2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting including puddle lamps, additional lower body trim, unique 20-inch wheels, upgraded interior detailing, and a simulated suede interior headliner. These features made the Calligraphy trim look fancier than other Palisades, drawing attention for its unconventional styling. Inside, the Calligraphy’s cabin, with its Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, and suede headliner, appeared far more expensive than it was, making it a genuine bargain in the midsize three-row class.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained Jeep’s design traditions while introducing a two-row version of the previous year’s Grand Cherokee L. Available in various trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee offered a range of styles and capabilities. Its design reflected influences from the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee’s cabin varied from basic but quality cloth seats in the Laredo to luxurious quilted leather and high-end audio systems in the Summit Reserve. The new design aimed to improve visibility and overall driving experience, making it a versatile choice for different needs.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade AWD had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade’s firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without encouraging aggressive behavior. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, or a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V6 had a tow rating of 6,200 pounds, while the V8 increased towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. Three different 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee’s fuel economy ranged from 17 mpg with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6. The Trailhawk trim, designed for serious off-roading, featured Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension, among other off-road enhancements. The Grand Cherokee’s ride quality was excellent, with or without the adaptive damping Quadra-Lift air suspension, making it more nimble and athletic than the larger Grand Cherokee L.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility. The Calligraphy trim offered eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and separate climate controls for third-row passengers. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and support, with easy access to the third-row seat. The Palisade offered 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be turned off if desired.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility improvements and camera technologies enhanced driver confidence. Rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, and the Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom and cargo space. The two-row Grand Cherokee provided 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded. The Grand Cherokee L offered even more cargo space, with 46.9 cubic feet behind the back seat and 84.6 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Other features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard in all trims, offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available in higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and voice recognition were standard. Upgrades included navigation, HD Radio, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. The optional front passenger interactive display allowed the front-seat occupant to assist the driver and enjoy their own entertainment options.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and multiple lane-keeping systems. A rear occupant alert system, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, and Safe Exit Assist were also included. The Highway Drive Assist system provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, and included three free years of Blue Link services for automatic collision warning and emergency assistance.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an impressive collection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a safety cage composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. The ADAS package included Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, providing Level 2 hands-on semi-autonomous driving assistance. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to be available in 2022. The new Grand Cherokee aimed to improve crash protection, though its performance in crash tests remained to be seen.