2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing five-passenger Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo volume. Despite the potential confusion of its model year designation, the Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the luxurious Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The SUV's design was unmistakably Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. Available in various trims, from Laredo to Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee L's pricing ranged from $36,995 to $64,235, with a destination charge of $1,695. The Summit trim test vehicle, equipped with numerous premium features, had a window sticker price of $64,770. While some interior materials didn't quite match the high price tag, the overall design, technology, and comfort represented a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model, including updates to the grille surround, front and rear bumper styling, wheel designs, and paint colors. The limited-production RDX PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, built at Acura's Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup included the base model and various option packages, with starting prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding a $1,045 destination charge. The test vehicle, an A-Spec Advance package model, totaled $53,645. The RDX A-Spec Advance justified its price with high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin. Despite some controversial design elements, the RDX maintained a stylish and sporty appearance, making it a standout in the compact luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or three different four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims and 4WD, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The test vehicle had the V6 engine and 4WD, providing brisk acceleration but loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was well-behaved, though it sometimes resisted downshifts in Auto mode to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L Summit 4WD averaged 17.8 mpg during testing, below expectations. The SUV featured various driving modes, including Sport, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock, with the Summit's Quadra-Drive II 4WD system offering an electronic locking differential and a low-range transfer case setting. The Quadra-Lift suspension provided up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. The Grand Cherokee L demonstrated capable handling, a smooth ride, and a relatively quiet cabin, making it suitable for both off-road adventures and highway cruising.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. The engine's quick spool-up contributed to the RDX's enjoyable driving character, though heavy-footed driving reduced fuel economy from the EPA-rated 23 mpg to an average of 20.6 mpg during testing. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, providing smooth and responsive performance. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard on the base, Technology, and A-Spec packages, while the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel. The SH-AWD system was also optional on other trims. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered distinct driving modes, with the adaptive-damping suspension providing a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The 2022 RDX featured a quieter cabin thanks to enhanced sound insulation and Active Sound Control. The SUV's driving dynamics, comfortable seats, and torquey engine made it enjoyable to drive in various situations, though it didn't qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge. Enthusiasts might prefer German alternatives like the Audi SQ5, BMW X3 M40i, and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a comfortable and luxurious interior, especially in the Summit trim, which featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third-row seats were surprisingly comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows offering a great view. The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants, but second-row passengers enjoyed a storage console. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 17.2 cubic feet, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.6 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered plenty of room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position and featured a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the center dashboard. The RDX's control layout required some acclimation, with transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system control pad being unconventional. The A-Spec, A-Spec Advance, and PMC Edition models had metallic gauge faces with red markings that were difficult to read in low light. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation. The back seat, however, felt flat and lacked support, though heated rear seat cushions were available. The RDX's power liftgate revealed 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with additional hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor. Folding the back seat down created 58.9 cubic feet of cargo area.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and an improved user experience. Two touchscreen sizes were available: 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch with navigation. The test vehicle had the larger screen, which integrated well with the dashboard. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The natural voice-recognition system worked well, though it occasionally provided unexpected results. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system delivered excellent sound quality, especially for bass enthusiasts. Additional features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Acura RDX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system paired a 10.2-inch display screen with a sectioned touchpad controller on the center console. The touchpad's design corresponded to the screen layout, requiring a learning curve for users. Despite its complexity, the TTI became more intuitive over time. The 2022 RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Standard features included satellite radio and AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Technology package added a navigation system, while premium sound systems ranged from a nine-speaker setup in the base model to a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system in higher trims. The Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. While effective, the steering assist felt artificial, and lane changes were overly responsive. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected threats from either side at intersections and applied brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review, but improvements over the previous model were expected.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, aiming to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system and enhancements to the standard AcuraWatch suite, such as pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. AcuraWatch's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were generally accurate but occasionally issued false warnings. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings and five-star side-impact ratings.