2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though all-new, felt familiar due to its adherence to Jeep's design traditions and its resemblance to the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. The new model launched as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, mirroring the powertrain and trim-level lineup of its larger sibling. Available in trims like Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee offered a range of options from simplicity and affordability to off-roading capability and luxury. Prices ranged from $37,390 to $63,365, excluding a $1,795 destination charge. The Grand Cherokee's design drew inspiration from the 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee's interior varied from basic but high-quality in the Laredo trim to luxurious in the Summit Reserve, which included premium leather, a McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model, including updates to the grille surround, bumpers, wheel designs, and paint colors. The limited-production RDX PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior. The RDX lineup included the base model and packages like Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance, with prices starting at $42,300 and going up to $53,300, excluding a $1,045 destination charge. The A-Spec Advance package, which we tested, featured high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin. Despite some controversial design elements, the RDX maintained a stylish and distinctive appearance compared to its rivals.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and came with either a V6 or V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a tow rating of 6,200 pounds. The available 5.7-liter V8 engine delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim, designed for serious off-roading, featured Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. The Grand Cherokee's fuel economy ranged from 17 to 21 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain. The V6 engine was preferred for its balance of performance and efficiency, while the V8 provided a thrilling driving experience at the cost of fuel consumption. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, with or without the adaptive damping Quadra-Lift air suspension.

The 2022 Acura RDX came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The engine's quick spool-up contributed to the RDX's enjoyable driving character, though heavy-footed driving reduced fuel economy from the EPA-rated 23 mpg to an observed 20.6 mpg. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, and the drivetrain options included front-wheel drive (FWD) and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The SH-AWD system, available on higher trims, provided torque-vectoring capabilities for improved handling. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered distinct driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX's quieter cabin and improved sound insulation enhanced its appeal, though it still fell short of earning Acura's Type S performance badge.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable experience for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading, and the available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel to the cabin. Rear-seat room was tight for adults, and the plastic front seatback trim was uncomfortable for taller passengers. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, while the three-row Grand Cherokee L provided more cargo space.

The 2022 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. The control layout required a learning curve, with transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system control pad. The A-Spec trims had metallic gauge faces with red markings that were difficult to read in low light. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable, with available ventilation. The back seat, however, lacked support and comfort for adults. The RDX's cargo space included 29.5 cubic feet behind the back seat and 58.9 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, with additional hidden storage compartments.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard on all trims, offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and voice recognition were standard. The optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger allowed for entertainment and assistance. The McIntosh high-end audio system and dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV integration were also available.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which paired a 10.2-inch display screen with a touchpad controller. The TTI required a learning curve, as it introduced a direct one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and the screen. The RDX also included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The Technology package added a navigation system, and higher trims featured an ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system with 16 speakers. The Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an impressive collection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a safety cage composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. The ADAS included Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, which provided Level 2 hands-on semi-autonomous driving assistance. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to be available in 2022, allowing for hands-free driving on approved roads.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades to improve side-impact safety and aimed to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system and additional ADAS features like pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology package and higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating.