2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Acura MDX

When consumers shopped for a new 2023 Acura MDX, they found both standard and Type S versions, each available with trim packages that increased the amount of equipment. The standard MDX came in a base level of specification with available Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the MDX Type S was offered in standard spec or with an Advance package. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a destination charge of $1,195.

The test vehicle arrived in Type S Advance trim with extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid (white) interior. The MSRP came to $74,995. With a price that high, Acura set a different expectation for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism, and in some respects, it missed the mark. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, and the S could stand for subtle. The Type S featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and 21-inch wheels. A panoramic sunroof was standard for all MDX models, and most featured Iconic Drive ambient lighting themes. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler shared the same burly, body-on-frame look across its various powertrains and off-road systems. New for the year was a redesigned grille, first seen on the 2023 20th Anniversary edition of the Wrangler Rubicon. This grille was shorter and wider, allowing for more airflow into the engine bay. The antenna was integrated into the windshield to avoid snagging bushes and tree branches when off-roading. Additionally, drivers had their choice of 10 new wheel designs on the Wrangler.

The Wrangler was built for rugged adventure with a variety of roof options, including a traditional soft-top roof, a full hard top, a hard top with a retractable sunroof over the front seats, or a power-retractable sunroof that brought sunshine into the whole cabin. The windshield could fold down, and the doors could be taken off completely. For those who found this too much, full doors or half doors were available, or a set of tube doors from Mopar.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was unique due to its engine. This version employed a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, increases of 65 hp and 87 lb-ft of torque over the standard 3.5-liter V6. However, the Type S also weighed 285 pounds more than the lightest standard MDX with all-wheel drive (AWD).

The twin-scroll turbo V6 engine used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters to power all four wheels through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This mechanical torque-vectoring AWD system could put up to 70 percent of total engine output to a single rear wheel. An Integrated Dynamics System provided Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes. The MDX Type S had an exclusive Lift mode that increased ground clearance from the standard 7.3 inches to 9.4 inches.

Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S never felt like an extension of its driver. The performance upgrades didn't gel into a cohesive whole, and the vehicle constantly called attention to itself through its indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, squealing tires, and poor brake pedal modulation. The engine didn't offer a substantial increase in power over the standard V6, making its dismal fuel economy harder to accept. On the evaluation route, the MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, coming up short of the official EPA fuel economy rating of 19 mpg in combined driving.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a variety of powertrains. Consumers could choose a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, the same engine in plug-in hybrid form for 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine making 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, or a 6.4-liter V8 powerplant pushing out 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

There were various transfer cases available, each offering different levels of off-road capability. The Command-Trac four-wheel drive (4WD) system in a Sport- or Sahara-trim Wrangler was suitable for those in it for the looks. The Wrangler 392 with the full-time 4WD Selec-Trac system was for those who wanted speed. The Rubicon trim got the Rock-Trac transfer case in either part-time or full-time 4WD. Most models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, but drivers could opt for a six-speed manual transmission with the 3.6-liter powerplant.

The 4xe PHEV Wrangler combined the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with two small electric motors and a battery, offering 21 miles of all-electric range in addition to its excellent power rating. The 4xe Rubicon had front and rear locking differentials and a new Offroad+ button. The solid front and rear axles provided plenty of articulation, and the BF Goodrich KO2 tires offered grip off-road and were strong enough to withstand punctures.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with a choice of two or three second-row seating positions, plus a cargo area with lots of usable floor space. The fully equipped test vehicle had all available upgrades, including a triple-zone automatic climate control system and 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row seat could slide forward and back to make more space for third-row passengers, but its rearmost position did not supply as much legroom as expected. The third row was best for carrying children.

The MDX's cabin prioritized style over storage space. The bin located underneath the front center armrest was small, and the decision to showcase the Integrated Dynamics Control knob on the dashboard led to missed opportunities for valuable storage space. The cargo area behind the third-row seat could carry 18.1 cubic feet of cargo space, including within the underfloor storage bin. Folding the third-row seat down provided 39.1 cubic feet, with a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat.

The big news for the 2024 Jeep Wrangler was its upgraded towing capacity. Thanks to a full-float solid rear axle, the Wrangler was rated to tow 5,000 pounds, but only four-door Rubicon-trim Wranglers with the gas-powered 2.0-liter or 3.6-liter engine, automatic transmission, and 33-inch tires received this tow rating. All other models still sat at a mere 3,500 pounds.

Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, but ventilated seats were not available. The 2024 model added available 12-way power-adjustable front seats. The new 30-amp Power Box that came with the 4xe could power accessories like a blender, power tools, or a portable refrigerator.

Acura's Digital Precision Cockpit in the 2023 MDX consisted of a configurable 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive and required the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) located on the center console. The TTI design robbed the center console of space that could contain more storage, and the wrist rest partially blocked the MDX's wireless charging pad.

Fortunately, the infotainment system's wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems allowed the use of familiar Siri and Google Assistant functions. The MDX also featured Amazon Alexa Built-In. Additional infotainment features included SiriusXM satellite radio, a native navigation system, and AcuraLink connected services. The MDX added a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) with the Advance package.

Every 2024 Jeep Wrangler got a 12.3-inch center infotainment screen running Uconnect5, with optional navigation. The new system was faster, especially when accessing the Off-Road Pages. The Trails Offroad feature provided a guide to over 200 trails, with a subscription option for access to 3,000 trails. The Wrangler also offered a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and the ability to store up to five user profiles.

The 2023 Acura MDX's traffic sign recognition system was part of Acura Watch, which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed following capability, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also included a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert. Certain trim packages added front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system.

The MDX had good crash-test ratings, with the IIHS calling it a Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA giving it an overall five-star rating. However, the SUV earned four-star protection ratings for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler finally integrated first- and second-row side-curtain airbags. Forward collision warning was standard on all but the base model, but many advanced drivers’ aids were part of a package. Blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and park assist were optional, except for the High Altitude and 392 models. There was no lane-keeping assist, lane-follow, or other highway assist feature available.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or the IIHS. The 2023 Wrangler received four-out-of-five stars for frontal crash protection and three-out-of-five stars for rollover protection. The IIHS gave the four-door Wrangler the top score of “Good” in roof strength and head restraints and seats but rated it as “Moderate” in frontal and side crashes.