2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2023 Acura RDX

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a testament to Jeep's commitment to its iconic design heritage. The vehicle featured the brand's signature seven-slot grille, now enhanced with active shutters for improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. This design element, combined with a forward rake reminiscent of the classic Wagoneer, seamlessly blended the past with the present. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with trim levels including the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The Overland trim, in particular, offered a luxurious feel with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the interior was not without its drawbacks, as the presence of hard plastic materials raised concerns about durability and noise over time.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX boasted a sharp, angular style that was both unique and conventional. The front featured the signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights and deep creases that gave the vehicle a sporty and aggressive look. The side profile was accentuated by a distinctive character line, while the rear maintained a more conventional SUV styling. Inside, the RDX's cockpit had a vertical layout, with a centre stack of controls flowing into the centre console. The interior design, while not as modern as some rivals, offered a familiar feel for those averse to the latest glass cockpit trends. The RDX's cabin was equipped with a 10.2-inch infotainment display, digital centre display, and analog gauges, emphasizing its sporting intent.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack. This setup delivered an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the output of Jeep's 5.7-litre V8 engine. The Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a standard four-wheel drive system, managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a total driving range of 719 kilometres, with a fuel economy rating of 4.2 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres under ideal conditions. The vehicle also provided 42 kilometres of all-electric driving range, thanks to its aerodynamic styling. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was equipped with two off-road 4x4 systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, making it capable of handling various terrains. However, its towing capacity was limited to 2,721 kilograms, less than the V6- and V8-powered models.

The 2023 Acura RDX was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the RDX featured Acura's "super-handling all-wheel drive" (SH-AWD) system. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, offering a sporty driving experience with immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine sound. The transmission provided smooth gear changes, while the brake pedal offered reassuring firmness. The RDX's handling was confident, with well-managed body roll and ample traction from the advanced AWD system. The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim included adaptive dampers, enhancing cornering prowess without compromising ride comfort. The RDX's performance, combined with its comfortable ride, made it an attractive option for many shoppers.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, unlike its gas-powered counterpart, was not available as an L model with a third row of seats. However, it offered ample space for passengers, with the ability to expand cargo space from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres by folding the second row of seats. The vehicle provided comfortable seating for a family of four, with no issues regarding head or legroom. The available air suspension allowed for quick adjustments, making loading and unloading easier. The standard heated steering wheel was a welcome feature, especially in colder climates.

The 2023 Acura RDX offered generous front seat space, with additional power adjustments for side bolsters and thigh extension in the top trim level. The standard heated and ventilated front seats provided quick comfort, while a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, and a panoramic moonroof were also standard. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded. The vehicle featured a deep bin under the cargo floor with a centre drain plug, useful for storing wet items. The RDX's interior offered various storage options, though the centre stack's design could have been more space-efficient.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an Android-powered interface with customization options like the My Pages feature. The vehicle included a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen front-passenger display and a 10.25-inch digital driver information display. A wireless charging pad and four USB ports were standard, while optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens offered additional entertainment. The 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, available from the Overland trim, provided exceptional audio quality.

The 2023 Acura RDX's infotainment system utilized a touchpad controller, which proved challenging to use, especially while driving. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity improved the user experience. The system featured sharp graphics, quick responses, and logically arranged menus. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio premium audio system with excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a range of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the Overland trim, while a 360-degree surround-view camera was standard on all trims except the Trailhawk. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee an overall five-star safety rating, though the IIHS had not yet published its crash-test results.

The 2023 Acura RDX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, and front and rear parking sensors. The Platinum Elite A-Spec package added a surround-view camera system and a head-up display. The RDX's safety systems performed well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and effective lane-keep assist.