2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, especially in its Black Label trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels, was an attractive SUV. Its design was well-balanced and detailed, giving it plenty of character without appearing plain. At night, the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence added a touch of elegance, and the interior of the Black Label model offered a choice between the Chalet and new-for-2022 Flight design themes. The Chalet design featured light gray premium leather upholstery, while the Flight theme showcased a classy Luggage Tan color. The Black Label trim included nearly every available feature, such as a simulated suede headliner and luxury floor mats, though some chrome-plated plastic pieces and the center console design appeared a bit cheap.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, accommodating a third row of seats. The wheelbase was also extended by five inches, providing more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. The extra length and mass blended seamlessly into the body, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. The Grand Cherokee L retained Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot rectangular grille and U-shaped wheel arches, but with modernized lighting and improved paint finish and panel fit. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, while new exterior paint colors like Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky were introduced for 2022.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered two engine options. The standard and Reserve trims came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option. The Black Label trim featured a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, requiring all-wheel drive. The Nautilus provided Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, adjusting powertrain behavior, steering effort, and adaptive suspension. The twin-turbo V6 had an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined, with a maximum range of 450 miles on the highway. During a road trip, the Nautilus averaged 25 mpg over 871.1 miles and proved to be a quiet, comfortable, and enjoyable vehicle for long drives.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, but it felt insufficient for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available only on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The Grand Cherokee L also offered a 4xe plug-in hybrid option, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack and two electric motors, producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The V6 had an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was rated at 17 mpg combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis and optional air suspension provided a stellar ride, with five ride height settings and impressive handling for a vehicle of its size.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label featured smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive thanks to Active Noise Control and acoustic glass. Both front seats were heated and ventilated, with a heated power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The optional 22-way power front seats with massage programs were exceptionally comfortable for long drives. Rear passengers enjoyed heated outboard seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. The Nautilus offered 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 68.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured straightforward graphics and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, while higher trims had a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. A panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced comfort on long journeys. However, the air vents were small and required the fan to be on high, which was loud. The Grand Cherokee L offered 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. Sync 4 offered over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Lincoln Connect connected services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Black Label trim included connected navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel premium audio system. The system was intuitive and user-friendly, with physical stereo and climate controls. The Nautilus also offered Phone as a Key, allowing a smartphone to unlock and start the vehicle.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims featured premium amenities such as 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 Active Driving Assist. The navigation system could take over the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. New for 2022, Jeep added an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. The Summit trims offered additional features such as automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Black Label trim added Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera system, and parking sensors. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not assessed the Nautilus for safety.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The Grand Cherokee L also offered advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors.