Compare the2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee LVS 2023 Lexus GX

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Payload and Towing
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Grand Cherokee L has standard ParkSense Rear Park Assist with Stop that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The GX doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

A passive infrared night vision system optional on the Grand Cherokee L Overland/Summit helps the driver to more easily detect people, animals or other objects in front of the vehicle at night. Using an infrared camera to detect heat, the system then displays the image on a monitor in the dashboard. The GX doesn’t offer a night vision system.

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the Grand Cherokee L uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The GX uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the Grand Cherokee L and the GX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive, around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, daytime pedestrian crash prevention, and nighttime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Grand Cherokee L its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2023, a rating granted to only 36 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The GX has not been tested, yet.

Warranty

Jeep pays for scheduled maintenance (up to 3 visits) on the Grand Cherokee L for 2 years and unlimited miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the GX (3/unlimited vs. 1/10,000).

There are almost 10 times as many Jeep dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Grand Cherokee L’s warranty.

Reliability

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the Grand Cherokee L’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the GX’s camshafts. If the GX’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Grand Cherokee L has a standard 160-amp alternator (180-amp - Grand Cherokee L optional and 240 optional). The GX’s 130-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

The battery on the Grand Cherokee L is under the seat, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Grand Cherokee L’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The GX’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

Engine

The Grand Cherokee L’s optional 5.7 V8 produces 56 more horsepower (357 vs. 301) and 61 lbs.-ft. more torque (390 vs. 329) than the GX’s 4.6 DOHC V8.

As tested in Motor Trend the Jeep Grand Cherokee L V8 is faster than the Lexus GX:

	Grand Cherokee L	GX
Zero to 30 MPH	2 sec	2.3 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6.1 sec	6.9 sec
Zero to 80 MPH	10.3 sec	12.2 sec
Passing 45 to 65 MPH	3.2 sec	3.8 sec
Quarter Mile	14.6 sec	15.4 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	94.5 MPH	89.7 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Grand Cherokee L gets better mileage than the GX:

			MPG
Grand Cherokee L
	RWD	3.6 DOHC V6	19 city/26 hwy
	AWD	3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/25 hwy
		5.7 OHV V8	14 city/22 hwy
GX
	AWD	4.6 DOHC V8	15 city/19 hwy

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Grand Cherokee L V8’s fuel efficiency. The GX doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Grand Cherokee L V6’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The GX doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L uses regular unleaded gasoline (mid-grade octane recommended with the 5.7 V8 engine for maximum performance). The GX requires premium, which can cost on average about 31.4 cents more per gallon.

The Grand Cherokee L has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The GX doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Jeep Grand Cherokee L higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the Lexus GX (3). This means the Grand Cherokee L produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the GX every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the GX.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Grand Cherokee L’s brake rotors are larger than those on the GX:

	Grand Cherokee L	GX
Front Rotors	13.9 inches	13.3 inches
Rear Rotors	13.8 inches	12.3 inches

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Grand Cherokee L Summit’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the GX (275/45R21 vs. 265/60R18).

The Grand Cherokee L Summit’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the GX’s optional 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Grand Cherokee L Summit offers optional 21-inch wheels. The GX’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The Grand Cherokee L has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The GX doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Lexus GX has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Grand Cherokee L’s wheelbase is 11.9 inches longer than on the GX (121.7 inches vs. 109.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Grand Cherokee L is 3 inches wider in the front and 3 inches wider in the rear than on the GX.

The Grand Cherokee L Overland 4x4 handles at .82 G’s, while the GX pulls only .73 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Grand Cherokee L Overland 4x4 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1 seconds quicker than the GX (27.3 seconds @ .61 average G’s vs. 28.3 seconds @ .58 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Grand Cherokee L’s turning circle is 2.7 feet tighter than the GX’s (38.4 feet vs. 41.1 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Grand Cherokee L Laredo/Limited has a greater minimum ground clearance than the GX (8.5 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the Grand Cherokee L to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Grand Cherokee L Overland/Summit’s minimum ground clearance is 2.8 inches higher than on the GX (10.9 vs. 8.1 inches).

Chassis

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 600 pounds less than the Lexus GX.

Unibody construction lowers the Grand Cherokee L’s center of gravity significantly without reducing ground clearance. This contributes to better on the road handling and better off-road performance and stability. In addition, unibody construction makes the chassis stiffer, improving handling and reducing squeaks and rattles. The GX doesn’t use unibody construction, but a body-on-frame design.

The front grille of the Grand Cherokee L uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The GX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Grand Cherokee L uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The GX doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Grand Cherokee L has 29.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the GX (159.1 vs. 129.7).

The Grand Cherokee L has 1.8 inches more front headroom, .9 inches more front hip room, 3.8 inches more front shoulder room, 5.3 inches more rear legroom, 1.1 inches more rear hip room, .7 inches more rear shoulder room, 2.1 inches more third row headroom and 1 inch more third row legroom than the GX.

The front step up height for the Grand Cherokee L is 1.5 inches lower than the GX (20.2” vs. 21.7”). The Grand Cherokee L’s rear step up height is 1.8 inches lower than the GX’s (20.2” vs. 22”).

Cargo Capacity

The Grand Cherokee L’s cargo area provides more volume than the GX.

	Grand Cherokee L	GX
Behind Third Seat	17.2 cubic feet	11.6 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	46.9 cubic feet	46.7 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	84.6 cubic feet	64.7 cubic feet

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Grand Cherokee L easier. The Grand Cherokee L’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 32.2 inches, while the GX’s liftover is 34.4 inches.

Pressing a button automatically lowers the Grand Cherokee L Overland/Summit’s second and third row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The GX doesn’t offer automatic folding second row seats.

The Grand Cherokee L’s liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The GX’s swing out door blocks loading from the passenger’s side.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Grand Cherokee L offers an optional power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or on the Grand Cherokee L Overland/Summit, by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The GX doesn’t offer a power cargo door.

Payload and Towing

Maximum trailer towing in the Lexus GX is limited to 6500 pounds. The Grand Cherokee L 4x4 offers up to a 7200 lbs. towing capacity.

The Grand Cherokee L 4WD with optional equipment can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Grand Cherokee L can be unhitched and driven around locally. The GX can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The Grand Cherokee L has a higher standard payload capacity than the GX (1370 vs. 1295 lbs.).

The Grand Cherokee L has a higher maximum payload capacity than the GX (1400 vs. 1295 lbs.).

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the GX, the Grand Cherokee L Limited/Overland/Summit offers an optional passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position (with optional power wheel adjuster), outside mirror angle and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The Grand Cherokee L’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The GX does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Grand Cherokee L Overland/Summit offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The GX doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Grand Cherokee L’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The GX’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The Grand Cherokee L’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The GX’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Grand Cherokee L’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The GX’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Grand Cherokee L to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The GX doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Grand Cherokee L’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The GX’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.

Optional air conditioned front and second row seats keep the Grand Cherokee L’s passengers comfortable and take the sting out of hot leather in summer. The GX doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats for the second row.

The Grand Cherokee L Overland Lux Tech/Summit has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the GX.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The GX doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Grand Cherokee L Summit’s Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The GX doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

The Grand Cherokee L is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The GX doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Recommendations

The Jeep Grand Cherokee outsold the Lexus GX by over seven to one during 2022.

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