2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as the first model under Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand dedicated solely to electric vehicles. This model showcased a futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro 8-bit graphics, which was evident in its extensive use of LED lighting elements. The exterior design was a mix of minimalistic lines and intricate details, creating a concept car-like appearance. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene and spacious cabin, emphasizing comfort with its "Living Space" design theme. The interior featured sustainable materials, including recycled fibers and bio-materials, and provided a relaxing environment with features like the "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe retained the brand's iconic design elements, such as the seven-slot grille, while incorporating modern touches like active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, offering a comfortable and upscale interior with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and advanced technology. Despite its rugged heritage, the Grand Cherokee 4xe provided a refined driving experience with features like heated and ventilated seats and a high-quality audio system. However, the presence of hard plastic materials in the interior raised concerns about long-term durability.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, including rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The base model, the Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range, featured a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and offering a range of 220 miles. The extended-range variants, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, boasted a larger 168-kW rear motor with 225 horsepower and a range of 303 miles. The AWD version, with a dual-motor system, delivered 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, though its range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 provided a balanced driving experience with four drive modes, including Sport mode for added excitement. Its quiet cabin and advanced regenerative braking system further enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack. This setup delivered an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the output of Jeep's 5.7-liter V8 engine. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a total driving range of 470 miles, with 25 miles of all-electric range. It featured multiple powertrain modes, including Hybrid, Electric, and eSave, allowing drivers to optimize efficiency. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II systems, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers. However, its towing capacity was limited to 6,000 pounds, less than the V6 and V8 models.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), providing a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. Despite its hatchback appearance, the Ioniq 5 offered generous passenger space, with a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet. The cabin featured soft-touch materials and a moveable center console, enhancing comfort and usability. The leatherette seats provided excellent support, making the Ioniq 5 a comfortable choice for both driving and relaxation.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, while not available in a three-row configuration, offered ample space for passengers in its two-row setup. Folding the second row expanded cargo space from 37.7 to 70.8 cubic feet, providing versatility for families. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's air suspension allowed for easy loading and unloading, and its heated steering wheel added comfort during colder months. Overall, the Grand Cherokee 4xe provided a spacious and practical interior for families.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes, and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through a partnership with Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and over-the-air updates. Its 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegantly designed and easy to read, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering customization options and a user-friendly interface. The system included a 10.25-inch front-passenger display, a digital driver information display, and optional rear-seat entertainment screens. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's McIntosh stereo system provided exceptional audio quality, though it was only available on higher trims. Overall, the Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a comprehensive suite of technology features for an enhanced driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety standards for the Ioniq 5.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a range of standard and optional ADAS features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included additional features like intersection-collision assist and night vision. A hands-off driver assistance suite was announced but required additional hardware. Crash-test ratings were not yet available for the Grand Cherokee 4xe.