougher-grained leather were present. The Grand Cherokee L's cabin was spacious and well-appointed, offering a more luxurious feel than competitors like the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, delivering 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. This engine provided a lively driving experience, although fuel consumption was higher than the rated 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres, averaging 11.4 L/100 km during testing. The 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters offered smooth operation, and the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhanced cornering performance. The RDX's adaptive-damping suspension and Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) provided a comfortable ride in Comfort mode and increased responsiveness in Sport mode. Despite its engaging driving dynamics, the RDX did not qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, leaving driving enthusiasts to consider German alternatives.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, but it was criticized for its lack of refinement and low-end torque. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for towing, offering a maximum capacity of 3,265 kilograms. The V8 also provided a more satisfying sound. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8's ratings were significantly worse. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis offered confident handling, with air suspension providing a smooth ride. The SUV's 4WD systems, including Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, ensured off-road capability, with the air suspension allowing for adjustable ground clearance.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample space for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. The interior featured a sporty design, with a prominent IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. However, the control layout required some acclimation, particularly the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. The RDX's front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation, while the back seat was less comfortable due to its flat design. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided generous legroom for second-row passengers, with standard captain's chairs and an optional 60/40 bench seat. The third row was best suited for children, and the power liftgate and dual-pane panoramic sunroof added convenience. The interior featured a well-organized layout, although some infotainment graphics were difficult to read. Cargo space was abundant, with 481 litres behind the third row, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded, making it one of the most spacious in its class.

The 2022 Acura RDX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller, requiring users to match finger location on the pad with the cursor location on the screen. While this system was complex, the inclusion of Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity reduced the need to use the TTI. 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 trim.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, running Uconnect 5. The system was generally user-friendly, despite some legibility issues. The Grand Cherokee L offered a range of tech features, including night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that allowed for independent media control. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh sound system provided good audio quality, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims.

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

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for models built after May 2023, following frame reinforcements. It scored five stars in most NHTSA tests, except for rollover, where it received four stars. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with additional options like night vision and 360-degree cameras available on higher trims.