2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its unique sound and appearance. Aside from a "4xe" badge and sky blue accents, it looked much like a regular Wrangler, with the power port at the left base of the windshield being the main difference. When the battery had enough charge, the vehicle moved silently, except for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which turned heads as it navigated Yosemite National Park. Our Firecracker Red test vehicle, equipped with Rubicon trim and over $13,000 in options, had a price tag of $66,690, including destination charges. Inside, it retained the classic Wrangler look with some added soft-touch materials and special PHEV-related gauges. The controls were functional, and the interior, though not luxurious, was better outfitted than previous models.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a restyled front end that resembled an Audi grille. Despite this, the Navigator maintained its elegance and presence. Inside, it dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen was a significant upgrade, offering ample display space. The Navigator continued to be available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Black Label trim level offering luxurious features. Our test vehicle, painted Manhattan Green with a matching interior, had a total sticker price of $106,530, including destination charges.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving and a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. As a hybrid, it offered 20 mpg combined, with a total driving range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe had three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to choose between maximizing power, running solely on electric power, or saving battery power for specific situations. With a total of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, it could accelerate to 60 mph in six seconds. During a weekend road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe covered 757 miles, averaging 19.1 mpg, with 120.9 of those miles on electricity.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and had a towing capacity ranging from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, now with Road Preview, provided a smooth ride, even on imperfect pavement. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During a drive from Scottsdale to Payson, the Navigator effortlessly climbed past the snow line and handled snow and mud with ease, thanks to its 4WD system and 9.7 inches of ground clearance. The Navigator 4WD achieved an average fuel economy of 18.6 mpg during the test drive.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's high door sills and lack of side steps made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter passengers. However, once inside, the classic Wrangler driving position offered a clear view over the hood and front fenders. The interior had limited practical storage due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever. Rear-seat space was adequate, with air conditioning vents, USB charging ports, and a 115-volt power outlet. Cargo volume measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear glass window added to the Wrangler's charm but could be inconvenient in tight parking spaces.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's 30-way power-adjustable front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs, also heated, ventilated, and massaging, provided a luxurious experience. The third-row seat offered roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. Storage space was generous, with cargo volume ranging from 19.3 cubic feet behind the third-row seat to a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo space, making it ideal for large families and heavy loads.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon featured a Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. The system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of load time, responsiveness, and graphics. The Trip Summary data panel provided charging time estimates, and the five blue charging indicator lights on the dashboard were helpful for monitoring charging status.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's new Sync 4 infotainment system, with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, was a significant improvement. It offered two data panels for simultaneous viewing of navigation and music details. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and featured a user-friendly interface. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The new 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The IIHS rated the Wrangler's LED headlights as Marginal and the standard headlights as Poor. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

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 standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required the driver to remain attentive. The Navigator's safety features aimed to enhance driver confidence and reduce stress.