2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler presented a rugged, no-nonsense design that was reminiscent of driving a brick. Its fourth-generation JL model was characterized by its straight lines and lack of curves, offering a choice between a two-door Wrangler or a four-door Wrangler Unlimited. The option to remove doors and the windshield added to its adventurous appeal, while the Dual-Door Group provided half doors for those seeking a balance between exposure and safety. The Wrangler's exterior featured wide fenders, Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and old-school hood latches. The tailgate swung out, and the rear glass lifted for easy cargo access. The limited-edition "Reign" purple paint added a unique flair, while the "Earl" colour introduced a subtle aquamarine touch. Inside, the Wrangler maintained its practicality with easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward design, eschewing luxury features like ambient lighting or massaging seats.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX boasted a modern and refined presence with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and intake vents. The interior was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls on the centre console. The MDX was available in several trims, including the A-Spec and Platinum Elite, with the Type S Ultra offering top-tier features. Standard amenities included tri-zone climate control, a panoramic moonroof, and heated seats. The Type S Ultra added a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, enhancing comfort and luxury. The MDX's cabin was well-appointed with genuine leather upholstery and ambient lighting options, though the infotainment system's interface was notably clumsy, detracting from the overall experience.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was a powerhouse for off-road enthusiasts, offering solid axles and optional differential lockers. It came with various engine options, including a Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Torque lovers could opt for the 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Rubicon 392 model featured a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in about 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered a 17.3-kWh battery pack for 35 kilometres of all-electric range. The 392 model, however, had issues with brakes and steering, which were not upgraded to match the V8's power.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, while the Type S Ultra had a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System (SH-AWD) provided smooth power delivery. The Type S Ultra's adaptive air suspension and Brembo brakes contributed to a comfortable and responsive ride. The MDX excelled on highways and boulevards, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and a tight turning radius. Its towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered comfortable front seats, with heated options available in higher trims or with a cold-weather package. The rear seat was tight, especially in the four-door models, and storage for small items was limited. The cargo space measured 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Bronco. The Wrangler's top options included a removable hard top, a Sunrider option, and the Sky One-Touch power soft top, which provided quick open-air access. Charging points were plentiful, with USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support. The third row was smaller, suitable for children. Cargo space ranged from 512 litres behind the rear seats to a maximum of 2,690 litres with all seats folded. The Type S Ultra featured a second-row bench with a fold-down centre console and integrated cupholders. The centre console provided ample storage, though the centre stack of controls was cluttered. The shifter's button layout was unconventional, and the IDS drive-mode selector took up valuable space.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, while our tester had an 8.4-inch version. The system appeared complex at first but was intuitive once familiar. It included off-road pages with detailed information, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The Wrangler's tech was practical, with a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, but lacked advanced features like a digital key or comprehensive over-the-air updates.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad that was unintuitive. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless charging were standard. The clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad were thoughtful touches, but the overall system detracted from the vehicle's appeal.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control as standard. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were only standard on higher trims or available as options. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings, with Good and Marginal scores from the IIHS and a four-star frontal crash rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Platinum Elite grade added a surround-view camera and head-up display. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model mirrored, received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. However, the infotainment system's design posed a distraction risk.