2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model in North America with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front showcased Hyundai's new design language, featuring a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The unique illumination pattern resembled the wings of the Aztec Spirit Bird. The Tucson's side profile borrowed design cues from the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar creating a floating roof effect. At the rear, the Tucson sported distinctive LED taillights, setting it apart from other compact SUVs. Depending on the trim, it rode on 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, with high-end models boasting premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, featuring stain- and odour-resistant cloth seats, with options for sport combination or leather-trimmed seats. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered design contributed to a spacious feel.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an elegant extension of the standard Grand Cherokee, with an additional 29 centimetres in length to accommodate third-row seating. Its design seamlessly integrated the extra mass, making the standard model appear truncated. The Grand Cherokee L retained Jeep's signature seven-slot grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and blunt front end, while modernizing the lighting for a sleeker look. The interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather seating. The tactile quality and style were reminiscent of a Mercedes, offering a premium feel. The spacious cabin accommodated passengers comfortably, with captain's chairs in the second row and an optional 60/40 split bench. The panoramic roof and ample USB ports enhanced the travel experience, though the air vents were somewhat inadequate. Overall, the Grand Cherokee L combined Jeep's rugged appeal with a refined interior.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The ICE engine produced 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly thrilling, it was competent and efficient, with a targeted fuel consumption of 8.2 L/100 km combined for FWD models. The hybrid powertrain was the standout, delivering 226 combined horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, making it more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Tucson Hybrid was also more fuel-efficient, with a combined rating of 6.4 L/100 km. AWD was standard on the hybrid and available on ICE models, performing admirably in off-road conditions. The upcoming plug-in hybrid version promised even more power, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engine choices: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, 4WD was standard, with three different systems available. The V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, offered a more robust 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. Fuel efficiency for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was a highlight, offering excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension provided adjustable ride heights, enhancing both comfort and off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in handling rough roads, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,265 kilograms.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was a budget-friendly compact SUV with a surprisingly upscale interior. It competed well with rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue, offering a well-appointed cabin. Standard features included a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard, with options for ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and memory settings for the driver's seat. The Tucson's new platform provided more space for passengers and cargo, with rear seats offering 90 millimetres more legroom than the RAV4. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, with a 1,095-litre cargo space comparable to competitors. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek graphics. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, with a damped click for tactile feedback. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch version. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs in the second row and an optional 60/40 split bench. The panoramic roof and numerous USB ports enhanced the travel experience, though the air vents were somewhat inadequate. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was spacious and comfortable, accommodating passengers with ease.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with a robust set of standard tech features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. A 4.2-inch multi-information display was positioned in front of the driver. The Preferred trim added satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, additional USB outlets, rear air conditioning vents, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered a fully digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation. The touchscreen interface was embedded within a larger black plastic head unit, which included climate control and radio/media functionality. While responsive, the touchpoints required more reliance on steering wheel controls and voice commands due to their flat design.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced features, particularly on upper trims. These included multiple massage modes for the 16-way power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system could take over the instrument panel, providing a zoomed-in view of upcoming turns. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with the ability to connect two phones simultaneously. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Summit trims added features like automatic parking, intersection collision assist, and a rear-facing camera for monitoring the second and third rows. The Summit Reserve trim boasted a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. However, it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features through the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite. Standard features included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, a driver attention monitor, and rear occupant alert. Additional safety options included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and remote parking assist. Hyundai provided a 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited warranty for added peace of mind.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. 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, offering a range of advanced driver-assist technologies to enhance safety on the road.