2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated and luxurious appearance, with its Type S Ultra trim showcasing a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior. This model was the first Acura SUV to bear the Type S badge, which subtly hinted at its performance capabilities. The MDX Type S featured chicane-design LED running lights, taillights, and LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, contributing to its refined look. The panoramic moonroof and Iconic Drive ambient lighting added to the upscale feel, while the quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and open-pore wood accents elevated the interior's elegance. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it challenging to use certain controls, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic, rugged design, with a burly, body-on-frame look that remained consistent across its various models. The redesigned grille, first seen on the 2023 20th Anniversary edition of the Wrangler Rubicon, was shorter and wider, allowing for better airflow into the engine bay. The integrated antenna in the windshield was a practical upgrade, preventing it from snagging on branches during off-road adventures. The Wrangler offered a variety of roof options, including a traditional soft-top, a full hard top, and a power-retractable sunroof, allowing for a customizable open-air experience. The ability to remove the doors and fold down the windshield further emphasized its adventurous spirit.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, which offered 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, paired with Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. This system could direct up to 70% of the engine's output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The MDX Type S also featured an adaptive air suspension with a Lift mode, increasing ground clearance from 18.5 centimetres to 23.8 centimetres. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The fuel economy was also disappointing, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, a plug-in hybrid version with 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, a 3.6-litre V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.4-litre V8 with 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by various transfer cases, with the Rubicon trim featuring the Rock-Trac transfer case for superior off-road performance. The 4xe PHEV Wrangler was particularly impressive, offering 35 kilometres of all-electric range and matching the 392 trim in torque. The Wrangler's solid front and rear axles provided excellent articulation, while the BF Goodrich KO2 tires offered ample grip off-road. However, the Wrangler's ride quality on pavement was less refined, with a bumpy ride and vague steering.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious and functional interior, with three rows of seats and a flexible second-row configuration. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. However, the seats were firm and didn't provide the expected support during spirited driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, as it was a tight squeeze for adults. The cargo area was generous, with 461 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,107 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,021 litres with both rear rows down. The MDX also featured a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function, adding convenience.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler's big news was its upgraded towing capacity, now rated at 2,268 kilograms for four-door Rubicon models with specific engine and tire configurations. Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with new 12-way power-adjustable front seats that remained functional even when submerged. The 4xe model featured a 30-amp Power Box, allowing for the use of various accessories. The Wrangler's interior was practical, with a focus on durability and functionality, but it lacked the luxury and refinement of the MDX.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment system was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. This design choice limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality. The MDX also included a 10.5-inch head-up display with navigation instructions and driving assistance status.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Uconnect5, with optional navigation. The system was faster and more user-friendly than previous versions, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. The Off-Road Pages provided valuable data for off-road enthusiasts, and the Wrangler also offered a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and the ability to store up to five user profiles.

The 2023 Acura MDX boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it earned four stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler introduced first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, with forward collision warning standard on most models. However, many advanced driver aids were optional, and the Wrangler lacked lane-keeping assist and other highway assist features. The 2023 Wrangler received four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA, while the IIHS rated it "Good" in roof strength and head restraints but "Moderate" in frontal and side crashes.