2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a testament to Jeep's commitment to its iconic design heritage. The vehicle featured the brand's signature seven-slot grille, now enhanced with active shutters for improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. This design element, combined with a forward rake reminiscent of the classic Wagoneer, seamlessly blended the past with the present. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with a trim lineup that included the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The Overland trim, in particular, offered a luxurious feel with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the interior was marred by an abundance of hard plastic materials, which raised concerns about durability and noise over time.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX exuded a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille and substantial ground clearance. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, offering exclusive paint colours and a limited production run. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a more rugged aesthetic, with flared fenders and a shorter wheelbase that suggested off-road capability. Inside, the GX's interior was a mix of luxury and practicality, with heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery. However, the presence of plastic materials detracted from its premium feel. The GX's design had not seen a generational update in 14 years, but it continued to offer a predictable and controllable driving experience, even if it lacked the latest in design innovation.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was notable for its plug-in hybrid powertrain, which combined a 2.0-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack. This setup delivered an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the output of Jeep's 5.7-litre V8 engine. The Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a standard four-wheel drive system managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a total driving range of 719 kilometres. The vehicle's fuel efficiency was commendable, with a rating of 4.2 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres, although this depended on ideal conditions and a fully charged battery. The 4xe offered 42 kilometres of all-electric driving range, aided by an electronic front-axle disconnect and E Select powertrain modes. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by two 4x4 systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, and the Select-Terrain traction system. However, the 4xe's towing capacity was limited to 2,721 kilograms.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 offered a satisfying driving experience with a linear power delivery. The GX's towing capacity was 2,948 kilograms, but its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 14.5 combined. The GX's weight contributed to a rolling sensation in corners, but its driving dynamics were predictable and controllable. The vehicle featured a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and a standard four-wheel drive system, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, unlike its gas-powered counterpart, was not available as an L model with a third row of seats. However, it offered ample space for passengers, with cargo space expanding from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres with the second row folded. The air suspension provided a quick-down function for easier loading and unloading. The vehicle's standard heated steering wheel was a welcome feature for colder climates.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered practical interior features, including a deep centre console bin, side-by-side cupholders, and adjustable sliding mechanisms for the centre armrest. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders, while the third row was tight and best suited for emergencies. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,322 litres with the third row folded, and 1,832 litres with both rows down. The side-hinged trunk door required effort to open and limited access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an Android-powered interface with customization options like My Pages. The vehicle included a standard 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 were available on higher trims.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, included a 10.3-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX also featured a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and a CD player. However, the infotainment technology lagged behind newer Lexus models, with slower response times and less crisp graphics. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a mix of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The NHTSA awarded the Grand Cherokee a five-star safety rating, but the IIHS had not published results for the 4xe.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it featured the Lexus Safety System+ with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The GX also included parking assist, blind spot monitoring, and rain-sensing wipers. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date.