2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX represented a major pivot in the design ethos of Acura’s flagship three-row luxury crossover. Historically utilizing a platform shared with the Honda Pilot, the MDX transitioned to a dedicated platform with the 2022 model, boasting a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased critical dash-to-axle distance for a more pronounced and elegant presence. Pioneering the three-row luxury crossover segment, the MDX maintained its hallmark of appearing smaller outside while offering surprisingly spacious interiors. Exterior enhancements included bigger wheels and tires (19 x 8.5 inches on the base MDX, 20 x 9 inches on Tech and above). These changes contributed to a sportier and more assertive design, underscored by standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and expressive linear LED daytime running lights. Constructed in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX displayed a very high level of craftsmanship and quality.

The interior of the MDX mirrored its exterior modernization. A lower and further stacked dashboard, combined with authentic materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather, offered a rich cabin feel. Despite some quirky control layouts, the center console and stack, with their fighter jet-inspired gear selection mechanism, touchpad infotainment controls, and rotary drive mode selector, provided a futuristic edge. The 12.3-inch landscape-oriented infotainment screen, although non-touch, was ideally placed for safety.

Conversely, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe brought its own blend of ruggedness and modernity. Despite a higher price tag starting at $61,660 for the base trim and climbing to $80,320 for the Summit Reserve, the Trailhawk trim tested at $72,630 showcased luxury additions like a panoramic sunroof and premium tech packages. Its trail-rated badge and sky-blue exterior accents highlighted its off-road prowess, while the matte-black hood decal potentially reduced glare. However, the interior leaned heavily on glossy plastic surfaces that, despite their intended upscale appearance, felt out of place in terms of quality and practicality. Black leather and artificial suede seats, heated and ventilated, attempted to boost comfort, but firm and flat cushions, especially in the rear, detracted from the overall comfort.

While the MDX’s exterior colors and interior themes provided a range of personalization options, the Grand Cherokee 4xe’s lack of practical interior enhancements and shortage of thoughtful design details were notable. Ultimately, the 2022 Acura MDX offered a more cohesive and well-executed design philosophy.

The 2022 Acura MDX launched with a familiar yet slightly enhanced 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The front-wheel drive came standard on the base and Tech trims, while the models featuring the SH-AWD system boasted advanced torque vectoring, directing up to 100% of torque to either side during cornering. This ability to push the vehicle into turns improved handling and control markedly. The new 10-speed automatic transmission synced smoothly with the engine, allowing precise and seamless shifts. Acura's Integrated Dynamics System offered five drive modes to tailor performance characteristics, further broadening its drive appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe's plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Together, they produced an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. The Trailhawk trim, designed for off-roading, included robust features like Selec-Terrain technology with multiple drive modes, a front-axle sway-bar disconnect system, and height-adjustable air suspension, which provided up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance.

While the Trailhawk's off-road specs were indomitable, the PHEV system fell short in daily driving. The promised electric range of 25 miles often fell to 21.2 miles in real-world conditions, with the gasoline engine's intervention being less refined and the system's overall fuel economy underwhelming at 19.3 mpg in hybrid mode. Compared to the reliable and versatile performance of the Acura MDX, the Grand Cherokee 4xe’s driving experience remained somewhat inconsistent.

Functionality defined the interiors of both vehicles. The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in its flexibility and practical storage solutions. The first two rows of seats offered superior comfort, with the second row’s innovative removable center section providing adaptability. The third-row access was easy, catering well to pre-teens and smaller passengers, though adults would find longer journeys uncomfortable there. Luggage capacity ranged from 16.3 to 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, up to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row down, and a cavernous 95 cubic feet with both rows folded flat. Additional features like the power tailgate with “Grab ‘N Go” functionality, customizable interior lighting schemes, and comprehensive cargo management solutions emphasized convenience and utility.

In stark contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe struggled with practical storage. The interior, while luxurious in appearance, lacked substantial storage options. The firm and low-mounted seats, especially in the rear, compromised comfort. Cargo space peaked at 37.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 70.8 cubic feet with them folded, with the lower figure suggesting space constraints for a midsize SUV.

In terms of interior functionality, the Acura MDX’s design prioritized both passenger comfort and cargo utility more effectively than the Grand Cherokee 4xe's more style-conscious approach.

The tech offerings between the two vehicles showed a clear contrast. The 2022 Acura MDX boasted an ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System in higher trims, featuring 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. A 12.3-inch landscape infotainment screen, accompanied by the Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel, wireless smartphone integration, Qi wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a sophisticated head-up display made the MDX a tech-savvy marvel. Features like CabinTalk and over-the-air updates further enhanced its appeal.

On the other hand, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe emphasized the sheer number of screens, with six in total, including an optional head-up display and dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system. The Trailhawk trim included a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel and an equally sized front passenger screen, alongside a 10.1-inch central infotainment system utilizing Uconnect 5 technology. While this system offered rich features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the interface’s low-contrast graphics and less responsive voice recognition system detracted from usability. Additionally, the optional wireless smartphone charger in the high-priced models felt out of place.

Acura's advanced technology, user-friendly interface, and thoughtful integration easily surpassed the tech-heavy but functionally limited offerings in the Grand Cherokee 4xe.

The 2022 Acura MDX offered a promising suite of safety features aimed at securing top ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, building on its predecessor’s strong safety performance. With a redesigned front end for pedestrian safety, a low-speed braking control system, and the comprehensive AcuraWatch suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic-jam assist, the MDX was designed to be one of the safest vehicles in its class.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe also came with an array of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and an active lane-keeping system. The Advanced ProTech Group II package added upgrades like intersection assist and Night Vision. However, there were criticisms regarding the occasional false alerts from the lane departure system and the non-standardization of key features like the wireless charger.

In terms of ratings, the Jeep secured a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, although the exact application of these ratings to the 4xe variant wasn't entirely clear. The Acura MDX, with its enhanced structural safety and advanced technology suite, projected a stronger safety profile.