2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson presented a fresh design 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 vehicle face, with a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The illuminated lights formed a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. The Tucson's side profile borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Elantra, featuring a silver D-pillar that created a floating roof effect. At the rear, the Tucson sported LED-illuminated toothy taillights, contributing to its standout design among compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, with high-end models boasting premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with stain- and odour-resistant cloth seats, sport combination seats in the N-Line, and leather-trimmed seats available from the Preferred Trend trim upwards. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered aesthetic added to the sense of spaciousness.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a rugged and adventurous look, with a choice between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door body style. Buyers could select from various powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions available. The High Tide model, based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim, added options like LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials dominating the cabin. The driving position was close to the steering wheel, dashboard, and windshield, requiring some acclimation. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views while others were compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit challenges but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, and the cargo area offered 898 litres of space behind the rear seat, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain variants: a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. The ICE engine delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain, with a total system output of 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, provided a more engaging driving experience. The Tucson Hybrid was notably more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on ICE models and standard on the hybrid. The Tucson Hybrid was more fuel-efficient, with a combined consumption rating of 6.4 L/100 km, compared to the ICE model's 9.0 L/100 km with AWD. The upcoming Tucson PHEV promised even more power, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Wrangler's fuel consumption was higher, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a rough-and-tumble feel, loud cabin noise, and a need for frequent fuel stops. Despite these traits, the Wrangler offered an immersive and adventurous driving experience, with the ability to remove the top and doors for an open-air feel. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities and rugged character made it a favourite among enthusiasts, despite its compromises in comfort and refinement.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered a spacious and well-appointed interior, comparable to competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue. It featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and memory settings available. The Tucson's new platform provided more passenger and cargo space, with 1,095 litres of cargo capacity. The rear seats offered 90 millimetres more legroom than the RAV4, and the cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was more utilitarian, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials. Entry and exit were challenging, especially with a raised suspension. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard, requiring adjustment. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views while others were compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced entry challenges but found comfortable accommodations once inside. The Wrangler's cargo area offered 898 litres of space behind the rear seat, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

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. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, satellite radio, and a fully digital instrument cluster. The touchpoints on the centre console were responsive, though the lack of physical buttons required reliance on steering wheel controls and voice commands.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, featured a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. The Wrangler's tech options included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Additional safety features were available, such as blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, offering features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less favourable, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its ratings suggested a need for cautious driving.