2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was a striking presence on the road, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, which lent it a traditional SUV aesthetic. Its tall hood, broad shoulders, and trapezoidal wheel arches contributed to its upright profile, reminiscent of the smaller 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof and unique hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly, featuring laser-etched knurling in the slots, while the wheel centre caps were protected by acrylic glass, showcasing the "Wagoneer" logo. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture, shared with the Wagoneer, allowed for independent suspension and incorporated lightweight materials like an aluminum hood and doors.

Inside, the Grand Wagoneer shared styling cues with the Wagoneer, such as an integrated infotainment touchscreen and a two-spoke steering wheel. However, it elevated the experience with 24-way power front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and optional Palermo leather. The interior boasted aluminum and American Walnut wood trim, with seat controls positioned high on the doors, reminiscent of Mercedes. The Grand Wagoneer also featured heated first- and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and optional ventilated second-row seats, ensuring a luxurious ride.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, diverging from the rest of the brand's lineup. It featured the brand's two-line lighting signature, creating an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. The GV70's design diverged further with six grades available, including the Sport and Sport Plus grades with a sculpted hood aligning with the Genesis crest-shaped logo. The shoulder line traced a unique arc, and the accent lines around the side windows were exclusive to this model. Dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the Sport grades emphasized its sporty intent.

The GV70 offered a wide range of customization options, with 12 exterior paint colours and nine interior choices, allowing for over 100 colour combinations. The cabin featured an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings, with genuine carbon fibre inserts available on Sport trims. The interior boasted quilted leather seats and door panels, with high-quality materials throughout. While some plastic elements were present, they were strategically placed where occupants were unlikely to notice. Overall, the GV70's design and customization options made it a standout choice for those seeking a unique and stylish SUV.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a robust 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine featured cylinder deactivation for improved fuel efficiency and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Wagoneer could accelerate from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in approximately six seconds, impressive for its 2,900-kilogram weight. Standard four-wheel drive, including the Quadra-Drive II system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, ensured maximum traction. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system, standard on the Grand Wagoneer, allowed for adjustable ride height, enhancing off-road capability and highway efficiency.

The Grand Wagoneer offered 25.4 centimetres of ground clearance, enabling a 25-degree approach angle, 24-degree departure angle, and 22-degree breakover angle. It could ford up to 60 centimetres of water and featured skid plates for added protection. While the Grand Wagoneer excelled in off-road conditions, its size limited its trail capabilities. On-road, the vehicle's quiet cabin and air suspension provided a comfortable ride, though its handling felt ungainly at higher speeds.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 being the more powerful choice. This engine produced 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, positioning the GV70 as a competitor to mid-level performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. The GV70's power figures exceeded those of several German counterparts, and its fuel consumption was estimated at 11.6 L/100 km combined. The GV70 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, prioritizing the rear axle for optimal performance.

The GV70's Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, allowing up to 100% of available torque to be sent to a single rear wheel. The vehicle offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes, with Sport+ delivering aggressive throttle response and partial traction control disabling. The electronically controlled suspension system, equipped on V6 grades, used a forward camera to detect road changes, balancing comfort and feedback. The GV70's tight turning radius was a bonus in urban environments, making it a versatile choice for city driving.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered seating for seven with standard second-row captain's chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It provided more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. However, space in the front row was more limited compared to these rivals. The Grand Wagoneer excelled in cargo space, offering 775 litres with all three rows in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. With all rear seats folded, it provided 2,667 litres of cargo space, slightly less than some competitors.

The Grand Wagoneer boasted a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and large storage bins. While the vehicle's hood limited forward visibility, the standard 360-degree camera system helped mitigate this issue.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-centric design, with a tall centre console separating the driver from the front passenger. Intuitive button and dial controls, including a dial-based gear selector, were within easy reach. The infotainment system's raised dial was user-friendly, and climate controls were configured under a single pane with haptic feedback. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims.

The GV70's rear space featured a large panoramic sunroof and manual rear window sunshades. However, second-row storage was limited, with small door pockets and netting on the front-row seatbacks. Cargo volume behind the second row was 819 litres, higher than most competitors. The second-row seats could be folded from the cargo area, providing 1,610 litres of space. Overall, the GV70's ergonomics and functionality were above average, offering a comfortable and practical interior.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with 3D graphics, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. The infotainment system supported simultaneous pairing for two Bluetooth-enabled phones and included a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Second-row passengers had access to a 10.25-inch centre console touchscreen, while an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens.

The Grand Wagoneer used the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring an Android-based operating system and over-the-air software updates. While the screen was occasionally slow to respond, the head-up display was clear and legible. The vehicle also offered a separate 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, allowing for navigation control and screen sharing.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its technology offerings, including a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen. The system allowed for a split-screen layout, accommodating in-car functions and smartphone integration. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster, enhancing the driving experience with Hyundai's Blind View Monitor system.

The GV70 introduced a fingerprint recognition system, enabling keyless vehicle start. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, while the premium 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system was available on top grades. The vehicle included two USB ports for the front and rear rows, ensuring connectivity for all passengers.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection collision assist, driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring, with a hands-free version planned for future release.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance assist. The vehicle introduced a rear occupant alert system using radar to detect movement in the second row. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist system included lane centring and automatic lane changing functions, though it required the driver's hands on the wheel. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.