2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a testament to Jeep's commitment to its heritage, blending classic design elements with modern innovations. The iconic seven-slot grille returned, now with active shutters for improved aerodynamics, while the forward rake design paid homage to the Wagoneer. Available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, the Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a range of trims, with the Overland trim showcasing luxurious features like leather seats and wood accents. Despite its upscale feel, the interior had a noticeable amount of hard plastic, raising concerns about durability and noise over time.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its status as a full-size luxury SUV, offering a spacious and comfortable interior with high-quality materials. The triple-black Navigator Reserve model featured a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. Inside, the cabin was adorned with real wood trim and chrome accents, complemented by ambient lighting. However, the chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall luxury feel. The Navigator's cabin was designed for comfort, with features like the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, although it went unused by tech-savvy teenagers.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe stood out with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining 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 boasted a total driving range of 719 kilometres, with a fuel economy rating of 4.2 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres under ideal conditions. The vehicle offered 42 kilometres of all-electric driving range, aided by features like electronic front-axle disconnect and E Select powertrain modes. However, its towing capacity was limited to 2,721 kilograms, less than its V6 and V8 counterparts.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD drivetrain, the Navigator had a fuel economy rating of 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, though it averaged 15.0 L/100 km during testing. The SUV featured five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite, with an adaptive damping suspension for improved ride quality. However, the Navigator's ride was inconsistent, with the Excite mode providing better handling at the cost of fuel efficiency. The SUV's size posed challenges in urban environments, making it less maneuverable in tight spaces.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, available only as a two-row model, offered ample space for passengers, with cargo capacity ranging from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres with the second row folded. The air suspension's quick-down function facilitated loading and unloading, while the heated steering wheel promised comfort in colder months.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with spacious seating across three rows and an extended body style for increased cargo capacity. Power-deploying running boards eased access to the cabin, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Despite the comfort, the seats' numerous adjustments proved challenging to perfect. The Navigator L model provided significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

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 10.1-inch touchscreen front-passenger display, a 10.25-inch digital driver information display, and an optional McIntosh stereo system. Rear-seat entertainment screens with Amazon Fire TV were also available.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator offered a suite of digital displays, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sync 4 system supported wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System. The Navigator's digital assistant excelled in voice recognition, while the Lincoln Play system provided rear-seat entertainment, though it was underutilized by passengers.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came equipped with a range of standard and optional ADAS, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. While the IIHS had not published crash-test results, the NHTSA awarded the Grand Cherokee a five-star safety rating.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with certain driving conditions, requiring driver intervention. The NHTSA rated the Navigator with a five-star side-impact protection rating and a four-star rollover resistance rating.