2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new addition to the Jeep lineup, distinct from the existing five-passenger Grand Cherokee. This model was an extended-length version of the upcoming 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo volume. Despite the potential for confusion with its naming, the Grand Cherokee L's styling was expected to drive strong sales, especially with the arrival of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The Grand Cherokee L's design was unmistakably Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. Available in various trims, from Laredo to Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee L's pricing ranged from $36,995 to $64,235, with a destination charge of $1,695. The Summit trim test vehicle, equipped with numerous luxury features, had a window sticker price of $64,770. While some interior materials didn't quite match the high price, the overall design, technology, and comfort represented a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim aimed to offer a rugged appearance but fell short in some practical aspects. The XRT trim, priced between the SE/SEL and the turbocharged Limited/Calligraphy trims, included equipment from the SEL and its Convenience Package. The test vehicle, finished in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, lacked visual contrast and felt monochromatic. Despite this, the interior's thoughtful design and quality materials made it a pleasant place to spend time. The XRT's ride and handling were composed and refined, with excellent suspension isolation and a quiet cabin. However, the XRT's cosmetic enhancements, like the side steps, were more of a hindrance than a help, and the lack of a suspension lift or more aggressive tires limited its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or three different four-wheel-drive systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with certain trims and 4WD, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The test vehicle, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, provided brisk acceleration but was loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was generally well-behaved, though it sometimes resisted downshifts in Auto mode to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L Summit 4WD averaged 17.8 mpg during testing, below expectations. The Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension offered various driving modes, including Sport, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock, with up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. The SUV's stiffer structure contributed to a smooth ride and capable handling, with easy maneuverability and a relatively quiet cabin.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While not particularly powerful, it was adequate for everyday driving and highway cruising. For more power, the Limited and Calligraphy trims offered a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The XRT's eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, with simple pushbutton controls and various driving modes, including Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow. The test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 24 mpg. The Santa Fe Hybrid models offered better fuel economy, with ratings between 32 and 34 mpg combined. The XRT's ride quality was good, with excellent suspension isolation and a quiet cabin. The SUV's handling, steering, and braking were competent, though not particularly noteworthy. The XRT's cosmetic enhancements did not significantly impact its performance, and the Santa Fe remained capable on various terrains.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a comfortable and well-equipped interior, especially in the Summit trim. It featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third-row seats were surprisingly comfortable, with large side windows for a great view. The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants but offered a useful storage console for second-row passengers. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 17.2 cubic feet, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer and rear air conditioning vents. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats offered plenty of room for a family of four, with ample legroom and foot room, rear side-window shades, and USB charging ports. Storage space was adequate, with various nooks and crannies, including a tray under the control bridge and a wireless device charging slot. The Smart Tailgate feature allowed hands-free power opening, though it could sometimes open unintentionally. The Santa Fe offered 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The rear seatbacks could be released from the back of the SUV but required manual folding.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreens. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle had the larger screen and the optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, which provided excellent sound quality. Other available features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and Bluelink connected services with a three-year subscription. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs, clean graphics, and logical menus. The test vehicle did not have the upgraded infotainment system available on higher trims, but previous experience with Hyundai's larger system showed it to be among the best in the segment. The Santa Fe XRT also featured digital key technology, allowing Android-based smartphones to unlock and start the vehicle. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a useful feature for distracted drivers.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. While the system worked well, the steering assist felt artificial, and lane changes were more abrupt than expected. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats at intersections and apply the brakes if necessary. Other available safety features included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of the review, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's ratings.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The XRT did not have Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist system, but the existing features worked flawlessly during testing. The Junction Turning Detection system could automatically brake if the driver attempted an unsafe left turn. Safe Exit Assist and an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system were also standard. Bluelink provided additional safety features, such as automatic emergency assistance and vehicle alerts. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.