2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a testament to Jeep's commitment to its iconic design heritage. The seven-slot grille, a hallmark of Jeep's identity, returned with modern enhancements like active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe, available only as a two-row SUV, offered a blend of classic and contemporary styling, with blue accents and surf blue tow hooks adding a distinctive touch. Inside, the Overland trim provided a luxurious feel with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and bronze contrast stitching, although the presence of hard plastics was noticeable.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator exuded luxury with its elegant design and modern Lincoln grille. The Aviator's exterior was complemented by features like the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence and soft-close doors. Inside, the cabin was a visual feast with patterned metal trim, chrome accents, and a simulated suede headliner. The Aviator's interior was undeniably upscale, though some chrome detailing felt less premium. The key fob's plasticky feel was offset by the innovative Phone As A Key technology, enhancing the Aviator's modern appeal.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard 4WD system. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a total driving range of 719 kilometres, with a 42-kilometre all-electric range. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by two 4x4 systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, also a plug-in hybrid, boasted a twin-turbo V6 engine paired with an electric motor, producing 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It offered a 34-kilometre electric range and averaged 10.3 L/100 km in hybrid mode. The Aviator's driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, allowed for efficient energy use. Despite its power, the Aviator's drivetrain was sometimes unpredictable, and its regenerative braking system required careful handling for smooth stops. The Dynamic Handling Package provided a stable and comfortable ride, though the Aviator lacked the engaging drive of sportier SUVs.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, available only as a two-row model, provided ample space for passengers, with cargo capacity ranging from 1,067 to 2,004 litres. The air suspension's quick-down function facilitated easy loading and unloading, enhancing its practicality as a family vehicle.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered a luxurious interior with features like a four-zone climate control system and massaging front seats. However, its third-row seating was cramped, making it less suitable for adults. Cargo space was limited to 519 litres with all seats up, expanding to 2,200 litres with the third row folded. The Aviator prioritized comfort and style, though its practicality for larger families was limited.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, praised for its customization options and user-friendly interface. It included a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a digital driver display, and optional rear-seat entertainment screens. The McIntosh audio system, available on higher trims, was a standout feature.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the older Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. Despite this, the Aviator offered a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and innovative features like the Phone As A Key technology. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were well-executed, though the infotainment system's limitations were notable.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Optional upgrades included blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star safety rating, though IIHS results were pending.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured comprehensive safety systems, including adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The lane-keeping system was less reliable in heavy traffic, but overall, the safety tech performed well. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.