2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Acura RDX

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a bold statement with its appearance and sound. Aside from a "4xe" badge and blue accents, it looked like a regular Wrangler, with the power port at the windshield base being the only notable difference. When the battery had enough charge, the SUV moved silently, except for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which turned heads as it navigated Yosemite National Park. The Firecracker Red Rubicon trim test vehicle, priced at $66,690, included over $13,000 in options. Inside, it retained the classic Wrangler look with some added soft-touch materials and blue stitching. The controls were functionally laid out, and the interior, while simple, was better outfitted than previous models.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model, with updates to the grille surround, bumpers, wheels, and paint colors. The limited-production PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior. The RDX lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding destination charges. Our test vehicle, the A-Spec Advance package, cost $53,645. The RDX A-Spec Advance justified its price with high-quality materials, solid build quality, and a quieter interior. Despite some design quirks, it offered more style than many rivals.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, allowing the Wrangler 4xe to reach 60 mph in six seconds. The battery offered an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving with a 49 MPGe combined efficiency rating. As a hybrid, it achieved 20 mpg combined, with a total driving range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe featured three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, each optimizing performance and efficiency based on driving conditions. During a weekend road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe covered 757 miles, averaging 19.1 mpg, with 120.9 miles on electricity.

The 2022 Acura RDX came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters provided smooth performance, though the new sound-deadening measures made the paddles less enjoyable. The RDX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system available on higher trims. The SH-AWD system delivered up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, enhancing driving dynamics. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension improved ride comfort and responsiveness. The RDX averaged 20.6 mpg during testing, slightly below its EPA rating of 23 mpg.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's high door sills and lack of side steps made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter passengers. Once inside, the classic Wrangler driving position offered a clear view over the hood. The interior had limited storage space due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever. Rear-seat space was adequate, with air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a 115-volt power outlet. Cargo volume measured 27.7 cubic feet, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear glass window made loading cargo cumbersome.

The 2022 Acura RDX provided ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. The control layout required some acclimation, particularly the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation and heating. The rear seats, though less comfortable, offered adequate space for children. The RDX's power liftgate revealed 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon's technological advancements focused on its plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4WD system. The Uconnect infotainment system featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A WiFi connection was available, and the Alpine sound system provided adequate audio quality. However, the Uconnect system showed signs of aging in terms of load time, responsiveness, and graphics. The Trip Summary data panel and charging indicator lights offered useful information about the vehicle's charging status.

The 2022 Acura RDX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. The system required a learning curve but offered a direct one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and screen. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The Technology package added a navigation system, while higher trims featured premium ELS Studio audio systems. The RDX also offered a 10.5-inch head-up display with the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems in the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. These included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler's LED headlights received a Marginal rating from the IIHS, while the standard headlights were rated Poor. The Wrangler earned a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety and new safety features like a rear seatbelt reminder system. The standard AcuraWatch suite included pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were generally accurate but occasionally issued false warnings. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings and five-star side-impact ratings.