2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a testament to Jeep's commitment to its iconic design heritage. The seven-slot grille, a hallmark of Jeep's design, made a return, blending traditional elements with modern enhancements like active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with a trim lineup that included the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The Overland trim, in particular, offered a luxurious feel with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the interior was marred by an abundance of hard plastic materials, which detracted from its otherwise upscale ambiance.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX exuded a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The GX's design was both sleek and rugged, with flared fenders and a short wheelbase that emphasized its off-road capabilities. Inside, the GX was a mix of luxury and practicality, with heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery. However, the interior was not without its flaws, as the use of plastic materials was noticeable and somewhat disappointing for a luxury SUV. Despite these shortcomings, the GX's design was functional, with a focus on off-road prowess and a comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was notable for its plug-in hybrid powertrain, which combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack. This setup delivered an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the output of Jeep's 5.7-liter V8 engine. The Grand Cherokee 4xe featured standard four-wheel drive, managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, and boasted a total driving range of 470 miles. It offered 25 miles of all-electric driving range and achieved 56 MPGe under ideal conditions. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by two available systems: Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, with the latter providing more aggressive off-road performance. However, the 4xe's towing capacity was limited to 6,000 pounds, less than its V6 and V8 counterparts.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 offered a satisfying driving experience with a linear power delivery. The GX's towing capacity was 6,500 pounds, making it more capable than many three-row crossovers, though it lagged behind other SUVs. Fuel economy was a downside, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's driving dynamics were improved over the years, with strong brakes and a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential that adjusted power distribution based on wheel slip. Despite its age, the GX remained a capable off-road vehicle with a real 4WD system and various driving aids.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, unlike its gas-powered sibling, was not available with a third row, but it offered ample space for passengers in its two rows. The cargo space expanded from 37.7 cubic feet to 70.8 cubic feet with the second row folded, providing plenty of room for a family of four. The air suspension allowed for quick adjustments, making loading and unloading easier. Despite the Texas heat during testing, the standard heated steering wheel promised comfort in colder climates.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered practical interior features, with a deep center console bin and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, sticking with older USB-A ports. The GX's physical controls were a welcome feature, avoiding the complexity of haptic-touch interfaces. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat option. The third row, however, was cramped and best suited for occasional use. The side-hinged trunk door required effort to open, and cargo space was limited to 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an Android-powered interface with customization options like My Pages. The system included a 10.25-inch digital driver display and an optional 10.25-inch front-passenger display. A wireless charging pad was optional, while four USB ports were standard. The optional McIntosh stereo system was a standout feature, offering exceptional audio quality, though it was only available on higher trims.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, with integrations like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the graphics and responsiveness lagged behind newer Lexus models. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and a CD player, but the overall tech offerings were underwhelming. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, KDSS, and an Off-Road Package that added features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a mix of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection-collision assist and night vision. However, the Grand Cherokee 4xe had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Lexus GX, despite its older design, included several ADAS features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced features like lane-tracing assist. The GX had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota and Lexus were known for their commitment to safety.