2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Acura MDX sported a good-looking, albeit not groundbreaking aesthetic. Its design did not capture attention in parking lots, nor did it command preferential treatment from valets at upscale venues. However, it also did not leave its driver feeling embarrassed. It blended in seamlessly, which was sometimes all that one needed.

Acura had been a pioneer with LED headlights, and the MDX featured its signature Jewel Eye headlights, enhancing both function and a rich visual appeal to the vehicle's front. Unlike traditional incandescent headlamps that showed one or two lamps per side, the Jewel Eye lights arranged five LED elements per side, horizontally within a housing that included turn signals and running lamps. These headlights flanked a trapezoidal grille, with a prominent Acura logo anchoring an expressive face.

For a three-row SUV, the MDX presented a sleek and low-slung profile with chiseled details and a fast roofline. Its paint and chrome finishes, always a strong point for Acura, were flawless.

Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple design, shunning the excessive padding and stitching common in many luxury interiors at the time. The center stack stood out with twin infotainment screens: a high-mounted 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation above an On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen, complemented by three rows of buttons and a central command wheel. Thanks to its very high standards for material selection and superior fit and finish, the MDX felt solid and well-built, with authoritative actuations from knobs and switches, providing a rewarding tactile experience.

Conversely, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained a timeless style, looking terrific even more than a decade after its initial release. Combining rugged utility and upscale sophistication, it exhibited a nearly perfect balance with wheels pushed to the corners under purposely flared fenders. The Grand Cherokee defied easy categorization—mainstream, luxury, and performance—it managed to encompass all these identities effortlessly.

The Grand Cherokee's lineup encompassed a broad range, from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, and even the high-performance SRT and Trackhawk models. For serious off-roading, the Trailhawk offered impressive capabilities.

For 2021, the Grand Cherokee saw minor updates to the Laredo and Limited trims, and introduced the value-oriented Laredo X and celebratory 80th Anniversary Edition versions. Pricing spanned from approximately $35,000 to nearly $90,000.

Our Summit trim test vehicle showcased a premium package, equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, four-wheel drive (4WD), extra-cost paint, the Platinum Series Group, and the Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package. This combination amounted to $68,185, including a $1,495 destination charge.

The Platinum Series Group enhanced the Grand Cherokee Summit's appearance by toning down the standard glam elements. Body-color mirror caps, door handles, side sills, and lower bumpers, along with platinum chrome finishes, contributed to a more premium look.

Inside, the Summit's interior featured plush materials, such as premium leather, genuine wood, real aluminum, and simulated suede for the headliner. The Indigo and Ski Gray color scheme provided a sharp contrast through unusual colors. Quilted seat bolsters and door panel trims, a thick-rimmed wood-and-leather steering wheel, and partially digital instrumentation gave the Grand Cherokee Summit a luxurious ambiance. However, this luxury was juxtaposed with an aging interior design—old-school switchgear, non-flush panel fits, and odd elements signaling an overdue redesign.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options. The standard setup was a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine with direct injection and variable valve timing, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The alternative option was the MDX Sport Hybrid, which combined a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine and three electric motors to produce a combined system output of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

During the test drive of the gasoline-only model with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD), the MDX demonstrated commendable straight-line performance, offering enthusiastic takeoff and acceleration. Paddle shifters allowed for sequential shifting, though the transmission's adept performance often made this unnecessary. The SH-AWD system, with its torque-vectoring technology, enhanced cornering and handling by directing power to the outside wheel during a turn. This seamless power transfer around corners made the MDX easier and more comfortable to drive quickly.

The MDX’s four-wheel independent suspension effectively absorbed road bumps, ensuring a comfortable ride over long distances.

For the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the standard engine was a 3.6-liter V6 that produced 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, powering either the rear or all four wheels through an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission, with a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds.

The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 significantly boosted performance, offering 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, paired with the Quadra-Trac II 4WD system. This setup claimed a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds and delivered a satisfying rumble and roar, typical of V8 engines. It also featured cylinder deactivation "Fuel Saver" technology, though it only managed a combined 17 mpg according to EPA estimates. During a mountainous test loop, it achieved 18.2 mpg.

The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II system included a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, and Selec-Terrain traction management with various settings such as Snow, Sand, Mud, Auto, and Rock. Additionally, the Summit trim had a Quadra-Lift air suspension that offered 4.1 inches of variability, lowering for highway efficiency in Aero mode and raising for increased ground clearance off-road.

This sophisticated system enabled the Summit to navigate trails with ease. On the highway, it was speedy, responsive, and fairly quiet inside, though the V8's city fuel consumption was notably high. While the air suspension aimed to smoothen the ride, it sometimes felt excessively bouncy, affecting passenger comfort.

Yet, the Grand Cherokee's tight turning radius was practical for both parking lots and off-road scenarios, and the brakes provided a consistent and reliable feel in various driving conditions. Although visibility was generally clear, the absence of surround-view and forward-view camera systems was a noticeable shortcoming.

The 2020 Acura MDX, as a three-row SUV, took over from minivans as a family favorite, integrating many functional innovations. Its sliding and reclining second-row seats facilitated easier access to the third row, and adjustable legroom adaptability was a useful feature. Headroom was sufficient across all three rows.

Cargo space behind the third row measured 15.8 cubic feet. Folding the third row allowed for 43.4 cubic feet of storage space, and with the second row folded, the MDX offered a capacious 90.9 cubic feet of cargo space with a flat load floor extending to the back of the front seats. Additional storage options included a recessed cubby hole and underfloor storage for concealing valuable items.

In the front, the MDX was equipped with a large glove box, overhead drop-down sunglass pocket, and a flexible center console with two cupholders, USB, power, and auxiliary jacks, and enough space for a tablet or medium-sized bag. Door panels featured water-bottle pockets, and second-row passengers had cupholders and seatback pouches. Third-row occupants benefited from an outboard armrest with a storage bin and cupholder.

The luxury touches included tri-zone climate control, providing separate heating and cooling options for the driver, front passenger, and rear seats, offering minivan-like functionality without the minivan stigma.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit offered a plush interior with the Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package, featuring quilted, perforated leather seats and leather-wrapped panels. The front seats provided eight-way power adjustment, along with heating and ventilation controlled via the Uconnect infotainment system.

Rear seating was comfortable but legroom was somewhat restricted for taller adults. The optional rear-seat entertainment system, while enhancing multimedia capabilities, added to a sense of claustrophobia. Large side windows without sun shades, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and light gray upholstery helped mitigate this feeling. Rear passengers had access to air conditioning vents and optional heated seats.

Interior storage in the Grand Cherokee was adequate, but the entertainment system's DVD/Blu-Ray player took up significant space in the center console bin. Practical additions included grocery bag hooks on the front seatbacks.

Cargo space behind the rear seats measured 36.3 cubic feet, with additional storage in a recessed bin and around the spare tire under the floor. The power liftgate, accessible via a button on the left side of the cargo area, was a user-friendly touch. The second-row seats folded flat with a one-handed maneuver, providing a maximum cargo volume of 68.3 cubic feet, which was relatively small for a midsize SUV.

The 2020 Acura MDX streamlined its technology offerings through trim level packages. The base model came well-equipped with Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text message and email capability, a CD/MP3 player, five USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system.

The Technology Package, costing an additional $5,000, added features such as rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED puddle lights, front and rear parking sensors, navigation with Acura Real-Time Traffic and Traffic Rerouting, GPS-linked climate control, remote engine start, and the Acura/ELS Studio Premium Audio with 10 speakers. The further addition of the $6,750 Advance Package introduced features like the Active Damper System suspension, LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, power front lumbar support, heated rear seats, a surround-view camera system, Head-Up Warning, and additional USB ports for the third row.

For an extra $2,000, the Entertainment Package could be appended to either the Technology or Advance Package, offering a rear entertainment system with wireless headphones, a 110-volt power outlet, and varying screen sizes depending on the package.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, while awaiting an upgrade to the next-generation Uconnect 5 system for 2022, still featured the impressive Uconnect 4C with Nav setup. This system offered a nearly flawless user experience with fast responses, pleasing touchscreen graphics, and easy-to-use stereo controls. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, access to a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa, allowing integration with home devices.

SiriusXM supported the Grand Cherokee with six months of satellite radio service, five years of free Traffic Plus and Travel Link services, and one year of SiriusXM Guardian. The latter provided remote access, vehicle finder, SOS emergency calling, and the ability to send directions from a smartphone to the vehicle.

Voice recognition technology was particularly effective despite the Grand Cherokee's age, enabling voice control over multiple features, including basic climate settings. The Summit trim featured a premium 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, delivering an exceptionally high-quality sound experience. In terms of technology, aside from its sophisticated 4WD systems and driving assistance features, the Grand Cherokee leaned towards an analog simplicity that could appeal to certain users.

The 2020 Acura MDX came standard with AcuraWatch, a suite of passive and active safety features including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. Additional safety features comprised multiple airbags, a rearview camera (upgraded to a surround-view camera in the Advance Package), and Acura's sophisticated ACE body structure, designed for impact absorption.

The MDX achieved high safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it "good" ratings in all crash-test categories except headlights (rated "acceptable") and LATCH ease of use (also "acceptable"). The front crash prevention system was rated "superior." The NHTSA granted it a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety ratings revealed a stark contrast. While the 4WD models received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, the 2WD versions dropped to four stars due to a three-star rollover resistance rating. More concerning were the IIHS ratings, where the Grand Cherokee earned "Marginal" and "Poor" safety ratings for driver and front passenger protection in small-overlap, frontal-impact collisions, respectively. Without high-intensity discharge headlights, the Grand Cherokee's lights rated "Poor."

Our Summit test vehicle was equipped with the ProTech II Package, which included adaptive cruise control with full stop-and-go, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. These safety features worked well, and options like traditional cruise control and lane-keeping assistance provided flexibility for drivers. Additional safety features comprised a backup camera, parking sensors, and ParkSense parking assistance for various parking scenarios. However, the lack of more advanced camera systems was a noticeable drawback.