2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Acura RDX

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler had a rugged, no-nonsense design that was reminiscent of driving a brick. The fourth-generation JL Wrangler featured a boxy aesthetic with minimal curves, available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited versions. The doors could be removed, and the optional Dual-Door Group provided half doors for better visibility. The windshield folded down for an open-air experience, and various top options were available. The Wrangler's wide fenders, iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and old-school hood latches added to its rugged charm. The tailgate swung out, and the rear glass lifted for easy cargo access. The new Reign purple paint color and Earl gray shade added unique touches to the exterior.

Inside, the Wrangler continued its practical theme with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats. The interior featured straight lines and a body-colored dash, chunky HVAC controls, and a manual transfer case shifter. It lacked luxury features like ambient lighting or massaging seats, which were more common in high-end SUVs. The design was simple and functional, catering to those who preferred a straightforward, utilitarian approach.

The 2023 Acura RDX stood out with its sharp, angular style, though it remained conventional enough to blend in with other small SUVs. The front showcased Acura's signature grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights and deep body creases, giving it a sporty and aggressive look. The side featured a distinctive character line suggesting forward movement, while the rear was more conventional in styling.

Inside, the RDX took a different approach with a vertical dashboard layout. The center stack flowed into the center console, dominated by gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial. Above this were physical climate controls and a 10.2-inch infotainment display. The instrument panel combined a digital center display with analog gauges, emphasizing a sporty intent. The interior, while not as modern as some rivals, offered a familiar and less overwhelming experience for those averse to fully digital cockpits.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler excelled in off-road performance with solid axles front and rear and optional differential lockers. It offered various engine options, including a standard V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Both engines could be paired with an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. The 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 provided 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, while the Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower and torque. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered 21 miles of all-electric range.

Our tester, the Rubicon 392, delivered thrilling performance with its 470-horsepower V8, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. It featured a full-time 4WD system, Off-Road Plus mode, and a crawl ratio of 58:1 with the Xtreme Recon package. However, the 392's brakes and steering were less impressive, with vague steering and inadequate braking power. Other Wrangler models had better-suited brakes and more precise steering. The Wrangler's solid front axle provided a rugged off-road experience, though the Ford Bronco's independent front suspension offered a more comfortable on-road ride.

The 2023 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with Acura's SH-AWD available on all models and standard on top trims. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, offering immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine and exhaust sound. The transmission provided smooth gear changes, and the brake pedal was firm and easy to modulate.

The RDX's handling inspired confidence with well-managed body roll and ample traction from the advanced AWD system. It cornered with a sporty feel while maintaining ride comfort, smoothing over road imperfections and mid-corner bumps. The RDX's performance, combined with its easy-to-drive nature and comfortable ride, made it an attractive option for many shoppers.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, but heated seats required the 392 model or a cold-weather package. Ventilated seats were not available. The rear seat could fit three in the four-door models, but space was tight, and the small rear doors made entry and exit challenging. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash, tiny glove box, and center console. The Wrangler offered 72.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Ford Bronco.

The Wrangler's hard top could be removed in one piece or with two front panels, and the Sunrider option provided a half soft top. The soft top was easy to remove, but the plastic rear window could be cumbersome in cold weather. The Sky One-Touch power soft top was the easiest option, sliding back in 17 seconds at speeds up to 60 mph. The Wrangler provided ample charging points, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2023 Acura RDX offered plenty of space in the front seats, with additional power adjustments for side bolsters and thigh extension in top trims. The seats were generously cushioned and provided quick heating and ventilation. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The large panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's open and airy feel.

The RDX provided 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, slightly more than its competitors. A deep bin under the cargo floor featured a center drain plug, useful for wet gear or as a cooler. Folding the rear seats expanded capacity to 79.8 cubic feet, with remote seatback levers for easy transformation. Front passengers had ample storage options, including cupholders, a center console bin, and a wireless charging pad. The center stack's gear selector buttons and drive mode dial took up space, contrasting with Honda's more efficient use of space.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running Jeep's Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. The system lacked hard buttons, relying on touchscreen icons for various features. Uconnect initially appeared complicated but became intuitive with use. The off-road pages provided valuable information, including power distribution, temperatures, oil pressure, pitch and roll, and GPS coordinates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard and functioned well.

Jeep's tech offerings were practical rather than flashy, with a forward-facing camera for off-road trails and auxiliary switches for aftermarket lighting. There was no digital key, and over-the-air updates applied only to the Uconnect system, not vehicle performance.

The 2023 Acura RDX's infotainment system used a touchpad controller, which was less user-friendly than a touchscreen. The touchpad required precise finger movements, making it challenging to use while driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto improved the experience, allowing for easier navigation with swipes rather than precise taps. The system featured sharp graphics, quick responses, and logically arranged menus.

The RDX came standard with a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote monitoring via the Acuralink smartphone app. Premium audio options included a 16-speaker ELS system in the top A-Spec Advanced trim, delivering potent bass and clear high notes.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's standard safety features included a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the top 392 model and optional elsewhere. Lane-keeping assist was not available. The IIHS gave the Wrangler mixed ratings, with some trims receiving Poor headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler four out of five stars for frontal crash tests and three out of five for rollover, with no side crash rating.

The 2023 Acura RDX received five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection, and four stars for frontal and rollover protection. The IIHS awarded the RDX its highest score of "good" across all crashworthiness categories and named it a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist. The Technology package added parking sensors, while the Advance package included a surround-view camera and head-up display. These systems worked well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and effective lane-keep assist.