2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2025 Acura RDX

The 2025 Acura RDX, positioned between the smaller ADX and the larger MDX, offered a range of packages that replaced traditional trim levels. It featured a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive, with prices ranging from $44,700 to $52,450, excluding destination charges. The A-Spec Advance model, priced at $56,400, showcased a sportier look with gloss black accents and a finned rear diffuser. The RDX's design updates included a frameless grille, new wheel designs, and fresh paint colors, contributing to its graceful aging. Inside, the A-Spec Advance model boasted full leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and premium materials, although the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was less desirable.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, refreshed four years into its lifecycle, retained its upright stance and large windows but introduced a modern illuminated grille inspired by the all-electric Wagoneer S. The Upland trim added utility with front recovery hooks without compromising elegance. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer featured a clean design with strong horizontal lines, though the 12-inch infotainment screen felt small for such a large vehicle. The seats were comfortable and highly adjustable, making long drives enjoyable. Premium materials and solid construction were evident throughout the cabin, enhancing the overall fit and finish.

The 2025 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission, paired with Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, provided lively performance. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) allowed drivers to choose from Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Snow modes, adjusting powertrain response and steering effort. Despite its spirited performance, the RDX's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 19.3 mpg in real-world testing. While enjoyable to drive, the RDX's sporty A-Spec badge didn't translate to a performance model, lacking the thrill sought by driving enthusiasts.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, producing 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. This engine delivered smooth and effortless power, even in a vehicle weighing around 6,000 pounds. The Grand Wagoneer also offered a range-extended electric powertrain with a 92-kilowatt-hour battery pack and a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine, providing an estimated 647 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque. Despite its large proportions, the Grand Wagoneer was surprisingly agile and easy to drive, with a quiet cabin and comfortable seats for long journeys.

The 2025 Acura RDX's A-Spec Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, along with a heated steering wheel and rear seating positions. While front seat comfort was exceptional, rear seat comfort was less satisfactory due to a flat bottom cushion and excessive backrest recline angle. The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior layout, comfort, and storage space made the RDX practical for daily use.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer excelled as a people mover, with three rows offering ample leg and hip room. The optional bench seat in the second row allowed seating for up to eight passengers, with the third row accommodating three people comfortably. While using the third row reduced cargo space to 27.9 cubic feet, the long-wheelbase version increased it to 42.6 cubic feet. The Grand Wagoneer could tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped. Features like three-zone automatic climate controls and Quadra-Lift air suspension added to its versatility.

The 2025 Acura RDX featured a 10.2-inch display controlled by the TTI touchpad, which required coordination between the pad and display. While the system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa Built-in, the TTI was challenging to use on bumpy roads. The RDX included a stereo volume knob, radio tuning buttons, and separate climate controls, reducing reliance on the TTI. The infotainment system offered SiriusXM satellite radio, AcuraLink connected services, and a premium sound system with 16 speakers.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-inch touchscreen display, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and a wireless phone charger. While the tech worked well, the wireless charger overheated an iPhone 16 during testing. The 12-inch infotainment screen felt small for the vehicle's size, and adjustable pedals were no longer available for 2026. Higher trims offered additional features like a front console cooler, digital rearview mirror, and a 23-speaker McIntosh premium sound system.

The 2025 Acura RDX came with the AcuraWatch safety package, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered low-speed front and rear braking and a surround-view camera system. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-attention monitor. Available features included automated parking assist, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. The Grand Wagoneer received fair ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with a mix of Good and Marginal scores in crash tests.