2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. These updates included modifications to the grille surround, front and rear bumper styling, and new wheel designs and paint colors. The limited-production PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, built at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding destination charges. The A-Spec Advance package, priced at $53,645, boasted high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin, making it a stylish and comfortable choice.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended length, maintained the classic style of the original Grand Cherokee while adding modern elements. The High Altitude package on our Hydro Blue example featured blacked-out grille, logos, and door handles, along with dark gray 21-inch wheels and a luxurious interior with black leather, gold stitching, and matte-finish light walnut. The upper trims offered impressive interiors with high-quality materials, although some hard plastics and rougher-grained leather were present. The Grand Cherokee L's design combined traditional Jeep elements with modern touches, creating a bold and enduring look.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided quick acceleration and an enjoyable driving experience, although heavy-footed driving reduced fuel economy to an average of 20.6 mpg. The 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters performed smoothly, and the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhanced cornering and traction. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension improved ride comfort and responsiveness. Despite its sporty character, the RDX fell short of earning Acura's Type S performance badge, making it less thrilling than some German competitors.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, was underwhelming, with a noisy and unrefined performance. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, offered better towing capacity and a more satisfying driving experience. Fuel economy for the V6 was 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8's ratings were lower at 14/22/17. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, especially with the air suspension, although the steering could be more responsive. Three four-wheel drive systems were available, enhancing off-road capability, and the air suspension allowed for adjustable ground clearance.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample space for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior featured a sporty design with a prominent IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. The control layout required some acclimation, particularly the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation and heating, while the rear seats were less comfortable but provided a flat cargo load floor when folded. The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended length provided more legroom for second-row passengers, with standard captain's chairs and an optional 60/40 bench seat. The third row was best suited for children. The driver's seat offered good visibility, and the dashboard featured a well-organized layout of buttons and controls. Cargo space was generous, with 17 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85 cubic feet with both rows folded. This made the Grand Cherokee L one of the most spacious options in its class.

The 2022 Acura RDX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller, requiring a learning curve for users. The system was distracting to operate, but the addition of Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration helped mitigate this issue. The RDX also featured a wireless charging pad, satellite radio, and AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Three premium sound systems were available, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system offering 16 speakers. The A-Spec Advance package included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's infotainment system, Uconnect 5, was generally quick and easy to use, despite some legibility issues. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen and navigation. The McIntosh sound system, with 19 speakers, was available on upper trims. The Grand Cherokee L offered advanced tech features like night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that allowed front passengers to control navigation and entertainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades to improve side-impact safety, aiming to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology package added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were mostly 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.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and received five stars in most NHTSA tests, except for a four-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included driver and passenger front knee airbags, forward and rear emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features on higher trims included front cross-traffic braking, a backup camera washer, 360-degree cameras, and night vision. The Active Driving Assist was standard on the Summit Reserve trim.