2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

When Jeep designed the 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe, they stayed true to their roots while integrating modern elements. This vehicle sported the iconic seven-slot grille, a hallmark of Jeep’s identity. The 2022 iteration blended classic charm with innovation by incorporating active shutters in the grille for improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. The forward rake of the grille echoed the design of the Wagoneer, bridging past and present aesthetics.

Jeep offered the Grand Cherokee in two- and three-row configurations, but the 4xe was strictly a two-row model. With the 4xe’s trim lineup, buyers could choose from base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, each featuring unique high-level packages. The Overland trim we tested came in a striking silver paint with a black roof and 20-inch wheels, complemented by signature surf blue tow hooks and blue accents on the trail-rated badges.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee 4xe broke away from Jeep’s rugged reputation, offering a luxurious cabin. Leather seats, wood and metal accents, and heated and ventilated seats were just a few comforts provided. However, we did notice an abundance of hard plastics, especially below the hip point, which raised concerns about long-term wear and potential for noise on colder days. Despite these, the interior's bronze contrast stitching and white piping added a touch of sophistication.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented an altogether different approach. Being a three-row midsize SUV, it championed Lincoln’s modern design philosophy, which manifested beautifully in the Black Label Grand Touring edition. Sporting an elegant exterior, the Aviator’s multi-spoke machined-finish rims paired with ubiquitous white paint felt a bit understated for its high price tag.

However, the Aviator’s welcoming ambiance was evident through its Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence. The electric, light-touch door handles and soft-close doors exuded a sense of effortlessness and luxury. Inside, the Black Label Grand Touring’s cabin embraced an opulent theme with patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, chrome accents, and the rich caramel-hued, perforated leather seats contrasting against an otherwise dark interior. While the materials were mainly high-end, certain elements, like some chrome detailing, felt cheap.

In summary, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe balanced its rugged history with modern luxury, albeit with some plastic intrusions. In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator aimed for high-end extravagance, though it occasionally overreached.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe stood out with its plug-in hybrid powertrain. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine paired with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack delivered a robust 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This impressive output surpassed the traditional 5.7-liter V8 engine’s output. With standard four-wheel drive (4WD) managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, the 4xe achieved an economical 56 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in ideal conditions, with a total driving range of 470 miles.

The 4xe offered 25 miles of all-electric driving range, aided by an electronic front-axle disconnect to save fuel. Its E Select powertrain modes—Hybrid, Electric, and eSave—allowed drivers to optimize battery usage based on their needs. Regenerative braking and a Max Regen setting enabled one-pedal driving, enhancing the vehicle’s efficiency.

Jeep equipped the Grand Cherokee 4xe with two off-road systems: Quadra-Trac II and the more aggressive Quadra-Drive II, ensuring the vehicle maintained Jeep’s off-road legacy. However, its 6,000-pound towing capacity fell short compared to the V6 and V8 models.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring’s plug-in hybrid drivetrain combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with a 75-kilowatt electric motor, generating a potent 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite adding over 800 pounds to the vehicle’s curb weight, this powerhouse enabled the Aviator to offer an electric-only range of 21 miles and a commendable 23 mpg in hybrid mode.

The Aviator provided five driving modes—Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite—tailoring the driving experience from efficient to sporty. We found the Aviator's driving dynamics somewhat unpredictable; sometimes it reacted more eagerly than anticipated, while other times it had noticeable delays.

Lincoln equipped the Aviator with an adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension to handle its additional weight, ensuring a smooth and stable ride even over challenging terrains. However, despite its commendable handling, the Aviator fell short of offering an engaging driving experience.

In conclusion, while the Grand Cherokee 4xe excelled in blending fuel efficiency with off-road capability, the Aviator focused more on delivering powerful performance and a comfortable ride, though it occasionally felt unpredictable.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe didn’t offer a third-row seat but maximized space for its passengers. The second row could be folded down to extend cargo space from 37.7 cubic feet to 70.8 cubic feet. This made the Grand Cherokee 4xe a comfortable and family-friendly vehicle with ample headroom and legroom.

Jeep’s air suspension further added to convenience, allowing the vehicle to lower itself quickly to aid loading and unloading. Despite being tested in sweltering conditions, the Grand Cherokee's heated steering wheel promised comfort in colder climates.

Conversely, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator aimed to provide luxury in abundance, featuring a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and automatic heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats with massage function added a touch of luxury, though fine-tuning them took some time.

However, the third-row seat in the Aviator was a squeeze for adults, offering limited kneeroom and legroom. The second-row captain’s chairs offered plenty of comfort and utility with a center console, but the third-row limitations meant less cargo space when occupied. With the third-row up, the Aviator provided only 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which expanded to 41.8 cubic feet with the third-row folded, and further to 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

Summing up, the Grand Cherokee 4xe provided a spacious two-row experience with smart cargo solutions, while the Aviator delivered luxury but compromised on practical third-row usability and cargo space.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which stood out for its customization options, particularly through the My Pages feature. The system included multiple screens, such as a 10.25-inch front-passenger display, available on various trims. The digital driver information display and optional wireless charging pad complemented the tech-savvy interior. The optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens and a spectacular 19-speaker McIntosh stereo system further enhanced the experience, albeit at higher trims.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator’s technology suite included a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. However, the older Sync 3 software showed its age, particularly in voice recognition performance. Misunderstandings in voice commands were common, leading to frustrating experiences.

Despite this, the Revel Ultima 3D audio system with 28 speakers provided an auditory delight. Lincoln’s Phone As A Key digital key system allowed users to unlock and start the vehicle via their smartphones, adding a modern touch. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were well-executed, and parking aids like front and rear sensors and a surround-view camera system ensured convenience.

While the Grand Cherokee 4xe excelled in offering advanced and customizable infotainment, the Aviator provided a comprehensive, though slightly outdated, tech package.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe included a range of standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included intersection-collision assist, night vision, front parking sensors, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. A hands-off driver assistance feature was announced but wasn’t available initially.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was packed with its Co-Pilot360 1.5, 1.5 Plus, and 2.0 driver aids, with features varying by trim. Our test vehicle included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the lane-keeping system wasn’t as reliable in dense traffic or on winding roads. The touch-sensing steering wheel buttons were another point of contention.

Despite the fussy controls, the driver aids performed well in less congested conditions. Lincoln’s integration of safety technology into the Aviator aimed to provide a secure driving experience.