2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX revolutionized the three-row luxury crossover SUV segment by creating a vehicle that seemed smaller on the outside while feeling spacious inside. This new generation was built on a unique platform designed specifically for the MDX, deviating from its previous Honda Pilot-based architecture. Sporting a longer wheelbase, increased overall length, wider body, and broader track, the redesigned MDX had a more commanding presence. The innovative dash-to-axle distance, extended by over four inches, added a touch of elegance to its silhouette.

Acura's tradition of incorporating LED headlights continued with the Jewel Eye LED headlights, which came standard and were complemented by striking linear LED daytime running lights. The MDX rode on impressive 19 x 8.5 inches wheels on the base model, with 20 x 9 inches wheels on Tech and higher trims, lending it an assertive, contemporary look. This design, paired with high-quality craftsmanship from Ohio's East Liberty, resulted in a modern, sporty exterior.

Inside, the MDX benefited from a layered dashboard that amplified the perceived cockpit width and a thoughtful cabin design that included authentic materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather. Despite some quirky control layouts, the cabin felt luxurious with its balanced use of high-end and practical materials. The unique gear selection, reminiscent of a fighter jet's controls, added a touch of futuristic flair.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a noticeable entrance with its distinct sound profile, announcing itself through a pedestrian notification system when running on battery power alone. Visually, it resembled a conventional Wrangler, save for the additional “4xe” badges and blue accents. The 4xe's presence was further emphasized by its bright Firecracker Red paint and Rubicon trim, which came loaded with over $13,000 in options.

Inside, the Wrangler 4xe maintained the rugged, utilitarian interior Jeep fans knew, with features like blue seat stitching and a row of charging indicators on the dashboard to highlight its PHEV status. The cabin offered a surprising amount of soft-touch materials, including leather seats and padded door panels, amidst its practical hose-me-out aesthetic. The layout of the controls remained true to Jeep form, with a manual transfer-case lever, emergency brake, and essential off-roading buttons within easy reach.

For the 2022 Acura MDX, performance relied on a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup was available in front-wheel drive for base models, while the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, optional for base and standard on higher trims, added torque vectoring capabilities that significantly enhanced cornering and handling.

The new suspension, featuring a double-wishbone front and revised multi-link rear setup, improved ride quality and sporty handling. The high rigidity and stiffness of the new platform eliminated body flex, resulting in a smooth, confident ride. Five driving modes—Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual—allowed drivers to tailor performance to their preferences. During test drives in Michigan, the MDX impressed against competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90, showcasing its agility and solid ride feel.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a powertrain centered around a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine working in concert with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This combination delivered a robust 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, making the Wrangler 4xe a formidable contender with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of six seconds. The PHEV system offered three drive modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, enabling a performance tailored to various driving conditions. The Wrangler 4xe could cover an estimated 21 miles on electric power alone.

During a road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its versatility and efficiency, albeit with some challenges due to its boxy, aerodynamically inefficient design. Even so, the regenerative braking system worked effectively to extend battery life in specific driving scenarios.

As a three-row SUV, the 2022 Acura MDX provided versatile and comfortable seating arrangements. The innovative second-row seats, with a removable center section, and the fore-aft sliding mechanism allowed for optimized legroom. The third row was best for children or smaller adults. The MDX impressed with its flexible cargo capacity, offering between 16.3 and 18.1 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 39.1 to 48.4 cubic feet with those seats folded, and 71.4 to 95 cubic feet with the second row down. Additionally, features like the "Grab 'N Go" power tailgate and customizable interior lighting added convenience and ambiance.

In comparison, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's interior reflected its rugged, functional design. Tall door sills and the absence of side steps on the Rubicon model made entry and exit challenging for shorter passengers. However, once inside, the seats were comfortable with manual height adjusters. The rear seat offered decent space, albeit leading to some discomfort for taller passengers on longer drives. Loading cargo, although cumbersome due to the swing-out tailgate and flip-up glass window, was part of the Wrangler's distinctive charm. It offered 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, less than the standard model due to battery placement, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Acura MDX was abundant with technological features, with the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System being a standout. This high-end sound system, available on A-Spec and Advance Packages, boasted 16 speakers with 710 watts of amplification. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel came standard, with integrated Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A CabinTalk feature, head-up display, WiFi hotspot, and OTA updates further enhanced the tech-savvy appeal of the MDX.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, while focused on off-road prowess, offered a comprehensive Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, and connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Although the system was starting to show its age in terms of load time and responsiveness, it remained user-friendly. Unique to the 4xe, were displays for battery info and charging status, making it convenient to monitor the hybrid system.

The 2022 Acura MDX aimed to exceed the already impressive safety ratings of its 2020 predecessor, which scored "Good" from IIHS and five stars from NHTSA. Acura engineers integrated a higher percentage of high-strength steel and advanced safety structures. The front-end redesign improved pedestrian safety with impact-absorbing features. The comprehensive AcuraWatch suite included collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic sign recognition, and more.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, bundled in the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages, featured essentials like blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking. However, the Wrangler received average safety ratings, including a "Marginal" small-overlap frontal-impact rating from IIHS due to a tendency to tip over during tests. The NHTSA rated it four stars for frontal crashes and three stars for rollover resistance.