2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as the first vehicle in Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand dedicated solely to electric vehicles. This model showcased a futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro video game graphics, which was evident in its extensive use of LED lighting elements. The exterior design was a mix of minimalistic lines and intricate details, creating a concept car-like appearance. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene and spacious cabin, emphasizing comfort and sustainability with its use of recycled materials and a "Living Space" design theme. The interior was equipped with features like a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat, providing a zero-gravity resting position, and a focus on reducing noise, vibration, and harshness for a quiet ride.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe retained the brand's iconic design cues, such as the seven-slot grille, while incorporating modern elements like active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, offering a comfortable and upscale interior with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and heated and ventilated front seats. Despite its rugged heritage, the Grand Cherokee 4xe's interior featured a mix of hard plastics and gloss black materials, which, while visually appealing, raised concerns about long-term durability. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its plug-in hybrid powertrain, providing impressive power and efficiency, although its towing capacity was slightly lower than its gas-powered counterparts.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, with the base model featuring a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version, with a dual-motor system, delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though its range dropped to 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its smooth handling and four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement. The vehicle's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, allowed for one-pedal driving, enhancing the driving experience. The Ioniq 5's quiet cabin was achieved through noise-reducing features, including acoustic tires and sound-deadening materials.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine and a 17-kWh battery pack, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard 4WD drivetrain, providing a total driving range of 719 kilometres. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered three E Select powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and eSave, allowing drivers to optimize efficiency and performance. The vehicle's regenerative braking system included a Max Regen setting for one-pedal driving. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by two 4x4 systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, with the latter offering advanced features for challenging terrains. Despite its impressive fuel economy, the 4xe's towing capacity was limited to 2,721 kilograms.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. With a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, the Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space, providing a flat floor and a moveable centre console for added versatility. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to a range of body types. The Ioniq 5's design allowed for easy entry and exit, even in tight parking situations, thanks to its modern take on the retro front bench seat.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, while not available in a three-row configuration, provided ample space for passengers and cargo. Folding the second row expanded the cargo area from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres, offering practicality for families. The vehicle's air suspension allowed for quick adjustments, facilitating loading and unloading. Despite the hot testing conditions, the Grand Cherokee 4xe's standard heated steering wheel promised comfort during colder months.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with advanced technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices and vehicles. The Ioniq 5 supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes. Its multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates. The vehicle's 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegantly designed with anti-glare coatings for optimal visibility.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering customization options and a user-friendly interface. The vehicle included multiple screens, such as a 10.1-inch touchscreen front-passenger display and a 10.25-inch digital driver information display. Optional rear-seat entertainment screens and a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo system enhanced the in-car experience, though the latter was only available on higher trims.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The vehicle featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. A head-up display with augmented reality overlays was available, though it could be distracting in certain situations. While official safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks for the Ioniq 5.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a range of standard and optional safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. Blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree surround-view camera were available on higher trims. Although a hands-off driver assistance suite was announced, it required additional hardware and was not available to early buyers. The NHTSA awarded the Grand Cherokee a five-star safety rating, while IIHS ratings were pending.