2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX carried forward the brand's signature design elements, offering a sharp and sculpted exterior that was reminiscent of its siblings, the smaller UX and larger RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were the focus, with the latter providing a sportier appearance through features like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a choice of interior color schemes, including the bold Circuit Red. The interior was well-crafted, with excellent material fit and finish, though the design of the gauge cluster and center stack felt somewhat dated compared to newer competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe embraced its heritage with the iconic seven-slot grille, now featuring active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The plug-in hybrid was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with trim levels including the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The Overland trim, tested in silver with a black roof, offered a luxurious interior with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and bronze contrast stitching. Despite some hard plastic materials, the cabin felt upscale, and the Grand Cherokee 4xe provided ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a comfortable family vehicle.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While not designed for sportiness, the NX offered a capable performance, with a 0-60 mph time of around seven seconds. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate, though not as smooth as newer multi-speed options. The NX's AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle, but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The NX also featured an adaptive-suspension system for a smooth ride, though steering feedback was minimal.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe stood out with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a 17-kWh battery pack to produce 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This setup offered impressive performance, surpassing the output of Jeep's 5.7-liter V8. The 4xe achieved 56 MPGe and a total driving range of 470 miles, with 25 miles of all-electric range. The Grand Cherokee 4xe featured E Select powertrain modes, regenerative braking, and two off-road systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, enhancing its capability. However, its towing capacity was limited to 6,000 pounds, less than its gas-powered counterparts.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a comfortable and upscale interior, with spacious front seats and adequate rear legroom. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seat added versatility. However, cargo space was limited, with just 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The NX's cabin was quiet, with minimal road and wind noise, and a power liftgate with kick sensor technology was available.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe provided generous interior space, with ample head and legroom for passengers. Cargo capacity was impressive, expanding from 37.7 cubic feet to 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The available air suspension allowed for easy loading and unloading, and the vehicle's heated steering wheel was a welcome feature in colder climates. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's interior was well-appointed, making it a comfortable choice for families.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 10.3-inch display with the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. However, the interface was not user-friendly, relying on a touchpad and burying functions deep in menus. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering customization options and a user-friendly interface. A 10.25-inch digital driver display was standard, with an optional front-passenger display and rear-seat entertainment screens. The McIntosh 19-speaker stereo was a standout feature, available on higher trims. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's technology offerings were comprehensive, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus NX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring a suite of advanced safety technologies, including lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided additional safety services, and the vehicle was backed by a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a range of standard and optional safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like intersection-collision assist and night vision. While crash-test ratings were not available at the time, Jeep announced plans for a hands-off driver assistance suite. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's safety offerings were robust, providing peace of mind for drivers.