2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

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 RDX 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 PMC Edition, with starting prices ranging from $45,800 to $61,500, excluding a destination charge. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package, priced at $60,375 in Canada, showcased high-quality interior materials and solid build quality, contributing to a quieter and more refined driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler maintained its rugged, no-nonsense design with its fourth-generation JL model. The Wrangler was available in two-door and four-door configurations, with removable doors and a fold-down windshield for an open-air experience. The SUV featured Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and wide fenders, with a tailgate that swung out for easy cargo access. The Wrangler introduced new paint colours, including the limited-edition "Reign" purple and "Earl" grey. Inside, the Wrangler offered practical features like easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, with a straightforward design that emphasized functionality over luxury. The body-coloured dash and chunky controls added to its utilitarian charm.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by 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, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a responsive and enjoyable driving experience. The RDX featured Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, capable of directing up to 70 percent of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel, enhancing its agility on winding roads. The SUV’s Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered distinct driving modes, while the adaptive-damping suspension ensured a smooth ride. Despite its dynamic capabilities, the RDX did not qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, leaving driving enthusiasts to consider German alternatives.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options to suit various off-road needs. The standard Pentastar V6 engine produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine offered 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For torque enthusiasts, the 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 delivered 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered a 35-kilometre all-electric range. The 392 model, equipped with the Xtreme Recon package, boasted a crawl ratio of 58:1, making it a formidable off-road performer. However, its on-road performance was hampered by inadequate brakes and vague steering.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, provided ample space for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the cabin’s airy feel. The interior featured a sporty design with a prominent IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. The RDX’s control layout required some acclimation, with its True Touchpad Interface infotainment system and unique transmission buttons. The A-Spec trims offered comfortable leather seats with available ventilation, while the back seat, though spacious, lacked support. The RDX’s cargo area offered 835 litres of space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler’s front seats were comfortable, but rear seating was cramped, especially in the four-door models. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and centre console. The Wrangler’s cargo space measured 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than its competitor, the Bronco. The Wrangler offered various top options, including a removable hard top, a Sunrider option, and the Sky One-Touch power soft top for quick open-air access. The SUV provided ample charging points, with USB-A and USB-C ports and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. The system required users to match finger location on the pad with the cursor location on the screen, a concept that took time to master. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The Technology package added a navigation system, while higher trims offered a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system and a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. The system, though initially complex, offered intuitive access to features like off-road pages and connectivity options such as Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler included a forward-facing camera for off-road navigation and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, but lacked advanced tech features like a digital key or comprehensive over-the-air updates.

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 system and enhancements to the AcuraWatch suite, which added 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 Wrangler’s standard safety features were limited to a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were standard only on top trims or available as options. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with some trims earning Poor ratings for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler four stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover resistance, with no side crash rating available.