2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 NX 300 F Sport. 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 variant added a sportier touch with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive 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 sculpted metal-faced four-dial setup with a 4.2-inch multi-information display, though it appeared dated compared to competitors. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age but remained functional. However, the layout limited small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, redesigned for the model year, mirrored the design of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L but in a shorter, two-row format. Available in multiple trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee offered a range of prices from $37,390 to $63,365, excluding destination charges. The new design retained Jeep's traditional seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, with styling cues from the 1963 Wagoneer.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee's interior varied by trim level, from the basic but high-quality Laredo with cloth seats to the luxurious Summit Reserve with premium leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a McIntosh audio system. The redesign aimed to improve visibility, which was particularly beneficial for off-roading. Rear-seat space was tight for adults, but the two-row model offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in about seven seconds, with the powertrain becoming noisy under hard acceleration. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control to enhance engine noise electronically, though some found it gimmicky.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% 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 AWD models had similar figures. The NX 300 had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph. The adaptive suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable ride, though the steering lacked feedback.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with a choice of a V6 or V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a tow rating of 6,200 pounds. The available 5.7-liter V8 delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability.

The Grand Cherokee's eight-speed automatic transmission featured a dial-style shifter, which some found fiddly. Fuel economy ranged from 17 mpg combined with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6. The Trailhawk trim, designed for serious off-roading, included features like an electronic locking rear differential, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Terrain driving modes. The V6 engine was preferred for its balance of efficiency and performance, while the V8 offered a more thrilling experience at the cost of fuel economy.

The 2021 Lexus NX's interior was stylish and comfortable, with ample room for front and rear passengers. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The NX featured a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and optional power-folding rear seats.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable experience for front passengers, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading. Rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers, and the two-row model offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Grand Cherokee L provided more cargo space and second-row legroom.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. 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 was standard, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. Higher trims offered a 10.1-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 10.25-inch passenger display.

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. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a safety cage composed of high-strength steel and aluminum. New features included Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, which provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to be available in 2022.