2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, with its six trim levels, including the 30th Anniversary edition, offered a range of options for buyers. Prices started at $61,660, with the Summit Reserve reaching $80,320 before upgrades. The Trailhawk trim, which was tested, featured a panoramic sunroof, Luxury Tech Group II, and Advanced ProTech Group II, bringing the MSRP to $72,630. Despite its high cost, a federal income tax credit of $3,750 was available for those who qualified. The Trailhawk was distinguished by its sky blue exterior detailing, matte-black hood decal, and unique wheels with all-terrain tires. However, the interior fell short of luxury expectations, with excessive plastic and gloss black surfaces that attracted dust and fingerprints. The controls were not user-friendly, except for the steering wheel controls, which were easy to use and provided excellent radio tuning and stereo volume control.

The 2023 Acura MDX, available in standard and Type S versions, offered a range of trim packages. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a destination charge. The test vehicle, a Type S Advance, featured extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, with an MSRP of $74,995. The MDX Type S, the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, had a subtle design with chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The interior featured perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, the gloss black plastic on the dashboard made some controls challenging to use, and the electronic transmission switchgear was confusing. Despite these issues, the MDX Type S was fundamentally attractive, though it had some design quirks.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup produced 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. The Trailhawk trim included a standard four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case, Selec-Terrain technology, and a height-adjustable air suspension. It offered impressive off-roading capabilities, with a maximum ground clearance of 10.9 inches and water fording capability of 24 inches. However, the Grand Cherokee 4xe's performance in daily driving was less impressive, with an EPA-estimated 25 miles of all-electric range and 23 mpg in hybrid mode. During testing, it averaged 19.3 mpg, falling short of expectations. The gas engine sounded unrefined, and the regenerative braking system made smooth stops difficult. Despite these drawbacks, the Trailhawk provided quick acceleration in Hybrid mode and impressive ride quality.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes and an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades did not create a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg during testing, below the EPA rating of 19 mpg. The turbocharged V6 provided quick acceleration but consumed fuel rapidly. The MDX Type S struggled as a driver's SUV, with the transmission and brake issues detracting from the driving experience. The Continental self-sealing performance all-season tires squealed early, and the suspension lacked compliance, making the MDX Type S less predictable to drive.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered limited practical storage and cargo space due to its off-roading hardware and upscale interior design. The Trailhawk trim featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with leather and artificial suede upholstery, heating, and ventilation. However, the seats were firm and flat, and the rear seat lacked support and legroom. The Grand Cherokee provided 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down, which was small for a midsize SUV.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seats with flexible second-row seating options and a spacious cargo area. The Type S Advance trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in quilted leather. The seats were comfortable but did not hold occupants in place during spirited driving. The MDX offered seven-passenger seating, with a removable second-row center section for easier third-row access. The third row was best suited for children. The MDX's interior prioritized style over storage space, with limited storage options. The cargo area provided 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured up to six screens, including a 10.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.3-inch front passenger infotainment screen. The Trailhawk trim included a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an Alpine premium sound system. The system's user interface was simple, but the graphics made it difficult to read. The Trailhawk also offered tech-related options like wireless smartphone charging and a camera-based digital rearview mirror.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The infotainment system used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console, which was not user-friendly and reduced storage space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display and a Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers. The MDX's voice recognition system was less effective than using Siri or Google Assistant.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came equipped with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera with rear parking sensors. The Trailhawk trim added an active blind-spot monitoring system and the Advanced ProTech Group II, which included intersection assist, a surround-view camera, front parking sensors, automatic reverse braking, and a Night Vision system. The Grand Cherokee 4xe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the latter did not specifically test the 4xe version.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured Acura Watch, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four-star ratings for driver and front passenger protection in frontal-impact tests.