2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though new, retained a familiar design that echoed Jeep's traditional styling cues. It was a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, offering a sporty and compact alternative. Available in various trims like Laredo, Altitude, and Summit Reserve, it catered to different preferences, from off-road capability to luxury. The exterior design drew inspiration from the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with options ranging from basic cloth seats to luxurious quilted leather in the Summit Reserve.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid presented a more modern and minimalistic design. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models shared a similar appearance to the standard RX 350, with subtle differences like badges and wheel designs. The RX 500h stood out with its performance-oriented styling, including a blacked-out grille and aggressive bumpers. Inside, the RX offered a clean look with contemporary textures and ambient lighting. The RX 350h Luxury trim featured premium leather and wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a sportier interior with artificial suede and aluminum accents.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered robust performance with its choice of a 3.6-litre V6 or a 5.7-litre V8 engine. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the V8 delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Cherokee excelled in off-road capability, especially the Trailhawk trim, which featured Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. Fuel consumption ranged from 11.3 to 14.1 L/100 km, depending on the engine and drivetrain.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h used a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated fuel consumption of 6.5 L/100 km. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, generating 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, with a consumption of 8.6 L/100 km. The RX 500h included an adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering, enhancing its dynamic performance. However, real-world fuel economy for the RX 500h was higher than expected, averaging 11.3 L/100 km.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable interior with standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Higher trims offered additional features like ventilated seats and massagers. Visibility was improved, and the panoramic sunroof added an airy feel. However, rear-seat legroom was tight, and cargo space was 1,067 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,004 litres with seats folded.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort, with the RX 350h Luxury trim offering ten-way power-adjustable seats and premium leather. The RX 500h had sportier seats with standard heating and ventilation. Rear legroom was good, but headroom was limited due to the battery placement and lower roofline. Cargo space was 838 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,308 litres, matching the standard RX 350.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with options for a McIntosh audio system and rear-seat entertainment. The passenger interactive display was a notable feature, enhancing the front passenger's experience.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant. The system had some usability issues, such as reflections on the screen and a lack of simultaneous menu views. The available head-up display included dual-function control pads, which could be distracting.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a robust ADAS package, including blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and full-speed forward collision warning. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, with a hands-free version expected later.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering features like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available, though some features had usability issues, such as the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction.