2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Acura MDX

When you were exploring the 2023 Acura MDX, you would have encountered both standard and Type S versions, each available with various trim packages enhancing the seat of the technology and comfort features. The base model MDX was standard, but you could elevate the experience with Technology, A-Spec, or Advance packages. The MDX Type S was also offered in its standard format or with the Advance package, with prices ranging from $49,550 to $73,200, not including a destination charge of $1,195.

The test vehicle, a Type S Advance, arrived in a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and featured a luxurious Orchid (white) interior. The MSRP was $74,995, setting high expectations for quality, luxury, and dynamic driving. However, in some areas, it fell short of these lofty aspirations.

The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to bear the Type S badge, where 'S' subtly nodded to the vehicle’s enhanced performance potential. Both the standard and Type S versions of the MDX featured chicane-design LED running lights, taillights, and LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The Type S further included minor front styling tweaks and muted badges, ensuring a subdued yet powerful appearance. It stood on 21-inch wheels, and four exhaust outlets framed the rear diffuser panel, adding to its sporty stance.

Inside, the MDX promised comfort and luxury. It came standard with a panoramic sunroof and offered Iconic Drive ambient lighting themes named after renowned racetracks and drives globally. The Type S’s interior boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package with a black headliner and stainless steel pedal covers. The Type S Advance added more refinement with open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard.

The overall appeal of the MDX Type S was marred slightly by specific design quirks. The body’s design tapering at the doors could, from certain angles, give the illusion of a massive dent. Additionally, the gloss black plastic on the dashboard sometimes made it challenging to locate and operate various controls. The electronic transmission switchgear, which Acura has used since 2017, also remained a pain point for some users.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler maintained its rugged aesthetic, true to its heritage. The fourth-generation JL Wrangler displayed a boxy, unyielding design with minimal curves, making no mistake about its off-road ambitions. Available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited configurations, the Wrangler allowed you to remove its doors and even the windshield for an unparalleled open-air experience.

The Wrangler's look was functional with wide fenders—embellished with the American flag on the front ones—Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and old-school exterior hood latches. The rear tailgate swung out, while the rear glass lifted to provide easy access to the cargo area. Our test vehicle came in the limited-edition Reign color, a striking purple, highlighting the SUV's bold stance.

Jeep also offered a new Earl color for 2023, characterized by a gray shade with hints of aquamarine. Inside, the Wrangler featured practical interiors. The seats and floor mats were easy to clean, eschewing unnecessary frills. The dashboard was body-colored, complemented by chunky HVAC controls and a manual transfer case shifter, favoring functionality over luxury. The Wrangler did not come with ambient lighting or massaging seats; those seeking higher levels of comfort would need to look at luxury competitors like the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out for its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, which produced 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the standard 3.5-liter V6, this was an increase of 65 hp and 87 lb-ft of torque. However, the added power came with a weight penalty: the Type S was 285 pounds heavier than the lightest AWD-equipped standard MDX.

The MDX Type S utilized its twin-scroll turbo V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, featuring paddle shifters, to power all four wheels through Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This system could channel up to 70% of the engine output to a single rear wheel, making it effective in cornering and tight curves. The Integrated Dynamics System offered different modes such as Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, plus a Lift mode exclusive to Type S, which increased ground clearance to 9.4 inches.

Despite its power, the MDX Type S struggled with some performance inconsistencies. The transmission was sometimes indecisive, and the car exhibited less ride compliance than anticipated. The Electro-Servo brake system and larger front brake rotors aimed to enhance performance, but issues with brake modulation made it less engaging to drive vigorously. Furthermore, the engine’s power was not significantly superior to that of the standard V6, and its fuel economy suffered, averaging 16.9 mpg in combined driving and just 14.1 mpg in aggressive driving on the evaluation route.

The Jeep Wrangler, in contrast, excelled in off-road performance with its solid axles and optional differential lockers. The Wrangler provided a variety of engines tailored to different driving needs. The standard V6 engine generated 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired either with an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder offered 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

For torque enthusiasts, the Wrangler’s 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 delivered 260 hp and a hefty 442 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking ultimate power, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the Wrangler 4xe provided an eco-friendly option with a plug-in hybrid system, offering a range of 21 miles on electric power alone.

Our review model was the 392, a V8-powered beast perfect for extreme off-roading and exhilarating street performance. The 392 could hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and featured an Off-Road Plus button for adjusting throttle, shift points, and traction control. However, the brakes and steering of the 392 showed clear shortcomings. The brakes were inadequate for the V8’s might, and the steering remained imprecise.

The 2023 Acura MDX prided itself on its functionality, offering three rows of seats and a flexible interior layout. The test model, equipped with various upgrades, featured a triple-zone automatic climate control system and 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, despite these comforts, the seats fell short of delivering adequate lateral support during spirited driving.

Seven-passenger seating was standard, with the option to remove the center section of the second row for easier access to the third row. While the second-row seats provided decent comfort, the third row remained cramped and was best suited for children. The MDX also offered practical cargo solutions, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, had its own charm. The front seats, although comfortable, lacked ventilation options, and the rear seating area was cramped. Storage for small items was limited, with the glove box and center consoles being on the smaller side. With the rear seats folded, the Wrangler presented 72.4 cubic feet of cargo space—slightly more than the MDX.

Removing the Wrangler’s hard top was either a one-piece affair or a dual-panel operation for the front row. The soft top provided versatile open-air options, while the Sky One-Touch power soft top offered the most convenience, allowing the top to slide back within 17 seconds at speeds up to 60 mph.

The 2023 Acura MDX came with a Digital Precision Cockpit, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment system lacked a touch-sensitive screen and relied on the True Touchpad Interface (TTI). This design choice introduced several challenges, as users had to adapt to a new system and the touchpad took up valuable space on the center console.

Nonetheless, the MDX supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers ensured superior sound quality. Additionally, the MDX offered a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) with the Advance package.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's technology suite focused more on practicality. It offered a 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect system as standard, while the test model featured the larger 8.4-inch screen. Although the lack of hard buttons could be initially overwhelming, the Uconnect system proved user-friendly. Jeep’s off-road pages provided detailed off-roading data, such as power distribution, temperatures, pitch and roll, and GPS coordinates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard.

While the Wrangler didn’t indulge in excessive tech, it included essential features like a forward-facing camera for off-road navigation and auxiliary switches for aftermarket additions.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with Acura Watch, a suite of advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. Additionally, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. Higher trims offered front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system.

The MDX boasted commendable crash-test ratings, with the IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick+ for 2022 and the NHTSA awarding it an overall five-star rating. However, it received four-star ratings in frontal-impact protection.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler fell short in safety offerings compared to the MDX. Standard features included a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the top 392 model, and available as part of an option package in other trims.

The IIHS gave the Wrangler a mix of Good and Marginal ratings across its categories, while some headlights received a Poor ranking. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler a four-star frontal crash test rating and a three-star rollover rating but did not provide a side crash rating.