2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing five-passenger Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and more cargo volume. Despite the potential confusion of its model year designation, the Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the luxurious Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. Jeep offered the Grand Cherokee L in various trims, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235, plus a $1,695 destination charge. The Summit trim test vehicle, equipped with numerous high-end features, had a sticker price of $64,770. While some interior materials didn't meet the high price expectations, the overall design and technology represented a significant improvement over the old model.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, featured a new Black Line treatment that removed almost all chrome from the exterior, giving it a sleek, modern look. However, the GX's design still appeared dated, reminiscent of the first-generation 2002 GX 470. Inside, the cabin quality was high, with smooth, refined materials and a quiet ride. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210, including destination charges. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the GX 460 Premium, started at $60,535. Despite its age, the GX remained a comfortable and refined vehicle, though its design and some features felt outdated.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or three different four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with 4WD on higher trims, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The test vehicle had the V6 engine and 4WD, providing brisk acceleration but loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was generally well-behaved, though it sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L averaged 17.8 mpg on the testing loop, below expectations. The Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension and various off-road modes enhanced its capability, with a maximum ground clearance of 10.9 inches and 24 inches of water fording capability. The Grand Cherokee L offered a smooth ride, capable handling, and a relatively quiet cabin, except during acceleration or when running the air conditioning.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, provided a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The GX's 0.35 drag coefficient, V8 engine, and always-on 4WD system contributed to an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in combined driving, which matched the test vehicle's performance on the testing loop. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved ride stability and off-road capability. Despite its age, the GX remained agreeable to drive, with refined ride and handling on pavement and impressive off-road capability. However, the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered comfort with its Summit trim, featuring heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third-row seat was comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows offering a great view. Practical storage space for front-seat occupants was limited, but second-row passengers had a storage console. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 17.2 cubic feet, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with clear outward visibility. The GX's tall, narrow, and short design made it easy to maneuver in various environments, though the slow steering required extra effort. The test vehicle's seats were comfortable, with well-placed interior padding. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the back seats were heated, with triple-zone automatic climate control. However, the rear door openings were narrow, making entry difficult. The third-row seat was challenging to access and uncomfortable for adults, with limited rear crush space. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row down. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response and an improved user experience. Available with 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreens, the system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle had the 10.1-inch screen and a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, which sounded excellent but had a logo that didn't match the interior's vibe. Additional features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the outdated Remote Touch Interface (RTI) touchpad. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, navigation, and a CD player. The Lexus app, smartwatch compatibility, and Lexus Enform connected services with a WiFi hotspot added modern functionality. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available but not included in the test vehicle. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The GX also featured Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. While the adaptive cruise control worked well, the steering assist felt artificial. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected threats at intersections and applied brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's flaws.

The 2022 Lexus GX, with its aged structure, lacked crash-test ratings. Standard Lexus Safety System+ included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems. The absence of these features contributed to a more favorable driving experience, free from second-guessing or overriding inputs.