2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a notable update, enhancing its exterior with a longer body, revised fascias, and new LED lighting, which gave it a more refined appearance. The addition of sporty character lines and new alloy wheel designs further contributed to its sophisticated look. Inside, the Kona's interior was reimagined with a more horizontal layout, creating a sense of spaciousness. Ambient lighting and a rear USB port added convenience and a touch of elegance. The introduction of the N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements and performance-oriented features, making the Kona more athletic and appealing to those seeking a sportier ride.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its traditional design while introducing a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. The new model offered a range of trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each catering to different preferences. The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with its forward-leaning grille and tapered roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable and high-quality experience, with options for premium leather, advanced audio systems, and a panoramic sunroof. The vehicle's design and features aimed to deliver a blend of style, comfort, and capability.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance needs. The base SE and SEL trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. For those seeking more power, the N Line and Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque through a seven-speed DCT. The high-performance Kona N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, producing 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona's handling was agile and composed, with AWD enhancing its stability and maneuverability.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V6 was available with both RWD and 4WD, while the V8 was exclusive to 4WD models. The Grand Cherokee's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 pounds with the V6 to 7,200 pounds with the V8. Three 4WD systems were available, catering to different off-roading needs. The Trailhawk trim, equipped with Quadra-Drive II, excelled in off-road conditions, while the Grand Cherokee's overall ride quality and handling were impressive, offering a balance of comfort and capability.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, despite its compact size, provided ample comfort for front-seat occupants, with generous headroom and legroom. The N Line's front seats offered excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat space was limited, with small door openings and compromised head- and legroom. Cargo space was also tight, with 19.2 cubic feet available with all seats up, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Kona's compact dimensions made it less suitable for carrying larger loads or accommodating rear passengers comfortably.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee excelled in providing comfort and space for front-seat occupants, with options for heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence. Rear-seat space was somewhat limited for taller passengers, but the Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom. Cargo capacity was generous, with 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Grand Cherokee's interior design and features aimed to deliver a comfortable and versatile experience for both passengers and cargo.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona came equipped with an 8-inch display as standard, offering Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and traffic information, along with an optional Harman Kardon audio system. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base screen, while the larger screen required wired connections. The Kona also offered Hyundai Blue Link, providing remote services and connectivity features. The infotainment system was user-friendly, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens for information and entertainment. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch screen available as an upgrade. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Amazon Alexa integration, were standard. The Grand Cherokee also offered a front passenger interactive display, enhancing convenience and entertainment options. The technology suite aimed to provide a modern and connected driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a range of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kona received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crashworthiness tests. However, the child-seat anchors received a "Marginal" rating, preventing the Kona from achieving Top Safety Pick status.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist. The latter provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Grand Cherokee's structure was composed of high-strength materials, enhancing safety. While crash-test results were pending, the new model was expected to perform better than its predecessor. The safety features aimed to provide a secure and confident driving experience.