Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was a striking presence on the road, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, yet distinguishing itself with a 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. Its 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 24-way power front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and optional higher-grade materials. The interior was further enhanced by features like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dashboard proudly displaying the "Grand Wagoneer" name.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid showcased a bold new design, with sharp, angular lines and a futuristic grille that seamlessly integrated with the LED lighting. The Tucson was longer and wider than its predecessor, offering a distinct look that set it apart from the 2021 model. While its exterior design was a gamble, it provided a unique aesthetic that some buyers found appealing. The interior was spacious and airy, with a centre console that felt bulky but offered an unobstructed view thanks to the integrated infotainment display. The Tucson Hybrid's interior was equipped with standard heated front seats, a proximity key, and a digital driver information display on higher trims, creating a comfortable and modern driving environment.

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, despite its hefty 2,900-kilogram weight. The vehicle came standard with a Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system, featuring a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system was also standard, offering adjustable ride height for various driving conditions. With a maximum ground clearance of 25.4 centimetres, the Grand Wagoneer was capable of tackling off-road challenges, although its size limited its trail capabilities.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, on the other hand, impressed with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, producing a total of 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid's all-wheel-drive system was standard on most trims, providing a responsive and engaging driving experience. The six-speed automatic transmission performed well, and the Tucson's suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections while maintaining stability through corners. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with the hybrid achieving 6.3 L/100 km in the city and 6.6 on the highway. The Tucson Hybrid offered a plug-in variant with a 13.8 kWh battery, providing an all-electric range of 53 kilometres and a fuel efficiency rating of 2.9 Le/100 km.

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 boasted more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. However, front-row space was more limited compared to these rivals. The Grand Wagoneer provided 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. Its maximum towing capacity was 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to the Grand Wagoneer's additional weight. Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and ample storage bins.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, despite its larger footprint, maintained a compact appearance while offering impressive cargo space. The hybrid's trunk accommodated 1,097 litres, expanding to 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. The Tucson provided excellent front and rear legroom, with reclining rear seats for added comfort. Its dual-level cargo floor allowed for flexible storage options, and the interior featured convenient storage solutions like bottle holders and cupholders. The Ultimate trim added ambient lighting, enhancing the cabin's appeal.

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

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid's tech offerings were generally strong, though not without frustrations. The 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Ultimate trim looked impressive but required a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, unlike the wireless capability of the smaller 8-inch screen in lower trims. The touch-capacitive buttons for infotainment and HVAC controls were less user-friendly than physical buttons. However, the Tucson provided ample USB ports, a beautiful display, and a Bose premium audio system in the Ultimate trim.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a range of standard 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 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, and rear occupant alert. Upgrading to the Preferred trim added blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Ultimate trim included a surround-view monitor, highway-driving assist, and unique features like blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The Tucson received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.