2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX was available in several trims, including the base 350, F Sport, and L for its gas powertrain, with a hybrid model known as the RX 450h. The RX 350 and F Sport accommodated five passengers, while the L trim offered a three-row, seven-passenger configuration. The RX's design, refreshed in 2020, maintained a modern and sporty appearance, standing out with its aggressive styling among competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. The exterior featured sharp character lines and angular elements, creating a striking yet balanced design. The F Sport trim added performance-oriented aesthetics with 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the RX's cabin exuded luxury, with F Sport models adding a sporty touch. The interior offered various color combinations, with F Sport models featuring specific badging and trim. Despite its high-quality materials, the center stack felt dated, and the seats, particularly in the F Sport, lacked comfort and adjustability.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, redesigned for the model year, shared design elements with the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. It was available in trims like Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The Grand Cherokee's styling paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. The interior mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with the base Laredo offering good quality despite its simplicity. Higher trims like the Summit Reserve boasted luxurious features such as premium leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a high-end audio system. The Grand Cherokee's design aimed to improve visibility, especially during off-roading, and offered a panoramic sunroof for an airy feel. While rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers, the two-row Grand Cherokee provided ample cargo space, with 37.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined a V6 with electric motors for a total of 308 horsepower. All RX models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on the RX 350 and all-wheel drive available. The hybrid RX came exclusively with all-wheel drive. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport trim included performance dampers and an adaptive variable suspension, but the driving experience remained uninspiring. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, offering a smooth ride and minimal road noise. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was estimated at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h achieved 30 mpg combined.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, or a 5.7-liter V8 engine delivering 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V6 had a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds, while the V8 increased it to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim featured Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension, making it highly capable off-road. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, with or without the adaptive damping Quadra-Lift suspension. Fuel economy ranged from 17 mpg combined with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6. The Grand Cherokee's driving character was nimble and athletic, with the V6 being the preferred engine for its efficiency and good acceleration.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The front seats provided 39.4 inches of headroom and 44.1 inches of legroom, while the rear offered 39.1 inches of headroom and 38.0 inches of legroom. The three-row L models shared the same wheelbase, resulting in limited space for the third row. Cargo space in the standard RX was 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The L models offered 7.45 cubic feet with all seats up, 23.03 cubic feet with the third row down, and 58.48 cubic feet with both rows folded. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading, and the panoramic sunroof added an airy feel. Rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers, but the Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom. The two-row Grand Cherokee had 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Grand Cherokee L provided even more cargo capacity, with 46.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available as an option. The touchscreens were positioned atop the center stack, creating ergonomic challenges. The infotainment system offered voice commands and a touchpad, though the latter was difficult to use. The RX featured six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a WiFi hotspot. Additional tech included premium audio systems, navigation, and heated and ventilated seats. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start and vehicle settings.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch version available. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Grand Cherokee also offered a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, a head-up display, and an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. The McIntosh audio system and rear-seat entertainment with Amazon Fire TV integration were available.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features were blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights but received four stars overall from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was built with aluminum and high-strength steel, with only 27% of the safety cage using mild-grade steel. It featured advanced driver assistance systems, including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, which provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected in 2022.