2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to elegance and understated luxury, a feat not easily achieved by a three-ton vehicle. While it shared some design elements with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator stood apart with its unique features, such as the distinctive grille and illuminated Lincoln logo. The exterior design was complemented by a sophisticated interior, offering seven color palettes and high-quality materials. The Slate Gray interior of the test model highlighted the attention to detail, with layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The Navigator's interior was spacious and luxurious, with Perfect Position seats that could adjust in 30 different ways, providing a level of comfort and customization rarely seen in vehicles of its size.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, on the other hand, embraced its heritage with the iconic seven-slot grille, blending traditional design cues with modern enhancements like active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, offering a range of trims from the base 4xe to the luxurious Summit Reserve. The Overland trim, tested in silver with a contrasting black roof, featured leather seats, wood and metal accents, and bronze contrast stitching. Despite some hard plastic materials, the interior felt upscale, with a focus on comfort and functionality. The Grand Cherokee 4xe also boasted impressive off-road capabilities, thanks to its advanced 4WD systems and Select-Terrain traction modes.

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 a surprisingly agile performance for a vehicle of its size. The Navigator offered both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options, with a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds for the RWD model. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, consistent with its EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, the suspension felt less refined compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite these drawbacks, the Navigator's powerful engine and plush cabin made it a comfortable choice for highway driving.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack. This setup delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the output of Jeep's 5.7-liter V8. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a total driving range of 470 miles, with a fuel efficiency of 56 MPGe under ideal conditions. The vehicle's battery provided 25 miles of all-electric driving range, and its electronic front-axle disconnect helped conserve fuel. The Grand Cherokee 4xe also included E Select powertrain modes, allowing drivers to choose between Hybrid, Electric, and eSave modes. Its regenerative braking system and off-road capabilities, enhanced by Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II systems, made it a versatile and efficient choice for both city and off-road driving.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. The SUV's boxy design contributed to its generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and a total of 103 cubic feet. The Navigator Reserve model featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, although it lacked some of the advanced features found in German competitors. The front seats were highly adjustable, providing exceptional comfort and visibility, though parking could be challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, while not available as a three-row model, provided ample space for passengers and cargo. Folding the second row expanded the cargo area from 37.7 to 70.8 cubic feet, offering incremental improvements over previous models. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's air suspension allowed for quick adjustments, making loading and unloading easier. Despite the hot testing conditions, the vehicle's standard heated steering wheel promised comfort during colder months.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat dated, with a 10-inch touchscreen that seemed small compared to newer models. While the software was intuitive and shared its interface with Ford vehicles, it lacked features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. However, the Navigator did offer 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, along with rear entertainment options and beautiful drive mode animations.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the impressive Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering customization options through the My Pages feature. The vehicle included multiple screens, such as a 10.25-inch digital driver display and an optional front-passenger display. While a wireless charging pad was optional, four USB ports were standard. The Grand Cherokee 4xe also offered optional rear-seat entertainment screens and a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, praised for its exceptional audio quality.

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

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection-collision assist, night vision, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. While the Grand Cherokee 4xe had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, Jeep announced plans for a hands-off driver assistance suite, though it required additional hardware.