2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering North American buyers a long-wheelbase model with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front design featured Hyundai's new vehicle face, with a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. When illuminated, these 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, with a silver D-pillar creating a floating roof effect. At the rear, the Tucson sported toothy taillights illuminated by LEDs, contributing to its standout appearance among compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, with high-end models featuring premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, sport combination seats in the N-Line, and leather-trimmed seats available from the Preferred Trend trim upward. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered aesthetic added to the sense of spaciousness.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L retained the classic style of its predecessors while extending the length by over 30 centimetres. The High Altitude package added a bold touch with blacked-out grille, logos, and door handles, complemented by dark gray 21-inch wheels and black leather with gold stitching. The interior featured matte-finish light walnut accents, a polished black dash with an optional touchscreen, and a thick metal dial for gear selection. The upper trims boasted impressive interiors, with diamond-patterned stitching and aluminum speaker grilles adding a touch of class. While not every material was of Mercedes-grade quality, the overall feel was justified for a vehicle approaching $90,000. The Grand Cherokee L's design combined quintessential Jeep elements with modern touches, such as slim LED lighting and body-colour bumpers, creating a clean and enduring look.

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, while the hybrid delivered a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain was notably more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Tucson's AWD system, standard on the hybrid and available on ICE models, performed admirably in off-road testing. Fuel efficiency varied, with the hybrid achieving 6.4 L/100 km combined, while the ICE models ranged from 8.2 to 9.0 L/100 km combined, depending on the drivetrain. The upcoming plug-in hybrid version promised even more power, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard Pentastar V6 engine, shared with Dodge and Chrysler, produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. However, it was considered underwhelming for a vehicle of its size. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for towing, offering a maximum capacity of 3,265 kilograms. The V8 also provided a more satisfying driving experience. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 11.3 L/100 km combined, while the V8's ratings were less favourable at 14.1 L/100 km combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis and air suspension contributed to confident handling, with the ability to adjust ground clearance through five height settings. The 4WD system, standard in Canada, offered three different configurations, enhancing the vehicle's off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson's interior was spacious and well-appointed, rivaling 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 and heated rear seats as options. The Tucson's platform allowed for increased passenger and cargo space, 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 the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, with standard captain's chairs and an optional 60/40 bench seat. The third row, while tight for adults, was suitable for children. The Summit and Summit Reserve trims offered additional features like a centre console with storage, four-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The cargo space was generous, with 481 litres behind the three rows, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The Grand Cherokee L's cargo capacity was among the best in its class, surpassing the standard Grand Cherokee.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and a 4.2-inch multi-information display. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a fully digital instrument cluster. The touchpoints on the centre console were responsive, though some drivers found them challenging to use while keeping their eyes on the road. The Tucson's tech features were comprehensive, providing a strong value proposition.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 10.1-inch version available on higher trims. The Uconnect 5 system was generally user-friendly, despite some legibility issues. The Grand Cherokee L offered a range of tech features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, night vision, and Active Driving Assist. The passenger screen, available on higher trims, allowed for independent media playback and control of navigation and cameras. The Grand Cherokee L's tech offerings were extensive, providing features not found in many competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. However, it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. Additional features like blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system were available on higher trims. Hyundai's SmartSense Safety Feature suite provided a level of safety comparable to luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored five stars in most NHTSA tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Optional features on higher trims included front cross-traffic braking, 360-degree cameras, and night vision. The Grand Cherokee L's safety features were robust, contributing to its high safety ratings.