2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a striking vehicle, especially in its Black Onyx color, which eliminated almost all chrome from its exterior. This gave the SUV a unique, dark aesthetic that some might find appealing despite the challenges of maintaining its pristine appearance. However, the design of the GX, with its signature spindle grille and LED headlights, still felt dated, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. Inside, the cabin was crafted with the quality and refinement Lexus was known for, offering a quiet ride with the faint roar of its V8 engine. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with the Black Line Special Edition based on the Premium trim, starting at $60,535.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk trim was part of a lineup that included six trim levels, with prices starting at $61,660. The Trailhawk was identifiable by its sky blue detailing and matte-black hood decal, designed to reduce glare. It featured unique wheels with all-terrain tires and the Trail Rated badge, signifying its off-road capabilities. However, the interior fell short of luxury expectations, with excessive plastic and gloss black surfaces that attracted dust and fingerprints. The seats, though heated and ventilated, were firm and flat, and the rear legroom was tight. Cargo space was also limited, with 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with them folded down.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to tow up to 6,500 pounds. Despite its 5,126-pound curb weight, the GX managed a 7.8-second sprint to 60 mph. Its six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, distributing power 40% to the front and 60% to the rear wheels. The GX's fuel economy was rated at 16 mpg combined, though it achieved 16.8 mpg during testing. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced stability and off-road capability, but the steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery and an 8-speed automatic transmission, producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It could tow up to 6,000 pounds and offered impressive off-road capabilities with its 4WD system, Selec-Terrain technology, and height-adjustable air suspension. The Trailhawk had a 25-mile all-electric range and 23 mpg combined fuel economy. However, during testing, it only achieved 21.2 miles of electric range and 19.3 mpg in hybrid mode. The drivetrain's power delivery was uneven, and the steering response was too fast for its all-terrain tires.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. Its interior featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone climate control. However, the rear seat access was narrow, and the third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space. The GX's cargo capacity was limited to 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with it folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row down. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk had eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, but they were firm and flat. The rear seat was low and lacked support, with tight legroom. Cargo space was 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with them folded. The interior lacked practical storage due to the need for off-roading hardware and upscale design.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. It retained a CD player and offered a Lexus app with smartwatch compatibility. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below off-roading controls, making them difficult to use. The voice recognition system was quick and accurate, and the dual-screen view was a highlight.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk had a 10.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.3-inch front passenger screen, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Jeep Connect services. The system's graphics were low-contrast, making them hard to read, and the voice recognition was average. The Trailhawk also had an optional wireless charger and a camera-based digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Lexus GX came with Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked more advanced safety technologies found in competitors.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was equipped with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Trailhawk added active blind-spot monitoring and an intersection assist system. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though the latter did not specifically test the 4xe version.