2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, extending 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. Its wheelbase stretched an additional five inches, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The design seamlessly integrated the extra length, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep's decision to release the L model first, as a 2021 model, before the two-row version in 2022, contributed to this perception. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's recognizable design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving the paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather, offering a Mercedes-like style and quality.

The 2023 Lexus RX, while maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor, was shorter in height, broader in width, and had a longer wheelbase. It offered more cargo space, though still less than some rivals. The design changes, including a reduction in rear overhang and softer lines, made it appear smaller. The front featured a better-integrated spindle-style grille, while the rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The RX's styling was familiar yet fresh, distinguishing it from the previous generation and the smaller Lexus NX. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The quality was high, with options for genuine leather and simulated suede. The RX 350 was available in various trims, with pricing expected to remain close to the previous model's base price of just over $47,000.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two 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). The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The plug-in hybrid 4xe, with 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, was a promising option, though not tested. The V6 offered decent fuel economy at 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was less efficient. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering adjustable ride heights and driving modes for various terrains. The vehicle's towing capacity was up to 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered more torque and better performance at higher altitudes compared to the previous V6, though it lacked the same refinement. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed some torque steer and body motion over uneven surfaces, while the F Sport Handling trim, with its adaptive suspension, provided a more secure and comfortable ride. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with fuel economy expected at 24 mpg combined. The F Sport Handling trim also included upgraded brakes, though the testing route did not allow for a thorough comparison. Overall, the turbocharged engine was a good choice for the RX, offering a satisfying driving experience despite its less refined sound.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek interface. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch display. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with the third row accommodating average adults comfortably. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a bench seat option available. A panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced the travel experience, though the air vents were criticized for insufficient airflow.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling package providing sport seat bolsters for better support during spirited driving. The RX 350 Luxury trim featured premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The F Sport Handling trim included simulated leather seats and a sportier interior design. Both models provided exceptional comfort, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX offered improved cargo space, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, though still not generous for the segment.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of premium features on upper trims, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones simultaneously. New for 2022, an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen was available for the front passenger, along with dual 10.1-inch rear-seat displays with Amazon Fire TV. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking, with additional options available on higher trims.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, available with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Drive Connect plan, free for three years, featured an Intelligent Assistant for voice commands. User profiles allowed for personalized settings, and streaming services like Apple Music were integrated. The Mark Levinson premium sound system was available, though required adjustments for optimal sound. The RX also offered a digital rearview mirror, digital key technology, and a color head-up display, though the latter had visibility issues with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also introduced. The system performed well, though some features, like curve-speed reduction, were less intuitive. The HUD had visibility issues with polarized sunglasses, and the driver monitoring system was sensitive to obstructions.