2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a testament to timeless design, maintaining its appeal over a decade after its debut. It combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication, featuring big wheels and flared fenders that gave it a balanced and artistic look. The Grand Cherokee's design contributed significantly to its success, as it managed to embody the essence of a mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV all at once. The model lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, with high-performance SRT and Trackhawk models also available. The Summit trim, in particular, offered a luxurious interior with premium materials, though it showed signs of aging with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX retained a design reminiscent of its first-generation model, with only the signature spindle grille and modern lighting distinguishing it from its predecessors. Inside, the GX offered a cabin crafted with care, featuring the refinement Lexus was known for. Despite its dated design, the GX's interior quality was undeniable, providing a quiet and comfortable ride. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Executive trims, with prices ranging from $72,100 to $83,750. The Black Line Special Edition added unique styling elements to the Premium trim. While the GX's design was not groundbreaking, it offered a sense of familiarity and reliability.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine powered either the rear or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing for a towing capacity of up to 2,818 kilograms. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine provided 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kilograms. The V8 engine featured cylinder deactivation technology to improve fuel efficiency, though it still consumed 14.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it agile in urban settings.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 2,325 kilograms, was equipped with a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the GX to tow up to 2,948 kilograms. The GX's six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, distributing power 40% to the front and 60% to the rear wheels. Despite its high drag coefficient of 0.35, the GX achieved a fuel consumption estimate of 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) improved the GX's stability and handling, making it more agreeable to drive. However, the GX's slow steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from its overall driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit offered a luxurious interior with quilted and perforated leather seats, leather-wrapped panels, and an eight-way power-adjustable front seat. The rear seat provided comfort, though legroom was somewhat limited for taller passengers. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added to the sense of claustrophobia, but large windows and a panoramic sunroof helped alleviate this feeling. The Grand Cherokee's cargo space measured 1,028 litres behind the rear seat, with a maximum capacity of 1,934 litres when the second-row seats were folded. However, the interior storage was limited, and the rear-seat entertainment system further reduced available space.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with excellent outward visibility. The interior featured comfortable seating and well-placed padding, though some switchgear was outdated. The Black Line Special Edition added NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim. The GX's rear seat was challenging to access due to narrow door openings, but once inside, passengers enjoyed ample legroom. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space, with a maximum capacity of 1,833 litres when the second-row seats were folded. The GX's side-swinging tailgate made loading difficult, especially in tight spaces.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering a user-friendly experience with fast response times and clear graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition technology worked well, and the Summit trim came with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the Grand Cherokee offered essential technology, it lacked the advanced features of newer models.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The GX's stereo controls were awkwardly placed, but the dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition technology enhanced the user experience. The GX also offered Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view cameras.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, but its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in certain crash tests. The Grand Cherokee offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. The Summit trim included the ProTech II Package, providing comprehensive safety coverage.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings, but it came with the standard Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.