2020 Acura MDX vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent a significant design transformation from its predecessor, which had a polarizing appearance. Initially rumored to be a Fiat design, the Cherokee's styling was unique when it debuted in 2013, eventually gaining acceptance among buyers. By 2019, Jeep had refined the Cherokee's look, opting for a more conventional front-end design with a typical headlight-above/fog-light-below configuration. The rear of the vehicle also saw changes, with the license plate moved to a more traditional position on the rear hatch. Inside, the Cherokee retained its well-received dash and cabin design, reminiscent of a downsized Grand Cherokee, offering a logical control layout and ample storage options. The Cherokee was available in several trims, including Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Trailhawk Elite, each offering varying levels of equipment and luxury.

The 2020 Acura MDX, while not groundbreaking in its styling, presented a sleek and sophisticated appearance. Its Jewel Eye LED headlights added a touch of elegance to the front, while the overall design was sleek and low-slung for a three-row SUV. Inside, the MDX featured a modern and simple interior with twin infotainment screens and a high-quality fit and finish. The MDX's interior was solidly built, with materials that felt rewarding to the touch. The center stack was a highlight, offering a combination of an 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation and an On Demand Multi-Use Display touchscreen. The MDX's design was understated yet functional, providing a comfortable and stylish environment for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered a range of engine options, starting with a base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. This engine was standard on the Latitude, Latitude Plus, and FWD Limited trims. The 4WD Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk trims came with a 3.2-liter V6 engine, delivering 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. A new addition for 2019 was the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine was available across the lineup, except for the base Latitude. All engines were paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, with various 4WD systems available, including Active Drive I, Active Drive II, and Active Drive Lock. The Cherokee excelled in off-road capabilities, particularly the Trailhawk trim, which featured enhanced suspension and crawl control systems. On-road, the Cherokee provided a comfortable ride, with the turbocharged engine offering solid acceleration but being somewhat noisy.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid version with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The gasoline-only model with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system offered impressive straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. The MDX's suspension effectively absorbed road bumps, providing a comfortable ride. The SH-AWD system enhanced cornering capabilities, making the MDX easy to drive quickly and smoothly through turns.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee featured a functional control layout, with plenty of storage solutions within the driver's reach, including deep door pockets and a center console. A hands-free power liftgate was available, although its sensor was not always reliable. The Cherokee's cargo space was limited, with only 25 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and 54 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was below average for its class.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered a spacious and versatile interior, with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It provided 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 90.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The MDX featured numerous storage options, including a large glove box, a flexible center console, and door panel pockets. Tri-zone climate control was standard, enhancing comfort for all passengers.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen on the Latitude and Latitude Plus trims, while other trims featured an 8.3-inch system. Both systems supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with updated graphics and improved responsiveness. The Uconnect system was praised for its user-friendly interface and customizable screens.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered a range of technology features, with the base model including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, GPS-linked climate control, and a premium audio system, while the Advance Package included additional features like a surround-view camera and heated rear seats. An Entertainment Package was also available, offering a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with front and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, electronic stability control, and trailer-sway control. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and forward-collision avoidance.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured the AcuraWatch suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring, while the Advance Package included a surround-view camera. The MDX received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a sophisticated body design to absorb crash impacts.