2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe was a midsize SUV that defied expectations with its pricing. Upon examining its features, materials, and driving experience, many were left wondering why it didn't cost more. The Santa Fe offered a choice of two new gasoline engines and a hybrid powertrain, with trim levels ranging from SE to Calligraphy. Its exterior featured a redesigned front end with new running lights and grille, while the interior boasted upscale materials and a high-tech digital instrumentation panel. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, impressed with its luxurious interior and panoramic sunroof, though its exterior design was somewhat polarizing.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, presenting a traditional SUV styling with a tall hood and broad shoulders. It distinguished itself with a black roof, model-specific hood, and grille with laser-etched knurling. The Grand Wagoneer featured a new body-on-frame architecture, independent suspension, and weight-saving materials like an aluminum hood. Inside, it offered high-end materials and convenience features, including 24-way power front seats and Nappa leather upholstery. The interior also included unique touches like seat controls on the doors and a "Grand Wagoneer" badge on the dashboard.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims came with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid model combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 226 horsepower. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe provided a smooth and refined driving experience, with impressive body control and athletic handling. Both the standard and turbocharged engines offered a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg, with the turbo being more efficient on the highway.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in six seconds. The SUV featured standard four-wheel drive with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering five drive modes and a height-adjustable air suspension system. With a maximum ground clearance of 10 inches, the Grand Wagoneer was capable of off-roading, though its size limited its trail capabilities. Despite its powerful engine, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a leisurely pace due to its bouncy ride and imprecise steering.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe provided ample passenger room for a midsize SUV, with dual-zone automatic climate control and stain-resistant fabric seats. The Calligraphy trim elevated the interior with premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. The SUV offered comfortable seating with power-adjustable options and heated and ventilated seats in higher trims. The rear seat was spacious, with air-conditioning vents, USB ports, and sunshades. The Santa Fe's cargo space measured 36.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 72.1 cubic feet with them folded, accommodating a family of four on long trips.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard captain's chairs or eight with an optional bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than its competitors, though front-row space was more limited. The Grand Wagoneer provided 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place and 94.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. It boasted a maximum towing capacity of 9,850 pounds, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. The SUV featured a standard sunroof, four-zone climate control, and large storage bins, though forward visibility was somewhat restricted.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was equipped with advanced technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch head-up display. The SUV offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the basic 8-inch touchscreen, while the 10.25-inch system provided wired versions and enhanced voice recognition. The Harman Kardon sound system and Blue Link connected services added to the tech appeal, though a WiFi hotspot was absent. Hyundai's Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist were notable features, allowing for remote vehicle access and parking.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and offered a 4G-LTE WiFi hotspot. Second-row passengers had access to a 10.25-inch touchscreen, while an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer utilized the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which included Amazon Alexa connectivity and Fire TV for Auto. Despite its comprehensive tech offerings, the system's responsiveness and graphics left room for improvement.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted an impressive array of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear-occupant alert system. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist added to its safety credentials. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS when equipped with LED projector headlights, showcasing its strong crashworthiness and front crash-prevention technology.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came with standard safety features such as a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included a driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Driving Assist system combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering, though a hands-free version was planned for future release. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available for the Grand Wagoneer.