2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy stood out with its distinctive grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and unique 20-inch alloy wheels. It featured upgraded interior detailing and a simulated suede headliner, making it appear more luxurious than its price suggested. The standard LED headlights added a modern touch, and the overall design was polarizing, drawing mixed reactions. Inside, the Palisade impressed with quilted Nappa leather and a suede headliner, offering a cabin that felt more upscale compared to other midsize three-row SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was 29 centimetres longer than the standard model, accommodating third-row seats and offering more legroom. Its design was elegant, with a recognizable Jeep aesthetic, including a seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches. The interior was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, and Palermo leather seating. The Grand Cherokee L's design was cohesive, with high-end trims like the Summit Reserve adding black roofs and larger wheels for a more premium look.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport, along with a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade achieved a fuel efficiency of 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Its suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive, though not particularly sporty. The Palisade's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, with a new seven-pin trailer connector for 2021.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre V6 with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-litre V8 with 357 horsepower. The V6 felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, while the V8 provided a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L featured a stellar chassis with optional air suspension, offering five ride height settings for various driving conditions. Its fuel efficiency was 13.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 11.3 combined for the V6, while the V8 was less efficient. The Grand Cherokee L's towing capacity was 3,265 kilograms.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats and heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class, and the Palisade provided ample in-cabin storage. Cargo space was generous, with 509 litres behind the third row and up to 2,447 litres with the seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be disabled if desired.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. It offered ample space in all rows, with standard captain's chairs in the second row and an optional 60/40 split bench. The panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced comfort, though the air vents were less effective. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was well-appointed, with available features like a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system on higher trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with the Ultimate Calligraphy trim featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM, HD Radio, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. It included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a head-up display. The Palisade's technology suite was comprehensive, though a WiFi hotspot was not available.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims boasted premium features like massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, and night vision with pedestrian detection. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist as standard. The Summit trims offered additional features like automatic parking and a rear-facing camera for monitoring the second and third rows.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and multiple lane-keeping systems. It included a rear occupant alert system and a Blind View Monitor on higher trims. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, providing peace of mind for families.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The Grand Cherokee L's safety features were comprehensive, though official safety ratings were not yet available.