2021 Jeep Renegade vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX was a sleek and stylish crossover SUV, though its design was not particularly groundbreaking. It blended in well without drawing much attention, yet it maintained a sophisticated appearance. The Jewel Eye LED headlights added a touch of luxury to the front, with five LED elements per side arranged horizontally. The MDX's trapezoidal grille, featuring a prominent Acura logo, anchored its expressive face. The vehicle's low-slung, chiseled design and flawless paint and chrome were hallmarks of Acura's attention to detail. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple look, with twin infotainment screens and high-quality materials that provided a solid and well-built feel.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade, introduced in 2015 and refreshed in 2019, continued to draw inspiration from the iconic Wrangler SUV. Its boxy profile, circular headlights, and upright seven-slat grille gave it a rugged and distinctive appearance. The Renegade's interior was modern and functional, with an upright center stack reminiscent of the Wrangler. It offered various trims and special editions, each with unique features and equipment. The Sport trim came standard with push-button start, dual-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims like the Limited and Trailhawk added luxury and off-road capabilities, respectively, making the Renegade a versatile choice for different needs.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered 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 model 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 provided good straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension ensured a comfortable ride, making it a reliable companion for long drives.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade came with two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 177 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering front-wheel drive or available four-wheel drive. While neither engine was particularly spirited, the turbocharged engine provided better refinement and torque. The Renegade's ride quality was solid, with good cornering stability and maneuverability in tight spaces. The Trailhawk trim, with its off-road suspension and terrain management system, made the Renegade surprisingly capable on trails.

The 2020 Acura MDX, a three-row SUV, offered sliding and reclining second-row seats for easier access to the third row and adjustable legroom. 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 rear rows folded. The MDX featured various storage solutions, including a big glove box, a flexible center console, and door panel pockets. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers, making the MDX a stylish and functional alternative to minivans.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade offered 50.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 18.5 cubic feet with the seats in use, making it competitive in the subcompact SUV segment. Its tall, boxy design provided ample headroom in both rows, with good legroom in the front and adequate space for adults in the rear. The Renegade featured numerous storage solutions, including small cubbies, trays, and optional equipment tie-downs. The front passenger seat could fold forward for added versatility, making the Renegade a practical choice for carrying gear and long items.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of technology features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added rain-sensing windshield wipers, navigation, GPS-linked climate control, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package included additional tech features like a surround-view camera system and heated rear seats. The Entertainment Package offered a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones, making the MDX well-equipped for tech-savvy families.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims came with an optional 8.4-inch screen. The Uconnect system was praised for its intuitive menu layout and easy-to-read graphics. A Kenwood premium audio system was available, enhancing the Renegade's tech offerings.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. The MDX's ACE Body Structure was designed to absorb crash impact, earning it high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade made several safety features standard, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection. Adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and parking sensors were optional. Despite these features, the Renegade received a four-star crash test rating from NHTSA.