2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Lexus RX

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 model first, as an all-new 2021 model, contributed to this perception. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving the paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, featuring high-resolution screens, real wood, and Palermo leather, offering a Mercedes-like quality without sharing parts.

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, entered its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor. Despite maintaining the same overall length, it offered more cargo space, though still less than some rivals. The RX's design featured a spindle-style grille, upswept body sides, and a light-blade taillight design, creating a fresh yet familiar look. The interior was modern, with fewer buttons and knobs, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The RX 350 was available in various trims, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650. The RX's interior offered high-quality materials, with options for genuine leather and simulated suede, ensuring a step up from the smaller NX model.

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, 4WD was standard, with three different systems available. The V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which felt insufficient 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. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering adjustable ride heights and driving modes.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo-four offered better torque and fuel economy than the previous V6, though it lacked the same refinement. The RX 350 AWD was estimated to average 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive suspension, provided a more secure and comfortable ride. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, offering a satisfying driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The interior offered ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row. A panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the cabin's comfort, though the air vents were criticized for insufficient airflow. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was well-equipped, with available features like a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel on higher trims.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided a comfortable interior with options for premium leather upholstery and sport seat bolsters in the F Sport 3 package. The RX 350 Executive trim featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats, while the F Sport 3 offered eight-way adjustments. The back seat was roomy and supportive, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX's cargo space measured 838 litres with the second row in position and 1,308 litres with the rear seat folded down, offering improved but not generous capacity for the segment.

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.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface multimedia system with a choice of touchscreen displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The system featured an Intelligent Assistant for voice commands and allowed user profiles for different drivers. The RX offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and available features like a head-up display and digital key technology.

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

The 2023 Lexus RX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also offered semi-autonomous driving technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist, though some features had limitations, such as the curve-speed reduction technology.