Acura MDX vs Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a classic SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, which in turn resembled the smaller 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. This resulted in a traditional SUV styling characterized by a tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and an upright profile. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself from the standard Wagoneer with a standard black roof and model-specific hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly, featuring laser-etched knurling in the slots, and the wheel centre caps were protected by an acrylic glass covering. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture, shared with the standard Wagoneer, allowed for independent front and rear suspension, while the use of an aluminum hood and doors, along with a composite tailgate, helped save weight.

Inside, the Grand Wagoneer shared several interior-styling features with the Wagoneer, such as an integrated infotainment touchscreen, a large rotary shift knob, and a two-spoke steering wheel. However, it offered more convenience features and higher-quality materials, including 24-way power front seats with memory, massage, lumbar support, and four-way power headrests. Standard heated first- and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and optional ventilated second-row seats added to the luxury. Nappa leather upholstery was standard, with higher-grade Palermo leather available, complemented by aluminum and American Walnut wood trim. Subtle differences, like seat controls placed high on the doors and the "Grand Wagoneer" inscription on the dashboard, further set it apart from the Wagoneer.

The 2023 Acura MDX, available in standard and Type S versions, offered a range of trim packages that increased the amount of equipment. In Canada, the standard MDX came with base, Tech, A-Spec, and Platinum Elite packages, while the MDX Type S was available in standard spec or with an Ultra package. The Type S Ultra trim, with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, set a high expectation for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism, though it sometimes fell short. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featuring chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and minor front styling modifications. The Type S Ultra included quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, a Sport Appearance package, and a leather-wrapped dashboard. Despite its appealing design, the MDX Type S had some drawbacks, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, which made controls challenging to find and use.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in approximately six seconds, impressive for its 2,900-kilogram weight. The Grand Wagoneer featured standard four-wheel drive with the Quadra-Drive II system, which included a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system, standard on the Grand Wagoneer, was height-adjustable, providing up to 25.4 centimetres of ground clearance. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a stately pace, as its ride became bouncy at higher speeds, and its steering was imprecise.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This engine, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), provided a dynamic driving experience. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode that increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades did not always work cohesively, leading to issues such as an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S averaged 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, falling short of its official fuel consumption rating. While the MDX Type S offered a thrilling ride, it struggled to deliver a cohesive 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 provided more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Infiniti QX80. However, space in the front was more limited compared to these rivals. The Grand Wagoneer offered 775 litres of cargo space with all three rows in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. Its maximum towing capacity was 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to the Grand Wagoneer's extra weight. The vehicle featured a standard sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and large storage bins, though forward visibility was somewhat limited.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seats with options for two or three second-row seating positions. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. The MDX offered seven-passenger seating as standard, with the option to remove the centre section of the second-row seat for easier access to the third row. The third row was best suited for children due to its limited space. The MDX's cabin prioritized style over storage space, with a small bin under the front centre armrest and limited storage due to the design of the centre console. The MDX offered 461 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,107 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded flat.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with 3D graphics, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. The second-row passengers had their own 10.25-inch centre console touchscreen, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added a pair of 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer used the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which included an Android-based operating system and over-the-air software update capability. While the system offered a range of features, the screen was sometimes slow to respond, and the instrument cluster's graphics were considered plain.

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 screen was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. The TTI design limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as Amazon Alexa Built-In. The vehicle also featured SiriusXM satellite radio, a native navigation system, and AcuraLink connected services. The top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the time of review. Standard safety features included a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included intersection collision assist, driver-attention monitor, night vision, traffic-sign recognition, and two levels of driver-assistance systems.

The 2023 Acura MDX included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as a collision mitigation braking system, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed following capability. The MDX also featured rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The vehicle received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four-star protection ratings for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact test.