2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a familiar sight, echoing Jeep's design traditions while offering a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. It launched with a variety of trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each promising a unique blend of simplicity, off-road capability, or luxury. The design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with options ranging from basic cloth seats to premium leather and high-end audio systems in the Summit Reserve.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a modern luxury SUV experience with a focus on comfort and style. The Aviator's design was highlighted by its Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence and electric door handles, offering a sense of effortless luxury. Inside, the Black Label Grand Touring trim featured a rich Art Deco-inspired interior with high-end materials, though some details like chrome switchgear felt less premium. The Aviator's cabin was equipped with advanced climate control and massaging seats, but the third-row seating was cramped, making it less suitable for adults.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a V6 and a V8 engine, with 4WD systems tailored for different terrains. The V6 produced 293 horsepower, while the V8 delivered 357 horsepower, enhancing towing capacity. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions with features like Quadra-Drive II and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. Despite its off-road prowess, the Grand Cherokee maintained a nimble and athletic feel on the road, with the V6 being the preferred engine for its balance of power and efficiency.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor, generating 494 horsepower. It offered 21 miles of electric range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator's driving modes allowed for efficient power management, though the drivetrain's responsiveness was inconsistent. The Aviator's handling was smooth and predictable, aided by its adaptive suspension, but it lacked the engaging driving experience of sportier SUVs.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort across its trims, with features like heated and ventilated seats and improved visibility. However, rear-seat space was limited, and the two-row model offered less cargo space compared to the Grand Cherokee L. The Grand Cherokee's design aimed to enhance driver confidence with better sightlines and camera technologies.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone climate control system and massaging front seats. While the second-row captain's chairs were spacious, the third-row seating was tight and best suited for children. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down increased capacity significantly.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates, with options for a high-end audio system and rear-seat entertainment. The passenger interactive display added convenience for front-seat occupants.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though it ran on the older Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and innovative smartphone integration, including a digital key system. The head-up display was effective even with polarized sunglasses, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was fortified with advanced driver assistance systems and a robust safety structure. Features included Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, offering semi-autonomous driving capabilities. A hands-free version of this system was anticipated for future models.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. While the systems performed well on highways, they were less reliable in dense traffic. The Aviator received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, though the Grand Touring model was not specifically rated.