2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus was a visually appealing SUV, striking a balance between elegance and character without appearing overly simplistic. Its design was complemented by a welcoming Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence that greeted drivers after dark. The interior of the test vehicle featured light grey premium leather upholstery, with other colour options like sandstone, dark brown, and black available. Despite its luxurious feel, some elements like the centre console design and chrome-plated plastic pieces appeared less refined. The Nautilus Reserve model, the only one available in Canada, was priced at $59,800, excluding a $2,395 destination charge. The optional Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage, priced at $1,900, were ideal for long drives.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained the classic style of its predecessors while extending its length by over 30 centimetres. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured a bold design with blacked-out elements and dark grey 21-inch wheels. The interior boasted black leather with gold stitching and matte-finish light walnut accents, creating a modern yet timeless look. While not every interior component matched the quality of luxury brands, the overall feel was justified for a vehicle approaching $90,000. The Grand Cherokee L's design incorporated modern elements like slim LED lighting and integrated exhaust tips, ensuring it remained stylish and durable.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive in Canada. An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine, producing 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, was available for an additional $4,000. The Nautilus offered Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, adjusting powertrain behaviour, steering effort, and adaptive suspension. The V6 engine had a fuel consumption rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a maximum highway range of 730 kilometres. The Nautilus excelled as a road-tripper, offering a quiet and comfortable ride with a 19-speaker Revel audio system. Despite its Ford Edge engineering roots, the Nautilus displayed unexpected grace and athleticism on mountain roads.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard Pentastar V6 engine, shared with Dodge and Chrysler, produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. While the engine was well-muffled, it lacked low-end torque, making it less suitable for a heavy SUV. An optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for towing, offering a maximum towing capacity of 3,265 kilograms. The V8's fuel economy ratings were 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 hwy, and 14.1 combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, with air suspension ensuring a smooth ride. The SUV offered three different 4WD systems, with Quadra-Drive II featuring a low-range transfer case and limited-slip differential. The Grand Cherokee L's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a maximum ground clearance of 27.6 centimetres.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a luxurious interior with smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a heated power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The optional 22-way power front seats offered multiple massage programs and adjustable features for optimal comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed heated outboard seating positions and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. The Nautilus provided 1,055 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and a maximum of 1,948 litres with the back seat folded. Practical storage space was limited, with some areas difficult to access.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, with standard second-row captain's chairs. The Summit and Summit Reserve trims included a centre console with storage, four-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The third row was best suited for children, with power-folding headrests and a power liftgate available on higher trims. The Grand Cherokee L offered 481 litres of cargo space behind three rows, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The SUV's cargo capacity was among the best in its class.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. The system offered over-the-air updates, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The test vehicle included a connected navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The intuitive user interface and natural voice recognition system enhanced the driving experience. The Phone as a Key feature allowed smartphones to unlock and start the Nautilus.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel. Higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Uconnect 5 system was generally user-friendly, though some legibility issues were noted. The 19-speaker McIntosh sound system was available on upper trims, offering good audio quality. The Grand Cherokee L boasted advanced tech features like night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that controlled navigation and cameras. The SUV's tech offerings surpassed many competitors.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite of driver-assist features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Black Label added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and a surround-view camera system. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, except for rollover. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features on higher trims included front cross-traffic braking, 360-degree cameras, and night vision. The Grand Cherokee L's safety offerings were comprehensive and competitive.