2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained its reputation for luxury and ruggedness, extending its classic design by over 30 centimetres without losing its iconic style. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured bold aesthetics, including blacked-out elements and dark grey 21-inch wheels, complemented by a sophisticated interior with black leather, gold stitching, and walnut accents. The upper trims boasted impressive interiors, with a mix of high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements, although some areas like the lower dash used hard plastics. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Grand Cherokee L's interior was considered superior to many competitors, offering a classy and upscale experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S presented a more subtle luxury with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior. The Type S badge marked the first for an Acura SUV, offering a refined yet understated appearance. The MDX featured chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and a panoramic moonroof, with the Type S Ultra trim adding quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, like the gloss black dashboard, posed usability challenges, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing. Despite these issues, the MDX Type S remained an attractive luxury SUV, though it struggled to fully meet the expectations set by its price point.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hindered by its standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine was criticized for its lack of refinement and low-end torque, making it less suitable for the heavy SUV. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better towing capacity and a more satisfying driving experience. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis, however, provided solid handling, especially with the air suspension, offering a comfortable ride and confident cornering. The SUV's 4WD systems and adjustable air suspension made it a capable off-road vehicle, though the lack of a plug-in hybrid option was noted.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Despite the power increase over the standard MDX, the Type S's performance enhancements didn't fully integrate, leading to issues like an indecisive transmission and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S's fuel economy was also disappointing, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. While the MDX Type S offered various driving modes and performance features, it struggled to provide a cohesive driving experience, making the standard MDX with the A-Spec package a more predictable and enjoyable choice.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered ample interior space, with a 12.7-centimetre longer wheelbase providing more legroom for second-row passengers. The SUV featured standard second-row captain's chairs, with a centre console available on higher trims. The third row was best suited for children, while the power liftgate and dual-pane panoramic sunroof added convenience. The Grand Cherokee L boasted impressive cargo space, with 481 litres behind the third row, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded, making it a top choice for cargo capacity.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seating, with the option to remove the second-row centre section for easier access to the third row. The Type S Ultra trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, though the seats were criticized for their firmness. The MDX's interior prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the centre console. The SUV offered 461 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,107 litres with the third row folded, and 2,021 litres with both rear rows down, providing ample room for family trips.

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 the Uconnect 5 system. While the system was generally user-friendly, some legibility issues were noted. The Grand Cherokee L offered a range of tech features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, night vision, and a passenger screen that allowed for independent media control. The SUV's tech offerings were considered superior to many competitors.

The 2023 Acura MDX's Digital Precision Cockpit included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface (TTI). The TTI was criticized for its lack of intuitiveness and space consumption on the centre console. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, along with a high-end ELS Studio 3D audio system. Despite these features, the infotainment system's usability was a point of contention.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and received five stars from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included front knee airbags, forward emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, with additional options like night vision and 360-degree cameras available on higher trims.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars in the frontal-impact test. Some issues with the safety systems were noted, such as false lane-departure notifications and a collision warning triggered by an overhead sign.