2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell, with minor updates over the years, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The Premium trim level came with standard silver 18-inch wheels, while 19-inch wheels were optional. Despite its age, the GX's styling was coherent, with a massive grille that contributed to its tough, aggressive look. However, the interior did not match modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim resembling molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Leather upholstery was standard, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe blended traditional Jeep design cues with modern elements. The iconic seven-slot grille featured active shutters for improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with trim levels including the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The Overland trim, tested in silver with a black roof and 20-inch wheels, offered a comfortable and upscale interior with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and bronze contrast stitching. However, the interior also had a significant amount of hard plastic, raising concerns about durability and noise.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's performance was reminiscent of older SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. Its 5,130-pound weight affected high-speed performance, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and several driver aids. An optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler and Multi-Terrain Select. The GX had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The 4xe achieved 56 MPGe and a total driving range of 470 miles. It offered E Select powertrain modes, including Hybrid, Electric, and eSave, and featured regenerative braking with a Max Regen setting. The Grand Cherokee 4xe had two off-road systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, and a Select-Terrain traction system. The Trailhawk trim offered 10.9 inches of ground clearance and a 24-inch wading depth. Its towing capacity was 6,000 pounds.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. The GX offered excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console storage, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders. The GX came standard with three rows, seating seven, but the third row was best for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, lacking a third row, provided ample space for passengers. Folding the second row expanded cargo space from 37.7 to 70.8 cubic feet. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered comfortable seating for a family of four, with no issues in head or legroom. The available air suspension allowed for quick height adjustments, aiding in loading and unloading. Despite testing in hot conditions, the standard heated steering wheel was appreciated for its potential winter comfort.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s and limited functionality. However, analog controls provided a straightforward interface, with large shortcut buttons for screen menus.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering customization options like My Pages for personalized displays. The Grand Cherokee 4xe included multiple screens, such as a 10.25-inch front-passenger display and a digital driver information display. A wireless charging pad was optional, while four USB ports were standard. Optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens ran Amazon's Fire TV for Auto. The 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, available on higher trims, was highly praised for its audio quality.

The 2021 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. It included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it missed some safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a mix of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection-collision assist, night vision, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. A hands-off driver assistance suite was announced but required additional hardware. The Grand Cherokee 4xe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.