2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe initially seemed like it might 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 started at $26,850 and went up to $39,950 MSRP, with AWD available for an additional $1,700 on gas models. 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 Calligraphy trim, in particular, exuded quality with its premium leather and panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, was a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. It came in various trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $37,390 to $63,365. The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to Jeep's heritage with its seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, while also offering modern touches like a black roof option. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with the Summit Reserve trim offering luxurious features like quilted leather seats, a McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the gloss black finish on some controls was prone to reflections, making them harder to use.

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 featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, producing a total of 226 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Limited and Calligraphy trims boasted 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 in combined driving.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee came with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and offered a choice between a V6 or a V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. The available 5.7-liter V8 engine delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. The Grand Cherokee featured three different 4WD systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim, in particular, excelled in off-roading with features like an electronic locking rear differential, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Speed off-road cruise control. Fuel economy ranged from 17 mpg with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6 and any drivetrain.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe provided ample comfort and convenience for its passengers. All trims included dual-zone automatic climate control, with higher trims offering leather upholstery and premium Nappa leather in the Calligraphy trim. The Santa Fe featured heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Limited and Calligraphy trims. The rear seat offered generous legroom and comfort, with air-conditioning vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. The cargo space measured 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee also prioritized comfort, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. The Grand Cherokee's redesign improved visibility, making it easier to navigate off-road and in other driving situations. However, rear-seat room remained tight for adults with long legs, and the plastic front seatback trim could be uncomfortable. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, while the three-row Grand Cherokee L provided more cargo space.

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

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 wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The larger 10.1-inch touchscreen was available in higher trims, along with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10-inch head-up display. The optional front passenger interactive display allowed the front-seat occupant to assist the driver and access their own entertainment options.

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, and a rear-occupant alert system. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist further enhanced safety. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS when equipped with LED projector headlights.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a robust package of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, which provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Grand Cherokee's structure was composed of aluminum and high-strength steel, with only 27% mild-grade steel. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to be available in 2022.