Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a classic SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. This resulted in a traditional design characterized by a tall hood, broad shoulders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. 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, while the wheel centre caps were protected by acrylic glass. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture allowed for independent suspension, and the use of aluminum and composite materials helped reduce weight. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer offered a luxurious experience with high-quality materials, 24-way power front seats, and Nappa leather upholstery, setting it apart from the standard Wagoneer.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid was likened to a pair of "dad jeans" due to its practical yet outdated styling. Despite a refresh in 2021, the Santa Fe appeared less modern compared to newer crossovers. Its design featured a squared-up grille with flush-mounted headlights and squinty running lamps. The profile was marked by light plastic fender protection and alloy wheels, with the hybrid version offering 19-inch wheels in Canada. The Santa Fe's silhouette was tall but lacked the definition of a modern SUV. Inside, the Santa Fe prioritized function over form, with a massive centre console filled with physical controls, making it easy to use but not particularly stylish.

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, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds. The vehicle featured standard four-wheel drive with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering five drive modes and a height-adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension system. With a maximum ground clearance of 25.4 centimetres, the Grand Wagoneer was capable of tackling various terrains, although its size limited its off-road agility. The ride was smooth and quiet, but the vehicle felt ungainly at higher speeds due to its weight and imprecise steering.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid combined a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 44.2-kW electric motor, producing a total of 226 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain offered impressive fuel economy, with estimates of 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.9 on the highway. The Santa Fe Hybrid's power was managed by a six-speed automatic transmission, and its HTRAC AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels as needed. While not particularly quick, the Santa Fe Hybrid provided a quiet and comfortable ride, with compliant suspension that absorbed road imperfections effectively.

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 its competitors, although front-row space was more limited. The Grand Wagoneer boasted 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,667 litres with the rear seats folded. It had a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. The vehicle featured a standard sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and a 360-degree camera system to aid visibility.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid utilized a shift-by-wire, push-button transmission, freeing up space below the centre stack. The centre stack itself was large, with well-labeled physical controls for climate and drive modes. Rear passengers enjoyed a panoramic sunroof and 1,035 millimetres of legroom, comparable to other midsize SUVs. The Santa Fe Hybrid offered 1,032 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,041 litres with the seats folded. Up front, the vehicle featured heated and ventilated front seats with leatherette upholstery and an eight-way power driver's seat.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices. Second-row passengers had access to a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered an Android-based operating system and over-the-air updates, although the screen response was somewhat slow.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with onboard navigation, Bluetooth, and OTA map updates. It supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though both required a wired connection. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provided essential driving information. The Santa Fe Hybrid's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dynamic voice recognition and a clear display, although it lacked the brilliance of some competitors' screens.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of review. It included standard safety features such as 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 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of features. While the surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor were not available in Canada, the vehicle included adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. The Santa Fe Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, highlighting its commitment to passenger safety.