2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its distinctive sound and appearance. It closely resembled a regular Wrangler, with subtle differences like a "4xe" badge, sky blue accents, and a power port at the windshield's base. When the battery was charged, the Wrangler 4xe operated silently, save for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which drew attention as it navigated through Yosemite National Park. The test vehicle, painted in Firecracker Red and equipped with Rubicon trim, was priced at $66,690, including destination charges. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler interior with some enhancements, such as blue seat stitching and PHEV-specific gauges. The layout was practical, with controls designed for functionality, and the interior offered a blend of rugged simplicity and improved comfort.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, while borrowing some styling cues from other Genesis models, stood out with its unique design. It featured quad LED headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that gave it a fastback appearance. The Sport Prestige model added character with its specific front fascia, 21-inch wheels, and dark chrome trim. Inside, the GV70 boasted an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing, with a minimalistic design that included a touchscreen perched atop the dashboard. The interior offered a range of color options and luxurious materials, such as Nappa leather upholstery. However, the base models came with leatherette seats. The GV70's interior was both stylish and functional, with a focus on comfort and technology.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided an estimated 21 miles of electric-only driving and a total range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to optimize power and efficiency. With a total output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, the Wrangler 4xe could accelerate to 60 mph in six seconds. During a road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its capabilities, achieving an average of 19.1 mpg over 757 miles, with 120.9 miles driven on electricity.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbo-four producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode enhanced throttle response and transmission behavior, but the chassis lacked the sharpness of some competitors. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising, though its firm ride and lack of solidity detracted from its luxury appeal.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's interior was designed for practicality and comfort. The high door sills and lack of side steps on the Rubicon trim made entry and exit challenging for shorter passengers. Once inside, the Wrangler offered a classic driving position with excellent visibility. The center console had limited storage space, but rear passengers enjoyed amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with a maximum of 72.4 cubic feet when folded. The Wrangler's design, including the swing-out tailgate, added to its charm but could be inconvenient for loading cargo.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 provided mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it offered competitive headroom and legroom. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet when folded. The interior design prioritized style over storage, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering comfort and support, while heating, ventilation, and massage functions added to the luxury experience. However, some controls were buried in touchscreen menus, making them less accessible.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of load time and graphics. The Wrangler 4xe also provided helpful charging indicators and a Trip Summary data panel for charging time estimates. The Alpine sound system was powerful enough to overcome wind noise but made conversation difficult at high volumes.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's tile-based layout and crisp graphics were user-friendly, and the glass rotary controller added functionality. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display with a 3D effect. The GV70 also featured a digital-key system, a fingerprint scanner, and advanced rear-seat monitors. Genesis Connected Services provided additional features like remote camera activation and driver profiles.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. The LED headlights received a Marginal rating from the IIHS, while the Wrangler's overall safety ratings were mixed, with a four-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA and a three-star rollover rating.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and Highway Driving Assist. It also included eight airbags, with a front-center airbag for added protection. Optional features like Highway Driving Assist 2 and navigation-based adaptive cruise control enhanced safety. While crash-test ratings were not available, the GV70's safety features were impressive.