2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, 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 Lincoln's star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced the vehicle's elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, enhanced by the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display added to the vehicle's appeal, making it competitive in the screen size race.

The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles with Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, starting at $78,405, including the destination charge. The Black Label trim, tested in the Central Park theme, featured a green interior with second-row heated, ventilated, and massaging captain’s chairs. The total sticker price for this model was $106,530, including the destination charge.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe lineup expanded to six trim levels, including the new 30th Anniversary edition. Prices started at $61,660, with the Summit Reserve trim costing $80,320 before upgrades. The Trailhawk trim, tested with options like a panoramic sunroof and Advanced ProTech Group II, brought the MSRP to $72,630, including the destination charge. A federal income tax credit of $3,750 was available for qualifying buyers, reducing the cost to $68,880.

The Trailhawk was distinguishable by its sky blue exterior detailing, matte-black hood decal, and unique wheels with all-terrain tires. However, the interior fell short of expectations, with excessive plastic and gloss black surfaces that attracted dust and fingerprints. The leather and artificial suede upholstery were nice, but the overall feel leaned more towards style than substance. The glossy surfaces made some controls hard to read, and the rear seat lacked support and legroom. Cargo space was also limited, with 37.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and a maximum of 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a 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 rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology and a new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg in combined driving, and during testing, it averaged 18.6 mpg.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and an 8-speed automatic transmission, producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Trailhawk trim had a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds and featured a standard 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case. The Trailhawk's off-roading capabilities were enhanced by Selec-Terrain technology, a front-axle sway bar disconnect system, and a height-adjustable air suspension with semi-active damping. The Grand Cherokee 4xe provided an EPA-estimated 25 miles of all-electric range and 23 mpg in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 19.3 mpg in hybrid mode.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior featured exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a comfortable ride. The third-row seat offered roomy accommodations, and the Navigator's cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo space.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe's interior included eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, but the seats were firm and relatively flat. The rear seat cushion was low and lacked support, and rear legroom was tight. The Grand Cherokee's cargo space was limited, with 37.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and a maximum of 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down, which was small for a midsize SUV.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's new Sync 4 infotainment system featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe's Trailhawk trim included a 10.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.3-inch front passenger infotainment screen, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Jeep Connect services. The voice recognition system was average, and the display graphics were low-contrast. The Trailhawk also had an Alpine premium sound system and optional tech features like wireless smartphone charging and a camera-based digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced 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. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required the driver to remain attentive.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera with rear parking sensors. The Trailhawk trim added an active blind-spot monitoring system, intersection assist, a surround-view camera, front parking sensors, automatic reverse braking, and a Night Vision system. The Grand Cherokee 4xe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the latter did not specifically test the 4xe model.