2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained its reputation for luxury and ruggedness, a hallmark since its debut in 1992. Its design, characterized by a lifted square box with a seven-slot grille, exuded both toughness and upscale appeal. The L model extended the Grand Cherokee by over 30 centimetres, preserving its classic style while adding modern touches like slim LED lighting and body-colour bumpers. The interior of the upper trims was impressive, with features like a polished black dash hiding an optional touchscreen and diamond-patterned stitching on the seats. Despite some hard plastics, the overall feel was justified for a vehicle nearing $90,000, offering a classier experience than many competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative exterior design, lacking the standout looks of some other Hyundai models. However, it remained an attractive SUV, with distinctive wide upper and lower grilles and thin LED headlights. The interior of the Ultimate Calligraphy trim was high-quality but dark and monotone, with Nappa leather seats providing comfort and style. The Santa Fe offered a spacious cabin with ample rear-seat legroom and cargo space, thanks to its two-row configuration. Features like heated and cooled front seats and a panoramic sunroof added to its appeal, though some minor ergonomic issues were noted.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hindered by its standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with Dodge and Chrysler, was criticized for its lack of low-end torque and outdated feel. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better towing capacity and a more satisfying driving experience. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis, however, provided solid handling, especially with the air suspension, offering a comfortable ride and confident cornering. The SUV's 4WD systems and adjustable air suspension made it a capable off-road vehicle, though the Trail-Rated trim was no longer available.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivered impressive acceleration and passing power without turbo lag. The Santa Fe's drive-mode selector allowed for customizable driving experiences, and its handling was smooth with minimal body lean. While not tested off-road, the Santa Fe's AWD system and towing capabilities were noted, with the turbo version able to tow up to 1,587 kilograms.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended length provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, with standard captain's chairs and optional bench seating. The third row, while power-folding, was tight for adults and best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with 481 litres behind the third row, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The interior featured a range of controls and buttons, though some legibility issues were noted in the infotainment system.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, offered excellent rear-seat legroom and cargo space, with 1,032 litres behind the second row and 2,041 litres with the seats folded. The interior featured comfortable seating, with standard heated front seats and dual-zone climate control. Higher trims added features like a hands-free smart liftgate, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display. The panoramic sunroof was a highlight, though some ergonomic issues were noted with the driver's seat position and centre console.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, all running Uconnect 5. The system was generally user-friendly, though some legibility issues were noted. The Grand Cherokee L offered a range of tech features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, night vision, and a passenger screen that could play video and control navigation. The 19-speaker McIntosh sound system was available on upper trims, though it lacked surround imaging from the rear speakers.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in in-vehicle technology, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen standard on all trims, offering navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear icons and extensive customization options. Voice recognition capabilities were mixed, with some difficulty in recognizing commands for music and temperature changes. The Santa Fe's advanced driver assistance systems added to its appeal, providing a range of safety features.

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 adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and 360-degree cameras.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added Highway Driving Assist. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with high marks in crashworthiness tests.