2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 22-inch design in Canada. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with the Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced the vehicle's elegance and presence. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the new "single-frame" grille being a minor footnote. Inside, the Navigator impressed with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by the Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display added to the vehicle's appeal, keeping it competitive in the screen size race. The Navigator continued to offer standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Reserve trim level available in Canada, starting at an MSRP of $107,500.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained its classic style while extending the Grand Cherokee 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 of upper trims was impressive, with a mix of materials that felt justified for a vehicle approaching $90,000. The polished black dash hid an optional touchscreen, and the gear selector and driving mode toggles felt appropriately damped. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was classy, with diamond-patterned stitching and aluminum speaker grilles. Lower trims lacked some of these details but still offered a significantly better look and feel than lower-priced competitors.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on wheelbase and drivetrain selections. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality, and the new electronic brake booster enhanced brake pedal feel. The Navigator handled various road conditions well, including snow and mud, thanks to its four-wheel drive and 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, but it was considered underwhelming for the SUV's size. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine offered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 3,265 kilograms. The V8 provided a more satisfying driving experience, especially for towing. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis offered confident handling, with air suspension providing a smooth ride. The steering could be quicker, but the overall handling was top-notch for its class. The Grand Cherokee L featured three different four-wheel-drive systems, with the ability to adjust ground clearance up to 27.6 centimetres. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres combined, while the V8 was rated at 14.1 L/100 km.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with heated, ventilated, and available massaging and 30-way power-adjustable options. The second-row captain's chairs offered similar comfort, with the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system providing entertainment options. The third-row seat was roomy and comfortable, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 546 litres of cargo behind the third-row seat and up to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more cargo space.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided more legroom for second-row passengers, with standard captain's chairs on all trims. The Summit and Summit Reserve trims offered additional features like a centre console and four-zone climate control. The third-row seat was power-folding but tight for adults, best suited for children. The Grand Cherokee L offered good visibility from the driver's seat, with a well-organized dashboard. Cargo space was ample, with 481 litres behind the three rows of seats and up to 2,407 litres with both rows folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering improved functionality and ease of use. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with the ability to save user profiles. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, running Uconnect 5. The system was generally quick and easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The night vision system and Active Driving Assist offered advanced safety features. The passenger screen in the dash allowed for independent media control and navigation assistance. The Grand Cherokee L offered a range of tech features not found in competitors.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system was standard. ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways, but required driver attention. The system performed well within its operational limits but required human intervention in certain situations.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored five stars in most NHTSA tests. Standard safety features included front knee airbags, forward emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and 360-degree cameras. Night vision was available on higher trims.