2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler aesthetic, with its rugged exterior features like the exterior-mounted spare tire, removable doors, rounded headlights, and the iconic seven-slot grille. The only noticeable differences were the blue decals, badging, and the charger port on the driver’s side front quarter panel, which subtly indicated its plug-in hybrid nature. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe offered a mix of leather and cloth seating options, with the top-tier Unlimited Rubicon featuring optional leather seats with the Rubicon logo. However, the lack of standard heated seats in Canada was surprising, and ventilated seats were not available, which could be a drawback for some buyers.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, along with an updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence. The front end received a restyle, featuring an Audi-esque grille that some felt lacked the elegance of previous models. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The SUV also featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, providing ample display space for navigation and entertainment.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors, delivering a total system output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This power was managed through an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a trail-rated experience with features like a Selec-trac or Rock-trac transfer case, solid axles, and up to 76 cm of water fording capability. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain offered an electric-only range of 35 kilometres, with modes to optimize battery usage and regenerative braking for near one-pedal driving. While the Wrangler 4xe provided a burst of energy from a stop, it was not the quietest or best-handling vehicle for everyday driving.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Navigator boasted a towing capacity of up to 3,765 kilograms, aided by Trailer Reverse Guidance technology. The SUV's adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview smoothed out imperfections, while a new electronic brake booster improved brake response. The Navigator handled snow and mud with ease, thanks to its ground clearance and traction settings. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test drive averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was designed to accommodate a battery pack under the rear seats, minimizing space loss for second-row occupants. Headroom and legroom were slightly compromised compared to gas-only models, but the soft-top roof on the Rubicon provided additional headroom. Cargo space was reduced, with 784 litres available with the seats upright and 1,908 litres with them folded. The Wrangler's width made it manageable in urban settings, and the optional power-retracting roof added convenience. However, quirks like the centre stack window controls remained.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats and newly massaging, heated, and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L increased these figures further, making it ideal for large families and cargo needs.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured the Uconnect 4C system with navigation on an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system was intuitive, with hard buttons and dials for essential functions. Off-road and Hybrid Electric Pages provided useful information, but the lack of a wireless charging pad was notable. The instrument cluster combined traditional gauges with a 7-inch colour display for essential data.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering dual data panels for navigation and music. Physical controls for volume and climate functions were easy to use, and the system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Sync 4's voice recognition was improved, though not perfect, and over-the-air updates promised further enhancements. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services, while the optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe shared its structure with other Wranglers, receiving a Good rating in most IIHS crash tests but a Marginal rating for the driver’s side small overlap front test. The NHTSA rated it four stars for front crash tests and three stars for rollover resistance. Safety features were limited, with blind spot monitoring and rear park assist standard only on the Unlimited Sahara High Altitude. The Advanced Safety Group offered additional features like adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required. The system performed well within its limits, but complete trust in the technology was not yet warranted.