2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid emerged as a bold departure from its predecessors, showcasing a striking new design that was both longer and wider. Its sharp, angular lines and dramatic grille, which seamlessly integrated with the LED lighting, set it apart from the crowd. The Tucson's exterior was a gamble, with its hard creases and futuristic aesthetic, but it certainly made a statement. Inside, the Tucson offered a spacious and airy cabin, with standard heated front seats and a range of tech features, including a 10.25-inch digital driver display and wireless device charging on higher trims. The interior was thoughtfully designed, although the centre console felt somewhat bulky, and the hoodless driver information display, while sharp, tended to gather dust.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic rugged design, with a boxy, take-no-prisoners aesthetic. Available in both two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler offered the option to remove doors and fold down the windshield for an open-air experience. The Wrangler's design was simple and functional, with wide fenders, a seven-slot grille, and round headlights. Inside, the Wrangler prioritized practicality with easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward layout. However, storage space for small items was limited, and the rear seat was a tight fit for three passengers. The Wrangler's hard and soft top options allowed for various open-air configurations, enhancing its adventurous appeal.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided a noticeably quicker performance compared to the gas-powered Tucson. The hybrid's six-speed automatic transmission managed shifts smoothly, and the responsive steering added to the driving experience. The Tucson Hybrid's suspension excelled at absorbing road imperfections, maintaining a balanced ride through corners. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with ratings of 6.3 L/100 km in the city, 6.6 on the highway, and 6.4 combined. The plug-in hybrid variant offered even greater efficiency with a 2.9 Le/100 km rating and 53 km of all-electric range.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options to suit different off-road needs. The standard Pentastar V6 engine produced 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder delivered 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For torque enthusiasts, the 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 provided 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler Rubicon 392, with its 6.4-litre V8 engine, boasted 470 horsepower and an equal amount of torque, making it a powerhouse for off-road adventures. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered a blend of electric and gasoline power, with a 17.3-kWh battery providing 35 km of all-electric range. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its solid axles, optional differential lockers, and various transfer case options, making it a formidable choice for rugged terrain.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive cargo space, with 1,097 litres in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. This was a significant advantage over competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. The Tucson's interior provided ample legroom for both front and rear passengers, and the rear seats could recline for added comfort. The dual-level cargo floor allowed for flexible storage options, and the cabin featured convenient storage solutions, including bottle holders and cupholders. The Ultimate trim's ambient lighting added a touch of elegance to the interior.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, while offering comfortable front seats, had limited rear seat space, especially in the two-door models. The rear doors were small, making entry and exit challenging. Storage for small items was minimal, with a flat dash and tiny glove box and centre console. The Wrangler's cargo space measured 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Bronco. The Wrangler's hard and soft top options allowed for various open-air configurations, with the Sky One-Touch power soft top providing a convenient way to enjoy the outdoors. The Wrangler also offered ample charging points, with USB ports and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with native software, although Android Auto and Apple CarPlay only utilized about 8 inches of the screen. The infotainment system required a wired connection for these features, while lower trims offered wireless connectivity. The touch-capacitive buttons for infotainment and HVAC controls were less intuitive than physical buttons, but steering-wheel controls provided an alternative. The Tucson offered plenty of USB ports, a premium audio system, and a visually appealing touchscreen display.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen in higher trims. The system initially appeared complex but was intuitive once familiar. Jeep's off-road pages provided valuable information for adventurous drivers. The Wrangler included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, along with a forward-facing camera for off-road trails. While the Wrangler didn't offer excessive tech features, it provided practical options like auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, and rear occupant alert. Upgrading to the Preferred trim added blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and safe-exit warning. The Ultimate trim offered additional features like a surround-view monitor, highway-driving assist, and unique technologies such as the blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The Tucson received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were less comprehensive, with only a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control as standard. Blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were standard on the top trims and optional elsewhere. The Wrangler's safety features could be customized to suit driver preferences. The IIHS ratings for the Wrangler were mixed, with some trims receiving Poor ratings for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler four out of five stars for frontal crash tests and three out of five for rollover ratings.