2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, extending 29 centimetres to accommodate third-row seating. Its wheelbase stretched an additional 12.7 cm, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The design seamlessly integrated the extra length, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep's decision to release the L first, as an all-new 2021 model, set a high bar for the two-row version that followed. 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 and panel quality. The interior was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, and Palermo leather, reminiscent of a Mercedes in style and quality.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, redesigned for the year, was tested in Santa Barbara, California. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance hybrid versions were the focus, with the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid arriving later. Visually, the RX 350h was nearly indistinguishable from the standard RX 350, lacking hybrid-specific badges or design elements. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not considered stunning, with a front-heavy appearance and a rear roof pillar design that visually shortened the SUV. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic approach, with fewer controls and a new infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury featured Macadamia leather and Ash Bamboo trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a darker interior with artificial suede and aluminum trim. In Canada, the RX 350h started at $63,436, while the RX 500h began at $83,086.

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, four-wheel drive was standard, with three systems available, while rear-wheel drive was not offered. The V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, was found lacking for the vehicle's weight, requiring high revs and resulting in engine noise. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, offering 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. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension providing adjustable comfort. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by five ride height settings and various driving modes, though all-terrain tires were recommended for rough trails. The maximum towing capacity was 3,265 kilograms.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a more efficient powertrain in the RX 350h, with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. It was expected to average 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving, though testing showed 7.4 L/100 km. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, producing 366 hp and 406 lb-ft, with an estimated fuel consumption of 8.6 L/100 km, though testing showed 11.3 L/100 km. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering provided a dynamic driving experience, while the RX 350h offered a quieter, more efficient ride. The RX 500h's infotainment system required navigating menus to access driving modes, which could impact fuel efficiency. The RX 350h was preferred for its balance of performance and economy, with a price difference of $1,500 compared to the standard RX 350.

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 Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch screen. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row and a 60/40 split bench optional. A panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced comfort, though the air vents were insufficient, requiring a loud fan setting.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid's RX 350h Luxury trim offered ten-way power-adjustable front seats with premium leather, seat heating and ventilation, and a three-zone climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrids' battery placement under the rear seat improved leg support but reduced headroom. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the seat folded, an improvement over the previous model but still less than some competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims offered premium features like massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Active Driving Assist system provided highway steering assistance, and the navigation system integrated with the instrument panel. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids were standard, with additional features available on higher trims. The Summit Reserve trim included a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, while lower trims had simpler stereos.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. The system included cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant, though it had some limitations. The touchscreen displayed one menu at a time, and the screen suffered from reflections. The head-up display, available on some models, had dual-function control pads on the steering wheel, which could be distracting. The RX's technology offered modern features but had some usability issues.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by major safety organizations. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist maintained safe distances and recharged the battery through regenerative braking. The system had some irritations, such as the front cross-traffic alert's reliance on visual indicators and the curve-speed reduction's reactive nature. Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park were available but not tested.