Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained the classic, rugged appeal that has been synonymous with the Grand Cherokee since its debut in 1992. Its design, characterized by a lifted square box with a seven-slot grille, exuded toughness and luxury. The L version extended the Grand Cherokee by over 30 centimetres, preserving its iconic style while adding a bold touch with the High Altitude package. This package included blacked-out elements and dark grey 21-inch wheels, complemented by a sophisticated interior featuring black leather with gold stitching and matte-finish light walnut accents. The upper trims boasted impressive interiors, with features like a polished black dash hiding an optional touchscreen and diamond-patterned stitching on the seats, offering a classy experience for those willing to spend more.

In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered a stylish and modern design across its two trim levels, Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy. The Palisade Hybrid featured a massive grille with horizontal slats, LED projector headlights, and distinctive LED daytime running lights. The rear design was equally striking, with wide-spaced letters spelling the vehicle's name and LED taillights wrapping around the corners. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid impressed with its organic and thoughtfully engineered interior design. The base trims came with H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery and eight-way power-adjustable seats, while higher trims offered luxurious Nappa leather upholstery and advanced features like seat ventilation and integrated memory settings. The Palisade's interior craftsmanship stood out, providing a richer feel compared to other non-luxury crossovers.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hindered by its standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with Dodge and Chrysler, was criticized for its lack of refinement and low-end torque. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine, 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 confident handling, especially with the air suspension, which allowed for adjustable ground clearance. The SUV's 4WD systems offered robust off-road capabilities, making it tougher than most competitors.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, on the other hand, delivered impressive performance with its 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, coupled with an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission, ensured the Palisade Hybrid never lagged, whether in town or on the highway. The hybrid system optimized power distribution for improved handling and fuel efficiency. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid offered a quiet and comfortable ride, thanks to noise-absorbing materials and acoustic glass. The steering was sharp and responsive, although the pedal feel was softer, which could affect the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered ample interior space, with its extended wheelbase providing more legroom for second-row passengers. The SUV featured standard second-row captain's chairs and a power-folding third row, although the latter was tight for adults. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum capacity of 2,407 litres, making it one of the largest in its class. The Grand Cherokee L also boasted good visibility from the driver's seat and a well-organized dashboard, although some legibility issues were noted in the infotainment system.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, while trailing some competitors in total cargo capacity with 2,455 litres, offered a comfortable cabin with dual-zone climate control and multiple USB-C power outlets. The second row was spacious, although the battery's position under the front passenger seat slightly reduced legroom. The third row, while usable, was not as spacious as some rivals. The Palisade Hybrid came standard with a second-row bench seat, with captain's chairs available on higher trims. The interior was filled with convenient storage solutions, enhancing its practicality for families.

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, despite some legibility issues. The Grand Cherokee L offered advanced tech features like night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that allowed for independent media control. The optional McIntosh sound system provided good audio quality, although it lacked surround imaging from the rear speakers.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came equipped with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system supported wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with HD and Sirius XM satellite radio. The Palisade Hybrid also featured a Driver Talk intercom system and a built-in dashcam on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The "Stay Mode" allowed for climate control and infotainment use while the engine was off, adding to its convenience.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored five stars in most NHTSA tests. It came standard with a range of safety features, including forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and 360-degree cameras.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of standard ADAS, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, and the safe-exit alert indicator added an extra layer of safety. While crash test ratings for the 2026 model were not available, the 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.