2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless appeal, showcasing a design that balanced rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its aesthetic, characterized by big wheels and flared fenders, continued to define what an SUV should look like, especially if it wasn't a Jeep Wrangler. The Grand Cherokee's design contributed significantly to its enduring success, offering a blend of mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV qualities. The model lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, with high-performance SRT and Trackhawk versions. The Summit trim, in particular, featured a plush interior with premium materials, though its aging design elements signaled a need for a refresh.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. While the front end's Audi-esque grille was a rare misstep, the rest of the updates were successful. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The introduction of the Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display marked a significant technological upgrade. The Navigator continued to offer standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Reserve trim level available in Canada. The test vehicle, a U.S.-spec Black Label, showcased the new Central Park theme, highlighting the model's luxurious and comfortable interior.

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, offering a towing capacity of up to 2,818 kilograms. For those seeking more power, an optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 was available, producing 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kg. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved 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 effective brakes made it practical for daily driving.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, the Navigator offered a towing capacity between 3,674 and 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration. The SUV's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview technology, improved ride quality by preparing for road imperfections. The Navigator's electronic brake booster enhanced brake pedal feel and response, addressing previous concerns. Despite its size, the Navigator handled snow and mud with ease, thanks to its 4WD system and 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test vehicle achieving 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit offered a luxurious interior with quilted and perforated leather seats, though the Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package was an expensive option. Both front seats featured eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, with controls embedded in the Uconnect infotainment system. The rear seat provided comfort but limited legroom for taller adults, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system added to a sense of claustrophobia. Cargo space behind the rear seat measured 1,028 litres, expandable to 1,934 litres with the second-row seats folded. However, the Grand Cherokee's interior storage was limited, and the rear-seat entertainment system occupied valuable space in the centre console bin.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to impress with its exceptionally comfortable front seats, offering 30-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The second-row captain's chairs, also heated and ventilated, featured a new massaging function and an upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. Third-row passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, thanks to the Navigator's independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third-row seat, expandable to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more cargo capacity, making it ideal for larger families and loads.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering a nearly flawless user experience with fast response times and pleasing graphics. The system included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. SiriusXM provided satellite radio and subscription-based services, while the voice recognition technology worked well for most commands. The Summit trim included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. However, the Grand Cherokee's technology offerings were limited compared to newer models, with the 2022 redesign expected to bring significant digital advancements.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a modern and user-friendly interface. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with the ability to save personalized settings to a user profile. The voice recognition system showed improvement, though it occasionally struggled with specific commands. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, featuring Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also included a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering sensational sound quality.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, though 2WD versions earned four stars due to a three-star rollover resistance rating. However, the Grand Cherokee's performance in IIHS testing was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Summit trim included the ProTech II Package, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Grand Cherokee also featured parking assistance technologies, though its safety ratings were a concern.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard, enhancing visibility and safety. Intersection Assist automatically braked for unsafe movements, while Active Park Assist 2.0 took control of parking maneuvers. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required. The system performed well within its operational limits, though complete trust in the technology remained elusive.