2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a stylish yet understated crossover SUV. Its design was not groundbreaking, but it was certainly not lacking in appeal. The MDX blended seamlessly into any setting, offering a sense of sophistication without drawing excessive attention. Acura's Jewel Eye LED headlights added a touch of luxury to the vehicle's front, complementing the trapezoidal grille and large Acura logo. The MDX's sleek, low-slung profile, combined with flawless paint and chrome, contributed to its refined appearance. Inside, the MDX maintained a modern and simple aesthetic, with a focus on high-quality materials and superior fit and finish. The center stack, featuring twin infotainment screens, was a highlight, providing both functionality and a contemporary look.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a bold statement with its presence, both visually and audibly. While it closely resembled a regular Wrangler, the 4xe's unique features, such as the power port and sky blue accents, set it apart. The vehicle's silent operation in electric mode, accompanied by the pedestrian notification system's whine, turned heads as it navigated through Yosemite National Park. The Wrangler 4xe's interior retained the classic Wrangler feel, with a focus on functionality and simplicity. Despite its rugged design, the interior offered more soft-touch materials than expected, enhancing comfort. The layout of controls was practical, and the vehicle's robust grab handles hinted at its off-road capabilities. Overall, the Wrangler 4xe combined its legendary simplicity with modern enhancements, offering a unique driving experience.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options, starting with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup was available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The MDX Sport Hybrid variant featured a 3.0-liter V6 engine combined with three electric motors, delivering a total of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The gasoline-only model with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) demonstrated impressive straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to its torque-vectoring technology. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a reliable choice for long journeys.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It featured two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, offering an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving and a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. The Wrangler 4xe's total system output was 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph in six seconds. The vehicle offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, each catering to different driving needs. During testing, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its ability to recharge the battery through regenerative braking, enhancing overall efficiency. Despite its off-road prowess, the Wrangler 4xe's on-road performance was affected by its aerodynamic inefficiency and susceptibility to crosswinds.

The 2020 Acura MDX excelled in providing family-friendly functionality with its three-row seating configuration. The sliding and reclining second-row seats facilitated easy access to the third row, while headroom was ample across all rows. The MDX offered 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 90.9 cubic feet with the second row down. The interior featured numerous storage options, including a flexible center console, door panel pockets, and additional storage for rear passengers. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all occupants, making the MDX a practical choice for families seeking minivan-like functionality without the stigma of sliding doors.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, while maintaining its rugged charm, presented some challenges in terms of interior space and accessibility. The high door sills and lack of side steps on the Rubicon trim made entry and exit a bit challenging, especially for shorter passengers. However, once inside, the Wrangler 4xe offered a comfortable driving position with excellent visibility. The interior featured manual front seat height adjusters, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Storage options were limited due to the presence of the hand-brake and transfer case lever, but rear passengers had access to air conditioning vents, USB ports, and MOLLE-style storage straps. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, with a maximum of 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, though the design of the tailgate and spare tire could complicate loading.

The 2020 Acura MDX came equipped with a range of technology features, organized into packages. The base model included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added features like rain-sensing wipers, navigation, and a premium audio system, while the Advance Package offered additional amenities such as a surround-view camera and heated rear seats. The Entertainment Package provided a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones, enhancing the MDX's appeal as a family vehicle.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon featured a Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of responsiveness and graphics. The Wrangler 4xe also provided useful information related to its plug-in hybrid powertrain, including charging time estimates and charging status indicators. The Alpine sound system delivered adequate audio quality, though wind noise on the freeway could be a challenge. Overall, the Wrangler 4xe's technology offerings were comprehensive, but an update to the latest Uconnect 5 system would enhance its appeal.

The 2020 Acura MDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included a surround-view camera. The MDX's body structure was designed to absorb impact energy, enhancing occupant protection. The IIHS rated the MDX as "good" in most crash-test categories, with a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages, including blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Wrangler's LED headlights received a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS, while the vehicle's overall safety was rated as "Marginal" for small-overlap frontal-impact protection. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler Unlimited a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.