2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had become more palatable over time. Initially, the short grille opening and swept-back headlights were points of contention, but after seven years, the Cherokee's proportions seemed more balanced. The exterior appearance varied significantly depending on the trim level. The entry-level Latitude with 17-inch wheels and FWD looked quite basic, while the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding offered a more refined look. Jeep's knack for maximizing roof utility was evident with the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, which covered the entire top surface. The Cherokee stood out in a crowded field of crossover SUVs, bearing a resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially from the front.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch design. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille that some felt lacked the previous model's elegance. Despite this, the rest of the updates were well-received. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by Lincoln's Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display was a significant upgrade, offering ample display acreage. The Navigator continued to be available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Black Label trim offering luxurious features like heated, ventilated, and massaging second-row captain’s chairs.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produced 180 horsepower, while the 3.2-liter V-6 delivered a more robust 271 hp. The top-tier 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder engine generated 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the V-6 in torque. Despite these options, none provided outstanding acceleration, with the V-6 and turbo-four achieving 0-60 mph times of about 7.2 and 7.4 seconds, respectively. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had improved over time. The Cherokee Trailhawk excelled off-road, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the availability of FWD aimed to keep prices competitive, especially for rental fleets.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain offered a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview, provided a smooth ride by preparing for road imperfections. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator handled various driving conditions, including snow and mud, with ease, thanks to its 4WD system and 9.7 inches of ground clearance. The Navigator 4WD achieved an average fuel economy of 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee occupied a space between the smaller Renegade and larger Grand Cherokee, competing with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, it fell short in utility, offering only 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape. The Cherokee provided about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in that metric. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with trim levels significantly affecting the cabin's quality. Higher trims like the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale materials and finishes.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to impress with its exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats, which were heated, ventilated, and massaging. The second-row captain’s chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massaging functions, enhancing passenger comfort. The third-row seats remained roomy and supportive, benefiting from the Navigator's independent rear suspension design. The Navigator provided generous storage and cargo space, with the long-wheelbase Navigator L offering even more capacity. The standard Navigator had 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Stellantis Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface and climate control integration. The system was available with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on higher trims. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only via wired connections. The Cherokee also offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, adding convenience in various climates. The consistency of the Uconnect system across Stellantis vehicles was a significant advantage for Cherokee buyers.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, a notable improvement over the previous model. The new system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and featured a user-friendly interface with physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions. Sync 4's voice recognition system performed well, though it had some limitations. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn top safety awards from the IIHS but received "Good" scores in crashworthiness and a G+ score for LATCH ease of use. However, its headlights received mixed ratings, with upper trims rated "Acceptable" and others "Marginal." The NHTSA awarded the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available only on higher trims.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system became standard. Intersection Assist and Road Edge Detection aimed to enhance safety, though they were not experienced during testing. Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed for automated parking, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. While ActiveGlide performed well, it required constant driver attention, highlighting the need for human oversight in semi-autonomous systems.