2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, extending by 29 centimetres to accommodate third-row seating. Its wheelbase stretched an additional 12.7 centimetres, 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 dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather seating, reminiscent of a Mercedes in style and quality.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered a choice of powertrains, including a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Aviator Grand Touring model combined the V6 with a hybrid system, adding an electric motor and battery pack. Prices ranged from $73,400 to $85,400, with the fully loaded Grand Touring model priced at $103,745 in Canada. The Aviator's design was appealing, with a successful execution of the modern Lincoln face and grille. However, the wheel designs on the Grand Touring model were considered plain. The Aviator featured electric, light-touch door handles, soft-close doors, and ambient cabin lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere. Inside, the cabin was luxurious, with high-end materials, but some chrome detailing felt cheap. The Aviator's key fob was lightweight and plastic, but the optional Phone As A Key technology offered a digital key alternative.

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 different systems available. The V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, but it felt insufficient for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8 engine, available on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. Fuel efficiency for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km in the city, 9.4 on the 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 five ride height settings for various driving conditions. The vehicle's towing capacity was 3,265 kilograms.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor and battery, producing 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. It offered 34 kilometres of electric driving range and averaged 10.3 L/100 km in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowing the powertrain to switch between electricity and gasoline for efficiency. The Aviator's handling was commendable, with an adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension providing a flat, predictable cornering stance. However, the drivetrain's responsiveness was sometimes unpredictable, and the brake pedal exhibited inconsistent behaviour. The Aviator was quiet and smooth-riding, but its steering was heavy and numb, making it less engaging to drive.

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 in the second row and an optional 60/40 split bench. The panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the cabin's spacious feel, but the air vents were insufficient for proper airflow. The third row could accommodate adults comfortably, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, but the third row was cramped, with limited kneeroom and legroom. The Aviator offered 519 litres of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded flat. Maximum cargo capacity was 2,200 litres, but the third row was best suited for occasional use.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced technology features, including multiple 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, and adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids were standard. The Summit Reserve trim featured a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, while lower trims had simpler audio setups.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. However, it used the older Sync 3 software, which had limitations in voice recognition. The Aviator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, and the vehicle's parking sensors and surround-view camera system were helpful for parking.

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

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured a comprehensive suite of airbags and driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning. The Aviator's lane-keeping system was less reliable in curves and heavy traffic, but the driver aids generally performed well. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.