2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended length, offered a refined and elegant design that seamlessly integrated its additional mass into the body. This model was introduced before the two-row version, making the latter seem like a truncated version of the L. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing with slimmer lighting and improved paint finishes. The interior was luxurious, featuring high-resolution screens, real wood, and Palermo leather, providing a Mercedes-like quality without sharing parts. The attention to detail, even in an all-black interior, ensured a luxurious experience, especially with the lighter tan leather option.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. However, the restyled front end, reminiscent of an Audi grille, was less elegant than its predecessor. Despite this, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a unique touch, resembling a starry sky. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen and the adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology enhanced the driving experience. The Navigator's interior comfort was further elevated with massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, making it a luxurious choice for long journeys.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the Grand Cherokee L came standard with four-wheel drive, offering three different systems. The V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, felt underpowered for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, providing a more satisfying performance. Fuel efficiency for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering five ride height settings for various driving conditions.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, it came standard with four-wheel drive. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality, while the new electronic brake booster enhanced brake response. The Navigator handled various road conditions with ease, thanks to its ground clearance and four-wheel drive system. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 L/100 km combined, with the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km during evaluation.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek interface. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row and an optional 60/40 split bench. A panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced passenger comfort, though the air vents were criticized for insufficient airflow. The third row was spacious enough for adults, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator boasted exceptionally comfortable front seats with 30-way power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience. The third row offered roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator excelled in storage and cargo space, with the long-wheelbase version offering even more capacity. Cargo volume ranged from 546 litres behind the third row to a maximum of 2,925 litres with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced features on upper trims, including massage modes for the 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 adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids standard. The Summit trims included additional features like automatic parking and a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, though lower trims had simpler audio setups.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface and voice recognition. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with the ability to save personalized settings. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, enhanced with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required. The system performed well within its limits, but complete trust in the technology was not yet warranted.