2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, featuring a bold grille and sleek headlights that made it one of the most attractive vehicles in its class. The oversized logo on the grille, while initially amusing, blended well with the overall design. The RDX's exterior was characterized by sharp lines, including a prominent upper character line that created a sporty spoiler-like appearance. Inside, the RDX impressed with its red leather upholstery, offering a striking contrast against the black interior. The cabin was well-equipped with standard features like synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The RDX offered various packages, each adding unique features, with the A-Spec package providing sporty enhancements and the Advance Package offering luxury touches.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless design, combining rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its balanced proportions and flared fenders contributed to its enduring appeal. The Grand Cherokee's versatility was evident in its diverse lineup, ranging from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit and the performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk models. The Summit trim, in particular, featured premium materials like leather, wood, and aluminum, creating a luxurious cabin ambiance. However, the interior showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits. Despite this, the Grand Cherokee's design continued to attract buyers, offering a blend of style and functionality.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided impressive acceleration, making the RDX quick off the line and capable of overtaking on the highway. The 10-speed automatic transmission efficiently managed power, contributing to both performance and fuel economy. The RDX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The A-Spec model with SH-AWD achieved an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg. The RDX excelled in handling, offering a comfortable yet dynamic driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It offered a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 delivered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency, though it achieved only 17 mpg in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it agile in urban settings. However, the V8's fuel consumption and occasional bounciness were notable drawbacks.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, providing ample head- and legroom. The second row also provided good headroom and decent legroom. The RDX featured practical storage solutions, including large door pockets, a center console with a retractable panel, and a pass-through cargo tray. The cargo area offered 29.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The load floor was easily accessible, and a hidden cargo area added to its practicality.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured supportive front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, while comfortable, offered limited legroom for taller passengers. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added to the sense of claustrophobia. Interior storage was adequate, but the center console space was compromised by the entertainment system. The Grand Cherokee provided 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 68.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Practical features included a power liftgate and storage bins around the spare tire.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, operated via a touchpad that lacked intuitive functionality. While it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the touchpad negated their simplicity. The Technology Package added navigation and an ELS premium audio system, while the A-Spec featured an ELS Studio 3D sound system. The Advance Package included a head-up display.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system offered a nearly flawless user experience, with fast response times and pleasing graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition worked well, and the Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the Grand Cherokee was "tech lite," it offered essential features and advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2020 Acura RDX came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, LATCH systems, and driver-assistance technologies like lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control. The Technology Package added parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, while the Advance Package included a surround-view camera. The RDX received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were a concern, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models but lower ratings from the IIHS in certain crash tests. The Summit trim included a ProTech II Package with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Grand Cherokee also offered parking assistance and a backup camera.