2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to elegance and understatement, a feat not easily achieved by a three-ton vehicle. Despite sharing some design elements with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator stood out with its unique features, such as the body-color grille and illuminated Lincoln logo. Its Pristine White exterior, complemented by black wheels, made it a striking presence during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes and modern design, featuring a floating center console and minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were of high quality, with tight panel gaps, and the Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, provided unparalleled comfort, making the Navigator a formidable competitor in the luxury SUV market.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a fresh addition to the Jeep lineup, offering a new seven-passenger model with a third-row seat. Its design was reminiscent of the more expensive Wagoneer models, with a signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. The Grand Cherokee L was available in multiple trims, with the Summit trim offering quilted leather and real wood trim. Despite some interior materials not meeting the high price expectations, the Grand Cherokee L was loaded with technology and represented a significant improvement over its predecessor. The SUV's styling and features made it a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided the Navigator with impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The Navigator's 4WD system was smooth and efficient, offering a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, which aligned with its EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, its suspension felt less refined compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite these shortcomings, the Navigator's power and highway refinement made it a compelling choice for those prioritizing performance.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking more power, a 5.7-liter V8 engine was available, delivering 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine provided brisk acceleration, though it was loud when revved, and the transmission occasionally resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L's Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension offered a comfortable ride, with various off-road modes enhancing its capability. The SUV's ground clearance and water fording capability made it suitable for off-road adventures, while its handling and steering provided a smooth driving experience on highways.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, with a boxy design that accommodated six adults comfortably. The SUV's cargo space was generous, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 103 cubic feet in total. The Navigator's second-row seats were heated and featured a three-zone climate system, though they lacked electric reclining options. The front seats were highly adjustable and provided exceptional comfort, while the large windows and high driving position ensured excellent visibility. However, parking the Navigator was challenging due to its size, despite the assistance of 360-degree cameras.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L prioritized comfort, with Summit trim offering heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. The SUV featured a four-zone automatic climate control system, though the dashboard vents were small and struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The Grand Cherokee L's second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual sunshades for added convenience. The third row was surprisingly comfortable, with large windows offering a great view. While the SUV lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants, it offered a storage console for second-row passengers. The cargo space was competitive, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 84.6 cubic feet in total.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat dated, with a 10-inch touchscreen that seemed small compared to newer models. While the infotainment system was intuitive and shared its interface with Ford, it lacked features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. Despite these limitations, the Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming, and the drive modes featured beautiful animations on the instrument panel.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and an improved user experience. The system was available with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, with the larger screen providing a seamless integration with the dashboard. The Grand Cherokee L offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system delivered impressive sound quality, though its logo felt out of place. Additional features included a digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models. The SUV offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and inflatable rear seat belts for the second row, though the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were less advanced than some competitors.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. While the system was effective, the steering assist felt artificial. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats at intersections and apply brakes if necessary. The SUV offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, including Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. As of the review, crash-test ratings were unavailable, but improvements over the previous model were expected.