2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an extended version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, adding 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. The wheelbase was also stretched by five inches, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The additional length and mass blended seamlessly into the body, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep introduced the L first as a 2021 model, delaying the two-row version until 2022. This design choice resulted in an elegant and recognizable Jeep, featuring a modernized seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and a blunt front end. The lighting was updated to be slimmer and brighter, and the paint finish and panel fit were significantly improved. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, with new exterior paint colors like Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky.

The interior of the Grand Cherokee L was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The layout and materials felt premium, reminiscent of a Mercedes without sharing any parts. Even in all-black, the interior offered enough detail and contrast to keep passengers comfortable and visually stimulated. The lighter tan leather option added a touch of luxury, prompting passengers to wipe their hands and feet before entering. Overall, the Grand Cherokee L's interior was a testament to Jeep's commitment to luxury and comfort.

In the 2022 Lincoln Navigator, subtle styling changes were made, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design becoming standard. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with the Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced the Navigator's elegance and presence. Despite this, the rest of the updates for 2022 were successful, including the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme, which mimicked a starry sky at dusk. The Navigator also received a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering ample display acreage for various functions.

The Navigator continued to impress with its quality materials and mid-century modern design. The new Sync 4 system was user-friendly, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and featured a voice recognition system that, while not perfect, was an improvement over the previous model. The rear-seat entertainment system was upgraded with Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The Navigator also featured a new 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience. Overall, the 2022 updates enhanced the Navigator's already impressive interior and technology offerings.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). A 48-volt hybrid system was available on Ram pickup trucks but not on the Grand Cherokee. However, the 4xe plug-in hybrid, which paired a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack and two electric motors, offered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

The V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, felt underpowered for the Grand Cherokee L's weight, especially when fully loaded. The engine noise was noticeable under acceleration, and the transmission's early upshifts didn't help. The V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was a better option, providing a more satisfying driving experience. Fuel economy for the V6 was decent at an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 14/22/17. The 4xe plug-in hybrid's fuel economy estimates were not yet available.

The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was a standout feature, offering a stellar ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension provided a range of ride height settings, from a lower Access height for easy entry and exit to higher off-road modes for increased ground clearance. The driving modes, similar to Land Rover's, adjusted various systems for different terrains. The Grand Cherokee L's towing capacity was 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in RWD or 4WD. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration, and it featured Trailer Reverse Guidance technology for easier towing.

The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension was updated with Road Preview, which identified and prepared for road imperfections. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator handled various driving conditions, including snow and mud, with ease, thanks to its 4WD system, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and appropriate driving modes. The adaptive suspension provided a smooth ride, even on imperfect pavement.

Fuel economy for the Navigator 4WD was estimated at 18 mpg combined, and during testing, it averaged 18.6 mpg. The Navigator's performance and handling were impressive, making it a strong contender in its class.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and straightforward graphics. The interface was sleeker and sharper, with physical switches for climate, seat controls, and stereo functions. The central rotary shifter was easy to use, and there was ample storage space, including a wireless phone charging bin and a large central cubby.

The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L offered plenty of space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat available. The panoramic roof, large windows, and ample USB ports added to the comfort, though the air vents were small and required the fan to be on high, which was loud.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's front seats were heated, ventilated, and massaging, with 30-way power adjustments. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, and the third-row seat was roomy and supportive. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with the long-wheelbase version providing even more room.

The Navigator's cargo space measured 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row (34.3 cubic feet for the long-wheelbase version), 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded (73.3 cubic feet for the long-wheelbase version), and 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed (120.2 cubic feet for the long-wheelbase version). The Navigator's interior was spacious and comfortable, making it ideal for large families and long trips.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of high-end features, including multiple massage modes for the 16-way power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system could take over the instrument panel, and Uconnect supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones simultaneously.

New for 2022, Jeep added an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen display for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims offered additional features like automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition. The Summit Reserve trim came with a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, while lower trims had nine-speaker or six-speaker systems.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering two data panels for navigation and music details. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and featured a voice recognition system that, while not perfect, was an improvement over the previous model. The rear-seat entertainment system was upgraded with Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services.

The Navigator also featured a new 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience. The Sync 4 system allowed users to save personal settings to a user profile, making it easy to customize the vehicle's features. The voice recognition system was generally accurate, though it occasionally struggled with specific prompts. Overall, the Navigator's technology offerings were impressive and user-friendly.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was also newly standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake for unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection could steer the SUV away from the road's edge. Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed the Navigator to park itself, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. During testing, ActiveGlide performed well but required the driver to remain attentive.