2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless appeal with a design that balanced rugged utility and upscale sophistication. Its big wheels, flared fenders, and body-color accents contributed to its premium look, while the interior boasted premium materials like leather, wood, and aluminum. However, the interior design showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits. Despite these drawbacks, the Grand Cherokee's design continued to attract a diverse range of buyers, offering various trims from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit and performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and a redesigned front end. While the new grille design was less elegant than before, the rest of the updates were successful. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by the Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The spacious interior offered exceptional comfort, especially with the new massaging second-row captain's chairs, making it a luxurious choice for families.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 delivered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8's cylinder deactivation technology aimed to improve fuel efficiency, though it achieved only 17 mpg in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension provided excellent off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it practical for daily driving.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed for a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, equipped with Road Preview technology, ensured a smooth ride even on imperfect roads. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator averaged 18.6 mpg, slightly better than the EPA's estimate of 18 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and leather-wrapped panels. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system, causing some distraction. Rear-seat comfort was adequate, but legroom was somewhat snug for taller adults. The Grand Cherokee provided 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, interior storage was limited, especially with the optional rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator excelled in comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats and newly massaging second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat remained spacious and supportive, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 103.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more cargo capacity, making it ideal for families with large hauling needs.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system offered a nearly flawless user experience, with features like navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition technology worked well, and the optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivered impressive sound quality. However, the Grand Cherokee was considered "tech lite," lacking some of the advanced features found in newer models.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a modern and user-friendly interface. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition that performed well in most scenarios. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, featuring Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The Navigator also boasted a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering sensational sound quality.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received mixed safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models but lower ratings from the IIHS in certain crash tests. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. However, the Grand Cherokee's headlights received a "Poor" rating unless upgraded.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, and Active Park Assist 2.0. The standout feature was ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous, hands-free driving technology approved for use on 130,000 miles of North American roads. While ActiveGlide performed well in testing, it required constant driver attention, highlighting the need for human oversight in semi-autonomous systems.