2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

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 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo volume. Despite the potential confusion of its model year designation, the Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point. It resembled a smaller version of the more expensive Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, with a signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. The Grand Cherokee L was available in various trims, from Laredo to Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235, plus a $1,695 destination charge.

Our test vehicle, a Summit trim with 4WD, metallic paint, and several luxury packages, had a sticker price of $64,770. While some interior materials didn't quite match the high price, the Summit's quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and advanced technology were impressive. Overall, the redesigned interior was a significant improvement over the old model.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch option. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's other updates were successful. Inside, it continued to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, now featuring Lincoln's Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen was a notable upgrade, offering a more competitive display size and functionality.

The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims. Prices started at $78,405, including a $1,695 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Black Label in the new Central Park theme, featured a green interior with luxurious second-row captain's chairs and a total sticker price of $106,530.

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 4WD systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims and 4WD, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. Our test vehicle had the V6 engine and 4WD, providing brisk acceleration but loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was well-behaved, though it sometimes resisted downshifts in Auto mode to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L Summit 4WD averaged 17.8 mpg in our testing.

The Grand Cherokee L offered various driving modes, including Sport, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock, with the Summit's Quadra-Drive II 4WD system featuring an electronic locking differential and a low-range transfer case setting. The Quadra-Lift suspension provided up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. The SUV's stiffer structure contributed to a smooth ride and capable handling, with variable-ratio steering and large 20-inch wheels. The Grand Cherokee L was easy to park, thanks to its surround-view camera system and relatively tight turning circle. It also performed well on the highway, with secure on-center steering feel and a relatively quiet cabin, except during acceleration or when running the air conditioning on a hot day.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered RWD or 4WD, with a towing capacity ranging from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on wheelbase and drivetrain. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension was updated with Road Preview, which identified and prepared for road imperfections. Despite its heavy 22-inch wheels, the Navigator handled rough pavement well. A new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response.

Our test route included highways and snowy, muddy conditions, which the Navigator handled effortlessly with its 4WD, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and appropriate driving modes. The adaptive suspension quelled unwanted ride motions, and the 22-inch wheels provided plenty of grip. The Navigator 4WD had an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined, and it averaged 18.6 mpg during our testing.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit trim offered 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. The third-row seat was comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows for a great view. The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants, 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 the second row folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's 30-way power-adjustable front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, with an updated Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. Third-row passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations on a supportive seat. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third-row seat (34.3 cubic feet for Navigator L), 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded (73.3 cubic feet for Navigator L), and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed (120.2 cubic feet for Navigator L).

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreens. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system also had a natural voice-recognition system with a programmable wake phrase. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh high-end audio system sounded terrific, though the logo didn't fit the interior's vibe. Other available 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 Lincoln Navigator received a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering two data panels for navigation and music details. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions. Sync 4's voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. The test vehicle also had a new 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system, which was truly sensational.

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. The system was expected to become hands-free in 2022. 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 at the time of review.

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 was also newly standard. Intersection Assist automatically braked for unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection steered the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 took complete control for parking, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. ActiveGlide performed well but required constant driver attention.