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To allow off-road and deep snow capability, Four-Wheel Drive is standard on the Wrangler. But it costs extra on the RDX.
Both the Wrangler and the RDX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height-adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, available front seat side-impact airbags and head airbags.
There are over 10 times as many Jeep dealers as there are Acura dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Wrangler's warranty.
The camshafts in the Wrangler's engine are driven by a hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs. The RDX's camshafts are driven by a rubber belt that needs periodic replacement. If the RDX's cam drive belt breaks the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.
The Wrangler has a solid front axle with a floating power axle for durability that the RDX 4x4's independent front suspension and exposed front driveshafts don't offer.
To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Wrangler has a standard 160-amp alternator. The RDX's 130-amp alternator isn't as powerful.
To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Wrangler has a standard 600-amp battery. The RDX's 550-amp battery isn't as powerful.
The Wrangler's 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 6 more horsepower (285 vs. 279) and 8 lbs.-ft. more torque (260 vs. 252) than the RDX's 3.5 SOHC V6.
To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Jeep Wrangler uses regular unleaded gasoline. The RDX requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.
The Wrangler 2dr's standard fuel tank has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the RDX (18.6 vs. 16 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Wrangler Unlimited's standard fuel tank has 6.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the RDX (22.5 vs. 16 gallons).
In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA) rates the Jeep Wrangler higher (6 out of 10) than the Acura RDX (5 to 6). This means the Wrangler produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the RDX every 15,000 miles.
The Wrangler offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and fuel economy. The RDX doesn't offer a manual transmission.
For better traction, the Wrangler Rubicon's tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RDX (255/75R17 vs. 235/60R18).
The Wrangler has a standard full size spare tire so your trip isn't interrupted by a flat. A full size spare isn't available on the RDX, it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.
The Wrangler Rubicon has an active front sway bar, which helps keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnects at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The RDX doesn't offer an active sway bar system.
For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Wrangler Unlimited's wheelbase is 10.3 inches longer than on the RDX (116 inches vs. 105.7 inches).
The Wrangler's front to rear weight distribution is more even (50.1% to 49.9%) than the RDX's (60% to 40%). This gives the Wrangler more stable handling and braking.
For better maneuverability, the Wrangler 2dr's turning circle is 4 feet tighter than the RDX's (34.9 feet vs. 38.9 feet).
For greater off-road capability the Wrangler Sport Unlimited has a greater minimum ground clearance than the RDX (8.2 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the Wrangler to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Wrangler Rubicon 2dr's minimum ground clearance is 1.9 inches higher than on the RDX (10 vs. 8.1 inches).
The Wrangler Unlimited has a much larger cargo area than the RDX with its rear seat up (31.5 vs. 26.1 cubic feet).
A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Wrangler 2dr easier. The Wrangler 2dr's cargo hatch lift-over height is 27.8 inches, while the RDX's liftover is 29.4 inches.
The Wrangler's cargo area is larger than the RDX's in almost every dimension:
Wrangler 2dr |
Wrangler Unlimited |
RDX |
|
Max Width |
58.7” |
58.7” |
49.8” |
Min Width |
44.7” |
44.7” |
41.7” |
Height |
37.1” |
37.1” |
32” |
The Wrangler's standard towing capacity is much higher than the RDX's (2000 vs. 1500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Acura RDX is only 1500 pounds. The Wrangler Unlimited offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.
The engine in the Wrangler is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the RDX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.
The Wrangler's instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge – which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights' don't warn you until damage has been done. The RDX does not have an oil pressure gauge.
The power windows available on both the Wrangler and the RDX have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Wrangler is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The RDX prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.
The Wrangler offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The RDX doesn't offer a house-current electrical outlet.
The Jeep Wrangler has won recognition from these important consumer publications:
Wrangler |
RDX |
|
Kiplinger's Award |
TRUE |
n/a |
Intellichoice |
A “Best Value in Class” |
n/a |
The Wrangler Unlimited is ranked first in its class and received the 2015 “Total Quality Award.” The RDX is not ranked.
The Wrangler was selected by Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine as their 2012 4x4 of the Year. The RDX has never been chosen.
The Jeep Wrangler outsold the Acura RDX by almost twelve to one during 2015.
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