2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 presented a unique appearance, borrowing some styling elements from other Genesis models but maintaining its distinct identity. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that gave it a fastback look. The ribbed detailing added a muscular profile, combining the visual bulk of an SUV with sleek, car-like elements. The Sport Prestige models stood out with unique styling features, including a model-specific front fascia with big vents, 21-inch wheels with a web pattern, and dark chrome trim. The interior boasted an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing, with minimalistic design elements like a perched touchscreen and hidden air vents. The GV70 offered a variety of interior color options and luxurious materials, although base models had leatherette seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic rugged look, with the High Tide special edition model adding unique features. Based on the Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim, it included LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The Xtreme Recon package set it apart with a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and 35-inch tires. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic materials, but it offered comfort and practicality for off-road adventures. The driving experience was unique, with a close driving position and excellent visibility in some areas, though compromised in others. The Wrangler's design encouraged exploration and adventure, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine 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 came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 included features like a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode enhanced throttle response and transmission performance, but the GV70's chassis felt heavy and lacked sharpness compared to competitors like the Acura RDX and BMW X3. The ride was firm, even in Comfort mode, and the exhaust sound was not particularly pleasant.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Wrangler's fuel economy was lower than expected, averaging 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The driving experience was unique, with loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride. However, these traits were part of the Wrangler's charm, offering an immersive and adventurous driving experience. The Wrangler was designed for off-road exploration, providing a sense of freedom and excitement.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment, with adequate legroom and good rear-seat visibility. It provided 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and some padded spots for arms and elbows. Visibility varied, with excellent views in some areas but compromised in others. The rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with netting on door panels and small compartments. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system's tile-based layout and crisp graphics were user-friendly, and the glass rotary controller added functionality. Higher trim levels offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 included a digital-key feature, a fingerprint scanner, and a high-tech rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services provided additional features like remote camera activation and driver profiles.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, had a basic infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a navigation system, but the basic setup met most needs. The Wrangler included remote engine starting, satellite radio, and single-zone automatic climate control. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, extending the open-air driving season.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came standard with numerous safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and Highway Driving Assist. It also had eight airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were not impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. Safety features were optional rather than standard, and the Wrangler required careful driving.