2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for a more modern appeal, was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, was the focus of many reviews. This model was unmistakably a Lexus, featuring the brand's signature spindle grille and refined styling details reminiscent of the Lexus IS sports sedan. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering increased passenger and cargo space. Interior options included NuLuxe simulated leather or real leather with open-pore wood trim, and a panoramic moonroof was available for the first time. The F Sport trim added sporty elements like a unique grille, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and sport-bolstered seats. The interior design aimed for minimalism, with most functions integrated into a 14-inch touchscreen, which some found challenging to navigate quickly. Despite high-quality materials, some components, like the turn signal, felt less premium.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe combined traditional Jeep design cues with modern elements, such as the iconic seven-slot grille with active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was a two-row, five-passenger SUV, distinct from the three-row Grand Cherokee L models. It offered trims like the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The Overland trim, with its silver paint and black roof, featured leather seats, wood and metal accents, and bronze contrast stitching. Despite its upscale feel, the interior had a notable amount of hard plastic, raising concerns about durability. Gloss black materials added a sharp look but were prone to fingerprints and glare. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was praised for its comfortable seating and practical cargo space, making it a suitable family vehicle.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and an estimated 61 kilometres of electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport added driving modes like Sport S and Sport+, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The F Sport felt taut and responsive on winding roads, while the regular NX 350 offered a softer ride. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350. Fuel consumption was observed at 10.6 L/100 km for the F Sport and 9.2 L/100 km for the non-F Sport, with NRCan estimating 9.5 L/100 km in combined driving. The NX was not designed for off-road use, with limited ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine and a 17-kWh battery pack, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The 4xe had a standard four-wheel drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission, achieving a fuel economy of 4.2 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The total driving range was 719 kilometres, with 42 kilometres of all-electric range. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered E Select powertrain modes, including Hybrid, Electric, and eSave, with regenerative braking and a Max Regen setting for one-pedal driving. Off-road capabilities were enhanced with two 4x4 systems: Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, the latter offering more advanced features for challenging terrain. The Trailhawk trim provided up to 27.6 centimetres of ground clearance and a maximum wading depth of 60 centimetres. The 4xe's towing capacity was 2,721 kilograms, less than the V6 and V8 models.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered increased interior space, though it felt more intimate from the driver's seat due to the new dashboard design. The NX was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. The F Sport trim provided better seat bolstering, and thoughtful padding on the driver's door panel and centre console added comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. Cargo capacity increased by 14%, with 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, not available as a three-row model, offered generous space for passengers in its two rows. Folding the second row expanded cargo space from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres, providing ample room for a family of four or less. The air suspension's quick-down function facilitated loading and unloading. Despite testing in hot weather, the standard heated steering wheel was noted as a future winter comfort.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Voice Assistant technology. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The navigation system included an offline mode, and the Voice Assistant responded to natural commands. Lexus offered a complimentary three-year trial of Drive Connect, including cloud-based navigation and Intelligent Assistant. Additional features included User Profiles, digital key capability, and a digital mirror. The 14-inch touchscreen collected fingerprints and reflections, and there was no tuning knob.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an Android-powered interface with customization options. The My Pages feature allowed personalized screen layouts. The Grand Cherokee 4xe included a 10.1-inch touchscreen front-passenger display, a 10.25-inch digital driver information display, and a customizable gauge cluster. A wireless charging pad and four USB ports were standard. Optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens ran Amazon's Fire TV for Auto. The 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, available from the Overland trim, was highly praised.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Oncoming Pedestrian Detection. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional packages offered rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, and semi-autonomous parking assist.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the Overland trim. A 360-degree surround-view camera was standard on all trims except the Trailhawk. A hands-off driver assistance feature was announced but required additional hardware. The NHTSA gave the 2022 Grand Cherokee a five-star safety rating, while IIHS results were pending.