2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell, with minor updates over the years, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. Despite its age, the GX's styling remained coherent, with a massive grille that was distinctive and appealing to SUV enthusiasts. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim resembling plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. The semi-aniline leather was a standard feature, but the overall interior feel was not as upscale as expected.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe blended heritage with modernity, featuring the iconic seven-slot grille with active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with trim levels including the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The Overland trim, with its leather seats, wood and metal accents, and bronze contrast stitching, offered a comfortable and upscale feel. However, the interior had a significant amount of hard plastic, raising concerns about durability and noise over time.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's weight of 2,349 kilograms made high-speed maneuvers challenging. The SUV's body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen centre differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and Multi-Terrain Select with various drive modes. It offered a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms and a ground clearance of 20.5 centimetres.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with a 17-kWh battery pack, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD provided a total driving range of 719 kilometres. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered impressive fuel efficiency, with a 42-kilometre all-electric range and an electronic front-axle disconnect for improved economy. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by two 4x4 systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, and the Select-Terrain traction system. The Trailhawk trim offered a maximum ground clearance of 27.6 centimetres, but the 4xe's towing capacity was limited to 2,721 kilograms.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high centre console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. While the dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The GX offered three rows of seating for seven, but the third row was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded, and minimal space with the third row in use.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, lacking a third row, provided ample space for passengers in its two rows. Cargo space increased from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres with the second row folded. The air suspension's quick-down function facilitated loading and unloading. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered generous head and legroom, making it a comfortable family vehicle for up to four passengers.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. The infotainment system's graphics were outdated, and the system offered limited functionality. However, analog controls for most functions provided a straightforward interface, contrasting with the screen-centric approaches of other luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an Android-powered interface with customization options like My Pages. The Grand Cherokee 4xe included a 10.1-inch touchscreen front-passenger display, a 10.25-inch digital driver information display, and a wireless charging pad. Optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens and a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo enhanced the tech experience, although the latter was not available on the base 4xe or Trailhawk trims.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera were standard. However, the GX lacked some safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a mix of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems. Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Intersection Assist. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting at the Overland trim. A 360-degree surround-view camera was standard on all trims except the Trailhawk. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 Grand Cherokee a five-star safety rating, while the IIHS had not yet published its results.