2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2022 Acura RDX

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was a striking presence on the road, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, which lent it a traditional SUV aesthetic. Its tall hood, broad shoulders, and upright profile were complemented by trapezoidal wheel arches, giving it a robust and commanding look. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself from its sibling with a standard black roof and unique hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille, with its forward-leaning design and laser-etched knurling, added a touch of sophistication. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer offered a luxurious experience with high-end materials and features like 24-way power front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and American Walnut wood trim, setting it apart from the standard Wagoneer.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX presented a more subtle evolution in its design, with changes inspired by the larger MDX model. The updates included modifications to the grille surround and bumper styling, along with new wheel designs and paint colours. The limited-production PMC Edition stood out with its exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and Orchid white interior. The RDX's interior was marked by high-quality materials and a quieter cabin, enhancing its appeal. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package, priced at $60,375 in Canada, offered a blend of style and comfort, with features like a sporty driving position and a thick steering wheel, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and comfortable ride.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a formidable 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, enabled the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds, impressive for its 2,900-kilogram weight. The Grand Wagoneer came standard with a Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system, featuring a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The standard Quadra-Lift air suspension system allowed for adjustable ride height, providing up to 25.4 centimetres of ground clearance. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best suited for a leisurely pace, as its size and weight made it feel ungainly at higher speeds.

The 2022 Acura RDX, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered a lively driving experience. The RDX's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided excellent traction and torque-vectoring capabilities, enhancing its performance on winding roads. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension offered a smoother ride in Comfort mode and increased responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX's quieter cabin and improved driving dynamics made it a more appealing choice for those seeking a comfortable and engaging driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered seating for seven with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It boasted more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. With 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed, it provided ample storage. However, its total cargo capacity of 2,667 litres fell short of some rivals when all seats were folded. The Grand Wagoneer also featured a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its heavier weight.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered generous space for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of openness. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. The RDX's standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats provided comfort and support, while the rear seats, though less comfortable, offered a flat load floor when folded. The RDX's cargo space measured 835 litres, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats down, providing ample room for everyday needs.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and offered a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Second-row passengers benefited from a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, while an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 system, with its Android-based operating system, offered over-the-air updates, though the screen response was noted to be slow.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. While the TTI required acclimation, the RDX also offered Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The RDX's audio options included a nine-speaker base system, a 12-speaker ELS Studio system, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system. The A-Spec Platinum Elite trim added a 10.5-inch head-up display, enhancing the RDX's technological appeal.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came with a suite of standard safety features, including a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included intersection collision assist, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. While crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available, Jeep planned to introduce a hands-free version of its Active Lane Management System.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, maintaining its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured a rear seatbelt reminder system and the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assist technologies, including 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 and five-star side-impact ratings.