2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

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 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, and Palermo leather seating, offering a Mercedes-like quality without sharing parts.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, while awaiting its transformation into an electric SUV, continued to impress with its size and luxury. The fourth-generation Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and refreshed for 2022, remained largely unchanged for 2023. It topped Lincoln's lineup, offering a single trim level in Canada, the Navigator Reserve, with standard four-wheel drive. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve, featured the Monochromatic Package, adding black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. Despite its luxurious appearance, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, with the adaptive damping suspension failing to deliver a smooth experience. The interior, though upscale, had some shortcomings, such as chrome plastic switchgear that didn't convey luxury.

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, 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 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 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 a standout feature, offering excellent ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension providing adjustable ride heights and driving modes.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 13.2 L/100 km combined, but during testing, it averaged 15.0 L/100 km. The SUV offered five drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an optional Hill Climb mode. The adaptive damping suspension, featuring Road Preview, struggled to deliver a smooth ride, with the Navigator feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger ones. The Excite mode improved handling but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, with its weight affecting braking performance on mountain roads.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and straightforward graphics. Physical switches for climate, seat climate controls, and stereo functions complemented the touchscreen interface. 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, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced passenger comfort. However, the air vents were insufficient, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was noisy.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo space. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs offered a pass-through to the third row, which accommodated taller adults comfortably. Storage space was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The Navigator L model provided significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced features on upper trims, including massage modes for the 16-way power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Active Driving Assist system provided steering assistance on marked highway lanes. 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 traffic sign recognition, while the Summit Reserve boasted a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Alexa Built-in. The Navigator's wireless smartphone charger caused overheating issues, but the digital assistant performed well in voice recognition tests. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality. Lincoln Play provided rear-seat passengers with touchscreens, though they were underutilized by teenagers who preferred their smartphones.

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 Navigator was equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Unique features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. BlueCruise struggled with certain driving conditions, requiring driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.