2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 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 was coherent, with a massive grille that contributed to its tough, aggressive look, appealing to SUV enthusiasts. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. The semi-aniline leather was a standard feature, but the overall interior felt outdated.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a fresh design, extending 29 centimetres longer than the standard model to accommodate third-row seating. Its elegant design was unmistakably Jeep, with modernized lighting and improved paint finish and panel fit. The high-end trims like Summit and Summit Reserve added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, enhancing its premium appearance. The interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, and Palermo leather, offering a Mercedes-like quality without shared parts. The spacious cabin and thoughtful design made it a comfortable choice for families.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured 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 from a stop, the GX's weight of 2,349 kilograms made high-speed maneuvers challenging. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, with a Torsen centre differential and a standard 4WD system with a low range. It offered 20.5 centimetres of ground clearance and a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre V6 with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-litre V8 with 357 horsepower. The V6 felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, while the V8 provided a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, with excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension offered five ride height settings, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee L had a towing capacity of 3,265 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design offered excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small centre-console bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows, but the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The interior was spacious, with ample room in all rows, including the third row, which could accommodate adults comfortably. The Grand Cherokee L offered captain's chairs as standard in the second row, with a 60/40 split bench as an option. A panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced the cabin experience, although the air vents were insufficient for proper airflow. The Grand Cherokee L provided a comfortable and practical interior for families.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface. The GX featured a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, but the overall tech offering was minimal for a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced tech features, especially in upper trims. These included massage modes for front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and an Active Driving Assist system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones simultaneously. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Grand Cherokee L's tech offerings were comprehensive and modern, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ as standard, including a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The GX had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS either. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and a suite of driver aids. The Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive set of safety features, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.