Hyundai Santa Fe vs Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though a new model, carried a sense of familiarity due to its adherence to Jeep's design traditions. It was essentially a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, offering a sporty and compact alternative. Available in various trims like Laredo, Altitude, and Summit Reserve, it provided a range of options from basic to luxurious. The exterior design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with its forward-leaning grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with the Summit Reserve trim offering premium features like quilted leather seats and a McIntosh audio system. Despite some reflections on the gloss black controls, the interior was generally well-received for its quality and comfort.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe maintained a conservative yet attractive design, continuing the look from the 2022 model. It was available in four trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in the U.S., featured a rich Stormy Sea paint and a black leather interior. While the cabin was high-quality, it was somewhat dark, prompting a recommendation for the beige or grey interior for visual contrast. The Nappa leather seats were praised for their comfort, and the inclusion of heated and cooled front seats added to the vehicle's appeal. The Santa Fe's design was understated but functional, with a focus on comfort and practicality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a V6 and a V8 engine, both paired with a four-wheel drive system. The standard 3.6-litre V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,812 kilograms. The 5.7-litre V8 engine, available on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 3,265 kilograms. Three 4WD systems were available, with Quadra-Drive II offering the most off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions, featuring a Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain driving modes. Fuel consumption estimates ranged from 11.3 to 14.1 litres per 100 kilometres, depending on the engine and drivetrain.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a 2.5-litre engine, available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. The base engine produced 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged version offered 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine provided brisk acceleration and smooth performance, with no noticeable turbo lag. The Santa Fe featured a drive-mode selector with Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart modes, enhancing its versatility. Towing capacity varied from 907 to 1,587 kilograms, depending on the engine. The Santa Fe's performance was smooth and refined, with a focus on comfort and ease of driving.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable experience for the driver and front passenger, with heated seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading, and the panoramic sunroof added an airy feel to the cabin. Rear-seat room was somewhat tight, and the cargo space was generous, with 1,067 litres behind the back seat and 2,004 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, offered ample rear-seat legroom and cargo space. Rear-seat legroom measured 1,060 millimetres, and cargo space was 1,032 litres behind the second row, expanding to 2,041 litres with the seats folded. The Santa Fe featured an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats as standard, with additional comfort features on higher trims. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, and Remote Smart Parking Assist, enhancing convenience and luxury.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with advanced technology, including a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The optional front passenger interactive display provided additional entertainment options.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen with 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 customizable settings and voice recognition capabilities. The Santa Fe's technology package was comprehensive, offering a range of features for convenience and entertainment.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was fortified with advanced driver assistance systems, including blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and full-speed forward collision warning. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance, with a hands-free version expected in 2022. The Grand Cherokee's safety structure was composed of high-strength steel and aluminum, enhancing crash protection.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Highway Driving Assist was standard on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, providing adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS, highlighting its excellent crashworthiness and safety features.