2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as a standalone brand dedicated to electric vehicles. This new model showcased a futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro video games, which was evident in its extensive use of LED lighting elements. The exterior design was a blend 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. The interior featured eco-friendly materials, such as recycled fibres and bio-materials, and a "Living Space" design theme that provided a relaxing environment with features like a zero-gravity driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an elegant and recognizable extension of the Jeep family, with its elongated body accommodating a third row of seats. The design retained classic Jeep elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while incorporating modern touches like slimmer, brighter lighting. The interior of the Grand Cherokee L exuded luxury, with high-quality materials and a layout reminiscent of premium brands. The cabin was spacious, offering ample room for passengers in all three rows, and featured a range of upscale options, including dual high-resolution screens and premium leather seating. Despite its size, the Grand Cherokee L maintained a refined and sophisticated appearance, appealing to those seeking both style and practicality.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, catering to different driving preferences. In Canada, it was available in two trims, Essential and Preferred, with the latter offering long-range and all-wheel-drive options. The base model featured a single 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a larger 168-kW motor, producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with an impressive range of 488 kilometres. The all-wheel-drive version combined a 74-kW front motor with a 165-kW rear motor, resulting in a total output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its smooth handling and composed ride, with four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, four-wheel drive was standard, with three different systems available. The V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, but it struggled to provide sufficient power for the vehicle's size, especially when fully loaded. The V8 engine, available on higher trims, delivered a more robust 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, offering a more satisfying driving experience. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was a standout feature, providing excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension allowed for adjustable ride heights, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. Despite its size, the Grand Cherokee L handled with precision, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which maximized interior space and utility. Despite its hatchback appearance, the Ioniq 5 offered a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade, providing ample room for passengers. The interior volume of 3,786 litres exceeded that of its competitors, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5's cabin was designed with comfort in mind, featuring soft touchpoints and a moveable centre console for added convenience. The flat floor and retro-inspired front bench seat allowed for easy entry and exit from either side of the vehicle, enhancing practicality in tight spaces.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L prioritized simplicity and functionality in its interior design. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured straightforward graphics and physical switches for essential controls, ensuring ease of use. The Grand Cherokee L offered generous space in all three rows, with captain's chairs as standard in the second row and an optional 60/40 split bench seat. The panoramic roof and large windows contributed to an open and airy feel, while ample USB ports ensured connectivity for all passengers. However, the air vents were criticized for their limited airflow, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which could be noisy. Overall, the Grand Cherokee L provided a comfortable and spacious environment for long journeys.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system that supported ultra-fast charging and vehicle-to-load capabilities. It could charge up to 80 percent in just 18 minutes and offered the ability to power other devices or even a home. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app for EV charge management and station locations, along with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegantly designed and featured anti-glare coatings for improved visibility.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced features, particularly in its upper trims. These included massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and an Active Driving Assist system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones simultaneously. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Summit trims offered additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition. The McIntosh audio system in the Summit Reserve provided a premium listening experience, though lower trims had less impressive sound systems.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, adapting to the driver's habits through machine learning. A head-up display with augmented reality overlays was available, though it could be distracting in practice. While official safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested the Ioniq 5 would perform well in crash tests.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by major safety organizations at the time of writing. However, 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, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.