2022 Jeep Wrangler 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 other Palisade models. The standard LED headlights added a modern touch to its exterior. Inside, the Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy impressed with quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, offering a cabin that seemed more expensive than its actual price. This trim level drew attention, though opinions on its unconventional styling varied.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a rugged and adventurous look, with options for both two-door and four-door body styles. The Wrangler's design was iconic, with its removable roof and doors, and it came in various trims and special editions, such as the High Tide model. This special edition featured LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The Wrangler's design was functional, with a focus on off-road capability, but it required some compromises in terms of comfort and convenience.

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, Sport, Snow, and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and it delivered a firm yet comfortable ride with excellent body-motion control. It was easy to drive in urban and suburban environments, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, generating 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Wrangler's fuel consumption was higher, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing. Known for its unique driving experience, the Wrangler offered an immersive and adventurous ride, but it was loud, with vague steering and a rough ride. It excelled in off-road conditions, providing a sense of freedom and excitement.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs, and a more accommodating third-row seat. It provided ample in-cabin storage and a generous cargo capacity of 509 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,447 litres with the seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience for loading cargo.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was functional but less refined, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard, requiring some adjustment. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit challenges, but once inside, they had a good view and access to air conditioning vents and cupholders. Cargo space was 898 litres behind the rear seat, expandable to 2,050 litres with the seat folded. The tailgate and rear window design required careful handling when loading cargo.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen display. The larger screen required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the smaller one offered wireless connectivity. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and a head-up display. The Driver Talk intercom system and Quiet Mode added convenience for families.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a premium audio system. The Wrangler included features like remote engine starting, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during open-air driving.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. It earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, providing peace of mind for families. The Highway Driving Assist system offered smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included optional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its design required extra care when driving.