2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a modern and refined exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and intake vents, creating a sophisticated presence. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but somewhat cluttered, with a center console filled with controls that could be overwhelming at first. The MDX was available in several trims, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, as well as the Type-S and Type-S Advance. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. The Type-S Advance package, which was reviewed, added luxurious touches like a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, offering a comfortable and refreshing experience on long drives.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S hardtop, encountered in a rental scenario, was less about luxury and more about rugged appeal. The black-on-black color scheme was less than ideal for a tropical climate, but the Wrangler's design was rooted in American freedom and capability. The Wrangler was available in various trims, including the powerful Rubicon 392 with a 470-horsepower V8 engine. The Sport S model tested had a few options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Despite its nearly $50,000 price tag, the Wrangler's interior emphasized function over form, with a focus on durability and utility, making it a popular choice for those seeking adventure.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S variant featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Power was managed through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The Type-S Advance model offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension that adjusted ride height. The MDX excelled on highways and boulevards, offering a refined and sporty driving experience, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, offering slightly better fuel efficiency at 21 mpg combined. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and off-road capabilities made it well-suited for adventurous driving. However, its ride was rough, and handling was less precise, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. Despite these drawbacks, the Wrangler's off-road prowess remained a key selling point.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support, while the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was versatile, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The MDX included a power liftgate, with a hands-free option available on higher trims. The center console provided ample storage, though the control layout was somewhat cluttered, with a touchpad and drive-mode selector taking up valuable space.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery and optional heated features. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small bins and cupholders serving as primary storage areas. Cargo access was cumbersome, requiring the tailgate and rear window to be opened separately. Despite these challenges, the Wrangler offered a square-shaped cargo hold with 31.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its Achilles Heel, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The center console featured cleverly placed charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad. However, the unintuitive system detracted from the overall experience, making it less appealing compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was easy to use, even with the roof panels removed, and offered additional features like Jeep Connect, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and off-road navigation capabilities. The Convenience Group package added a 7-inch digital display and remote engine starting, enhancing the Wrangler's technological appeal.

The 2024 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera system. The MDX earned high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags as standard equipment, but advanced driver assistance systems were mostly optional. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on most trims, while forward collision warning required the Sahara trim. The Wrangler's crash test ratings were mixed, with a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Wrangler as Good for side-impact protection but Marginal for small overlap frontal-impact tests.