2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe initially seemed like it would be overpriced, but once you experienced its materials, controls, and driving dynamics, the price tag felt surprisingly low. The Santa Fe offered a choice of two new gasoline engines and a gas-electric hybrid powertrain, with trim levels ranging from SE to Calligraphy. Pricing ranged from $26,850 to $39,950 MSRP, with AWD available for an additional $1,700 on gas models and standard on hybrids. The exterior featured a redesigned front end with new running lights, grille, and bumper, while the interior boasted new colors, patterns, and a bridge-style center console.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, introduced as a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, added 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. The design seamlessly integrated the extra length, making the standard model appear truncated. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's iconic design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, but modernized the lighting and improved the paint finish and panel fit. The interior featured high-end materials like quilted Nappa leather and real wood, making it feel luxurious and well worth the price.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims came with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid model combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 226 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with the turbocharged engine providing a fuel economy of 24 mpg combined.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came with two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered either RWD or 4WD. The V6 engine struggled with the vehicle's weight, while the V8 provided a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L also featured an optional air suspension with five ride height settings, enhancing ride comfort and off-road capability. Fuel economy for the V6 was 21 mpg combined, while the V8 managed 17 mpg combined.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe provided ample passenger room without a third-row seat. All trims included dual-zone automatic climate control, with stain-resistant fabric or leather upholstery. The Calligraphy trim featured premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. The Santa Fe offered comfortable seating with power adjustments, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat was spacious and included air-conditioning vents, USB ports, and sunshades. Cargo space measured 36.4 cubic feet, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The system included physical switches for climate and stereo controls, making it user-friendly. The Grand Cherokee L offered generous space in all three rows, with second-row captain's chairs or a 60/40 split bench seat. A panoramic roof and ample USB ports enhanced passenger comfort. However, the air vents were insufficient, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was noisy.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was packed with technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch color head-up display. The basic 8-inch touchscreen offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 10.25-inch screen required wired connections but included upgraded voice recognition and Blue Link connected services. Blue Link provided a range of features, including remote engine start and climate control adjustments. The Santa Fe also offered Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims featured premium technology, such as massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. New for 2022, the Grand Cherokee L offered an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered an impressive array of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance. Safe Exit Assist used blind-spot monitoring to prevent passengers from opening doors into traffic. The rear-occupant alert system detected movement inside the vehicle for up to 24 hours. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed camera views in the digital instrument cluster, and Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS with LED projector headlights.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, and trailer sway control. The Grand Cherokee L also offered various driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking.