2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, extending 29 centimetres to accommodate third-row seating. Its wheelbase stretched an additional 12.7 cm, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The design seamlessly integrated the extra length, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep's decision to release the L model first, as an all-new 2021 model, contributed to this perception. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, featuring high-resolution screens, real wood, and Palermo leather, reminiscent of a Mercedes in style and quality.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe's exterior styling was more conservative compared to some of Hyundai's recent designs. It retained the same look as the 2022 model, with a wide grille and thin LED headlights as its distinctive features. The Santa Fe was available in four trim levels in Canada, all with standard all-wheel drive. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in the U.S., featured a dark blue Stormy Sea paint and a black interior with Nappa leather seats. The cabin, while high-quality, was dark and monotone, with beige or grey interiors recommended for visual contrast. The Santa Fe's seats were comfortable, with heated and cooled front seats standard in the Calligraphy trim, and the second row also featuring seat heaters.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two 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, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, was found lacking for the vehicle's weight, requiring high revs for power and resulting in engine noise. The V8, available on higher trims, offered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, providing a more satisfying performance. 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. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering adjustable ride heights and driving modes for various terrains.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a 2.5-litre engine, available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. The naturally aspirated engine produced 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged version offered 281 hp and 311 lb-ft. The turbocharged engine provided immediate acceleration and passing power, with no noticeable turbo lag. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering. The turbo version could tow up to 1,587 kg, while the non-turbo version had a towing capacity of 907 kg. The Santa Fe's performance was noted for its power, ride, and handling, rivaling other SUVs in its price range.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek interface. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row and a 60/40 split bench option. A panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the cabin experience, though the air vents were criticized for insufficient airflow. The third row could accommodate adults comfortably, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, offered generous rear-seat legroom and cargo space. Rear-seat legroom measured 1,060 mm, and cargo space behind the second row was 1,032 litres, expandable to 2,041 litres with the seats folded. The Santa Fe's seats were comfortable, with standard heated front seats and an eight-way power driver's seat. Higher trims included features like a hands-free smart liftgate, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display. The panoramic sunroof and head-up display were highlights, though the driver's seat position and wide centre console were minor drawbacks.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced technology features, including 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 adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids standard. The Summit trims included additional features like automatic parking and a McIntosh audio system, though lower trims had simpler audio options.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in in-vehicle technology, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was customizable, though voice recognition had mixed results. The Santa Fe's technology offerings were comprehensive, with features like wireless device charging and a head-up display on higher trims.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included standard safety features like driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a wide range of standard safety-related ADAS, including forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured Highway Driving Assist. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS, with high ratings in crashworthiness tests.