2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L centered its design philosophy around the "L," which stood for "long." This third-row variant stretched 11.4 inches more than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, making space for the extra seating. With a wheelbase extended by five inches, it offered more legroom for second-row passengers and wider rear doors. The added size blended seamlessly into the vehicle's overall design, giving it a balanced and elegant look. Jeep launched the L first in 2021, well before the two-row Grand Cherokee hit the market in 2022, making the standard version seem almost truncated.

Jeep’s signature design features, such as the seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and blunt front end, were preserved, but with modern refinements. The lighting was updated to slimmer, brighter versions, and both the paint finish and panel fit showed marked improvement. The Grand Cherokee L's trims, from the base Laredo to the high-end Summit Reserve, maintained an impressive aesthetic, with the top trims sporting black roofs, larger wheels, and additional chrome accents. For 2022, new exterior colors like Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky enriched the palette.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee L offered high-end features like dual high-resolution screens, real wood and aluminum trim, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The layout was reminiscent of a Mercedes, emphasizing tactile quality and luxurious finishes. Even the all-black interior was detailed enough to offer visual intrigue and passenger comfort.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX, particularly the Type S version with the Advance trim, aimed for a subtler yet sporty aesthetic. Prices for different MDX trims ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, featuring packages with varying levels of equipment. The Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid (white) interior of the test vehicle showcased Acura’s attention to upscale detailing. However, some elements didn't align with this premium ambition. The fourth-generation MDX displayed subtlety through chicane-design LED lights and quad exhaust outlets, and sported 21-inch wheels for a sturdy stance. A panoramic sunroof and Iconic Drive ambient lighting themes added to the luxury feel.

Although the perforated Milano leather and aluminum interior trim were fine, issues like awkward body tapering and gloss black plastic accents reduced the aesthetic appeal. Moreover, Acura's electronic transmission switchgear also posed usability challenges, even for seasoned drivers familiar with it.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 generated 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. However, this engine felt insufficient for the vehicle’s massive size, making it underwhelming and noisy, particularly when loaded with passengers.

On a more optimistic note, Jeep's plug-in hybrid version, the 4xe, combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kWh battery pack, delivering a robust 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The V8, available on higher trims like the Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, provided 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, offering a better power-to-weight ratio and a satisfying engine note.

The Grand Cherokee L’s fuel economy was moderate with the V6 at an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The V8's economy was poorer, rated at 14/22/17 mpg. Fuel economy for the 4xe plug-in hybrid was not disclosed.

What truly set the Grand Cherokee L apart was its impressive chassis and suspension. The air suspension featured multiple ride height settings and adaptable driving modes, much like those in Land Rover models. This setup ensured excellent ride composure and handling, striking a fine balance between comfort and performance. The vehicle’s towing capacity was also notable, maxing out at 6,200 pounds for rear-wheel-drive models and 7,200 pounds for four-wheel-drive versions.

On the other hand, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S set itself apart with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This was a substantial improvement over the standard 3.5-liter V6, even though the Type S weighed 285 pounds more. Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system and a 10-speed automatic transmission enhanced driving dynamics by efficiently distributing power.

The MDX Type S featured a range of driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, combined with a unique Lift mode to adjust ground clearance. However, the suede all-season performance tires and 21-inch wheels restricted its off-road capabilities.

Despite these enhancements, the performance of the MDX Type S fell short. The turbocharged V6 didn't significantly improve the driving experience to justify its poor fuel economy, which averaged 16.9 mpg, far below the official 19 mpg rating. Additionally, the brake pedal response and suspension compliance left much to be desired, detracting from the vehicle's overall cohesion. Unlike the Grand Cherokee L’s seamless integration of its dynamic systems, the MDX Type S seemed disjointed, making it less enjoyable for spirited driving.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L boasted a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with both an 8.4-inch and a 10.1-inch touchscreen available, depending on the trim. Its physical controls were well-damped and easy to use, and the interior design included practical elements like a large bin for wireless charging and ample storage.

The Jeep’s spaciousness was notable. With enough space for adults in all three rows, the Grand Cherokee L avoided the penalty box syndrome in the third row, unlike many three-row SUVs. It offered various seating configurations, including second-row captain’s chairs and a panoramic sunroof. However, the air vents were somewhat ineffective, necessitating constant use of the high-speed fan, which was rather noisy.

For cargo capacity, the Grand Cherokee L offered 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows down, showcasing its practicality for family road trips and other large-load situations.

Conversely, the 2023 Acura MDX provided excellent functionality with three rows of seating and an option to remove the second-row center section for easier access to the third row. The triple-zone automatic climate control system, along with 16-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated, emphasized comfort.

However, the seat design fell short for spirited driving. The second-row seats were supportive but didn’t provide as much legroom as expected when slid all the way back. Moreover, the cabin’s aesthetic prioritization over storage meant the cargo space suffered, particularly with elements like the prominent Integrated Dynamics Control knob taking up potential storage room.

Despite these drawbacks, the MDX excelled in cargo capacity. Behind the third row, it offered 18.1 cubic feet of storage. This expanded to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row down and 71.4 cubic feet with both rows folded, providing adequate room for most family needs.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L impressed with its suite of tech features. Upper trims came loaded with high-end options like multiple massage modes for the power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a crystal-clear 360-degree camera system. The navigation system integrated seamlessly with the digital dashboard, and the UConnect system allowed wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for two phones simultaneously. Additionally, new for 2022 were the optional 10.3-inch front passenger display and dual 10.1-inch rear touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV.

Jeep didn't skimp on standard safety and driver-assist technologies either, equipping the vehicle with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking amongst others, ensuring a safe and comfortable driving experience.

The 2023 Acura MDX came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. Unfortunately, the latter was not touch-sensitive. Instead, Acura introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI), which included Return and Home buttons but sacrificed storage space and partially obstructed the wireless charging pad. Despite the innovation behind TTI, it presented a steep learning curve and potentially distracted the user.

Acura's infotainment systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and new Alexa Built-In functionality. However, the native voice recognition system proved less efficient, leaving drivers to rely mostly on Siri or Google Assistant. The top-tier Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system, available with the Advance package, received high praise for its impeccable sound quality.

With features like a 10.5-inch head-up display, various driver assistance tools, and complementary AcuraLink connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot, the MDX offered a tech-forward interior. Nevertheless, the occasional technical glitches and confusing user interface elements detracted from an otherwise high-tech offering.

While the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet undergone testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), it was equipped with an array of safety features. These included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear-seat alert for possible unattended passengers, trailer sway control, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more, aiming to cover all safety needs for its occupants.

The 2023 Acura MDX boasted Acura Watch, a suite of advanced driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, among others. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors were also standard. Despite the comprehensive safety features, occasional false alarms and erratic behavior from these systems were noted, raising some concerns.

The Acura MDX performed well in safety tests, earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, although it fell short with four stars in the frontal-impact tests.