2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, distinguished by its extensive use of chrome and unique design elements that set it apart from its Ford Expedition roots. The Navigator featured a distinctive lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, fender vents, and full-width taillights, all contributing to its upscale appearance. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system added a touch of sophistication, welcoming owners with a sequential illumination. The Reserve Monochromatic Package further enhanced its custom look with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. Inside, the Navigator offered a luxurious experience with Dark Slate leather, 30-way Perfect Position front seats, and a panoramic glass roof, all contributing to its status as a flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a fresh addition to the Jeep lineup, offering a new seven-passenger model with a third-row seat and more cargo space. Its design was inspired by the upcoming Wagoneer models, giving it a smaller yet equally stylish appearance. The Grand Cherokee L was instantly recognizable as a Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Available in various trims, including the Summit, it offered a range of features and a price range from $36,995 to $64,235. The Summit trim, in particular, boasted quilted leather, real wood trim, and advanced technology, making it a substantial improvement over the previous model.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine outperformed the Ford Expedition's most powerful version by 50 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite, to tailor the driving experience. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds for rear-wheel drive and 8,300 pounds for four-wheel drive, the Navigator excelled in towing capabilities. However, its fuel economy was a concern, averaging 16.4 mpg during testing. Despite its size, the Navigator's adaptive damping suspension provided excellent body motion control, making it suitable for open roads.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or three different 4WD systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available on higher trims, increased power to 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The Grand Cherokee L's Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, and its off-road capabilities were enhanced by Selec-Terrain modes. However, the V6 engine was loud when revved, and fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 17.8 mpg during testing.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with power running boards aiding entry. The test vehicle featured 30-way Perfect Position front seats, providing exceptional comfort, though finding the ideal settings took time. The Navigator accommodated passengers with a choice of second-row configurations and offered ample legroom and thigh support in the third row. Cargo space was class-leading, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 103.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The longer Navigator L variant offered even more cargo capacity, making it a top choice for those needing extra space.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L prioritized comfort with Summit trim, featuring heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, along with a four-zone climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were small, affecting cooling efficiency. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom, and the third row was surprisingly comfortable for adults. While storage space for front-seat occupants was limited, the Grand Cherokee L offered practical solutions for second and third-row passengers. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.6 cubic feet with seats folded, making it competitive in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its weakest link, with slow loading times. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The "Phone As A Key" feature allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided an immersive experience, and additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display. The optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system was not included in the test vehicle.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and improved user experience. The test vehicle had a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The natural voice-recognition system worked well, though some quirks were noted. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system delivered excellent sound quality, though its logo clashed with the interior design. Additional features included a digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability was standard on Reserve trim. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover resistance rating was three stars with rear-wheel drive. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. While effective, the system felt artificial in steering corrections. Intersection Collision Assist was standard on Summit models, enhancing safety at intersections. The Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, including Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review, but improvements over the previous model were expected.