2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport variant. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport version added a sportier touch with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for a Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material quality was excellent, with leather and wood trim available. The gauge cluster featured a familiar four-dial setup with a 4.2-inch multi-information display, though it appeared dated compared to competitors. The F Sport also included a G-Force meter, which, while interesting, felt gimmicky. The center stack, featuring a rare CD player and elevated climate-control buttons, looked outdated but remained functional. However, the design limited small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, accommodating a third row of seats. The wheelbase was also extended by five inches, providing more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. The L's design seamlessly integrated the extra length, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. The Grand Cherokee L retained Jeep's recognizable design elements, including the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, with modernized lighting and improved paint finish and panel fit. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims featured black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, with new exterior paint colors for 2022.

The interior of the Grand Cherokee L was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The layout exuded a premium feel, comparable to a Mercedes. Even in all-black, the interior offered enough detail and contrast to keep passengers comfortable. The lighter tan leather option required extra care to maintain its pristine appearance. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was spacious, with ample room for passengers in all three rows, making it a comfortable choice for long journeys.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate, though newer transmissions offered smoother shifts. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a competitive time for its segment. While the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control, which electronically enhanced the engine note through the speakers, though some found this feature unnecessary.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar city/highway numbers but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX F Sport AWD also achieved 24 mpg combined. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph. The adaptive-suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though the steering lacked feedback.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The V6 had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 achieved 14/22/17 mpg.

The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, offering a composed ride and direct steering. The optional air suspension provided adjustable ride heights, enhancing both comfort and off-road capability. The vehicle's driving modes, similar to Land Rover's, adjusted various systems for different terrains. The Grand Cherokee L had a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate second-row legroom. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. The NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. A panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced passenger comfort. However, the air vents were small and required the fan to be on high, which was noisy.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HomeLink. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a personal concierge service. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed users to control various functions remotely.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and Active Driving Assist. The navigation system could take over the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. New for 2022, Jeep added an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA and came with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. Optional safety features on higher trims included automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition.