2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Acura MDX

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler had a robust presence, embodying the quintessential off-road adventurer. Every model, regardless of the engine or off-road system, shared a sturdy, body-on-frame design. Enthusiasts noticed subtler differences, such as larger tires on the top-tier Rubicon X and Rubicon 392 trims. This year, the Wrangler sported a freshened front grille first seen on the 2023 Rubicon 20th Anniversary edition. The new grille, shorter and broader, allowed increased airflow into the engine bay. Jeep also integrated the antenna into the windshield, a clever modification preventing the traditional antenna from snagging on bushes and branches during off-road exploits. Additionally, Jeep offered 10 new wheel designs for the Wrangler.

Rugged versatility remained a hallmark of the Wrangler, with multiple roof options to suit any adventure. Choices included a traditional soft-top, a full hardtop, a retractable hard sunroof over the front seats, and a power-retractable sunroof that flooded the entire cabin with daylight. The windshield could fold down, and drivers could remove the doors completely. For those desiring more conventional doors, Jeep provided full or half-door options, and Mopar even offered tube doors.

In stark contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX exuded sophistication and modernity in its design. The large shield grille, flanked by sharply angled headlights and lower intake vents, contributed to its upscale appearance. Inside, the cabin's technology-packed yet busy layout could overwhelm new drivers with its plethora of controls, particularly in the center console.

The Acura MDX trim hierarchy, termed packages, included the base model, Technology Package, A-Spec Package, and Advance Package, alongside the top-tier Type-S and Type-S Advance trims, which we assessed. Standard features spanned tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats.

The Technology Package enhanced the MDX with ambient lighting, navigation, a 12-speaker premium audio system, and genuine leather upholstery. The A-Spec Package added sportier styling details, a 16-speaker audio system, ventilated front seats, and an in-cabin intercom to aid communication across the three rows. The Advance Package included additional amenities like a heated steering wheel, more USB ports, remote start, and heated second-row seats.

The 2024 Acura MDX Type-S Advance combined elements from the Technology and A-Spec packages, featuring an impressive 26-speaker sound system and massaging front seats. The massaging function offered firm, refreshing relief, especially on long drives, and the perforated leather upholstery ensured maximum comfort.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse array of powertrains, from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque to a plug-in hybrid version generating 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Its 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260-pound feet of torque, while the formidable 6.4-liter V8 powerplant achieved 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

Various transfer cases catered to different levels of off-road prowess. The Command-Trac 4WD system, standard on Sport and Sahara trims, provided adequate off-road ability without locking differentials or exceptional crawl ratios. The Wrangler 392 with the Selec-Trac system offered full-time 4WD and astounding speed. The Rubicon trim featured the Rock-Trac transfer case in both part-time and full-time 4WD configurations.

While the 392 trim's V8 engine delivered exhilarating performance, the 4xe PHEV Wrangler emerged as a favorite due to its combination of the 2.0-liter turbo engine, two electric motors, and a battery, offering an all-electric range of 21 miles. The 4xe, with front and rear locking differentials, excelled in off-road conditions thanks to the solid front and rear axles that facilitated ample articulation and superior traction. The Willys trim provided a budget-friendly option with substantial off-road capabilities, including the Offroad+ mode, 33-inch tires, and rock rails.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S variant upped the ante with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Both engines paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, channeling power to the front wheels or Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system.

The MDX Type-S Advance we tested impressed with its quick acceleration and adept power management. Adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes ensured smooth, controlled performance across different drive modes, including Sport+, Snow, Comfort, and Lift mode, which added two inches of ground clearance. The MDX excelled in boulevards and highways, providing a refined, albeit slightly firm ride, expected from modern luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler notably increased its towing capacity to 5,000 pounds, thanks to a full-float solid rear axle. However, this towing capacity only applied to four-door Rubicon trims with specific engine and tire configurations; other models remained capped at 3,500 pounds.

The Wrangler's interior options included heated seats and a heated steering wheel, although ventilated seats were absent. The 12-way power-adjustable front seats provided quick and adaptable comfort, functioning even after exposure to water during off-road endeavors. The 4xe trim's 30-amp Power Box, powered by the 17.3-kWh battery, proved useful for running various accessories like blenders or portable refrigerators.

The 2024 Acura MDX boasted three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering superior comfort and support. However, the third row was more suitable for children due to its limited space. Cargo capacity was flexible, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 71.4 cubic feet when both rear rows were folded. Additional underfloor storage and a standard power liftgate (with hands-free functionality in the Advance Package) further enhanced practicality.

Our Type-S Advance test model featured a second-row bench with a center console, integrating cupholders and providing easy third-row access. The MDX interior offered ample cupholders and a spacious center console but suffered from a convoluted center stack of controls, detracting from user convenience.

Every 2024 Jeep Wrangler came with a 12.3-inch Uconnect5 infotainment screen, which offered cleaner graphics and improved usability over previous models. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, supported by numerous USB ports across the cabin.

The Uconnect5 system's speed was a major upgrade, especially for accessing the Off-Road Pages, which displayed essential data and gauges instantly. The Trails Offroad feature offered descriptions and dual difficulty ratings for over 200 free trails, with a subscription unlocking 3,000 more. Drivers could also record, describe, and share trails via USB.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak spot, hampered by a touchpad interface that proved unintuitive and distracting. Despite this drawback, the MDX included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot as standard. It also featured multiple USB ports, a fully digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. The strategic port placements and practical features were commendable, although the touchpad remained a significant obstacle.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler added first- and second-row side-curtain airbags for enhanced safety. Forward collision warning was standard on all but the base model, while advanced driver aids like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and park assist were optional, except on High Altitude and 392 models. However, the Wrangler lacked lane-keeping assist and other highway assist features. The 2023 Wrangler earned mixed safety ratings, with four stars in frontal crash and three in rollover protection from NHTSA, while IIHS rated it "Good" in roof strength and head restraints but "Moderate" in frontal and side crashes. These ratings were expected to improve with the new airbags.

The 2024 Acura MDX came equipped with an array of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-departure warning, and traffic-sign recognition. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance Package included a 360-degree camera system and head-up display. The 2024 MDX’s safety scores, carrying over from the 2022 model, were excellent, earning a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and the top "Good" rating from IIHS, alongside a Top Safety Pick+ accolade and a Superior rating for crash prevention technology.

Despite Acura’s robust safety tech, the infotainment system's distracting interface detracted from the driving experience, posing a potential risk through driver distraction.