2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its overall sophistication. The vehicle was 1.6 inches longer than its predecessor, featuring revised front and rear fascias, enhanced LED lighting, and sporty new character lines. The sharp body lines were complemented by lower body cladding, and new alloy wheel designs completed the exterior updates. Inside, the Kona's instrument panel and center console were separated to create a more horizontal layout, giving the interior a wider appearance. 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, such as body-color cladding and exclusive interior features, enhancing the Kona's sporty appeal.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained its classic style while extending its length by more than a foot. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured blacked-out elements and dark gray 21-inch wheels, creating a bold appearance. The interior of upper trims was luxurious, with black leather, gold stitching, and matte-finish walnut accents. While some materials were not top-tier, the overall feel was justified for its price. The Grand Cherokee L's design combined traditional Jeep elements with modern touches, such as slim LED lighting and body-color bumpers. The vehicle's interior offered a polished black dash, a metal gear selector, and diamond-patterned stitching, providing a classy experience for those willing to spend more.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance preferences. 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 Kona Limited boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a seven-speed DCT. The Kona N took performance to another level with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona N also featured exclusive driving modes and performance enhancements, making it a thrilling option for enthusiasts.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, was considered underwhelming for its size. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better performance, especially for towing. The V8 allowed for a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds, compared to 6,200 pounds with the V6. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, and the air suspension offered a smooth ride. Jeep's 4WD systems, including Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, enhanced the vehicle's off-road capabilities, making it a robust choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, offered a comfortable experience for front-seat occupants. Ample headroom and legroom, even with the optional sunroof, made it easy for taller drivers to find a comfortable position. However, rear-seat passengers faced challenges with limited headroom and legroom due to the vehicle's compact dimensions. Cargo space was also limited, with 19.2 cubic feet available with all seats up and 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Kona was not recommended for towing, making it less versatile for carrying larger loads.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended length provided generous legroom for second-row passengers, with standard captain's chairs and optional bench seating. The third row, while tight for adults, was suitable for children. The vehicle offered excellent visibility from the driver's seat, with intuitive controls for audio, climate, and safety features. Cargo space was abundant, with 17 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85 cubic feet with both rows folded, making it one of the most spacious options in its class.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona introduced more tech features, starting with an 8-inch display on the base SE trim. The SEL trim added SiriusXM, HD Radio, and Hyundai Blue Link, while the Limited and Kona N offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Kona's infotainment system was user-friendly, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The vehicle also featured a digital key, wireless device charging, and a suite of connected services through Hyundai Blue Link.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's tech offerings included an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, running Uconnect 5. The system was generally easy to use, despite some legibility issues. The McIntosh sound system, with 19 speakers, was available on upper trims. The Grand Cherokee L also featured night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen for entertainment and navigation control. The vehicle's tech features, including Amazon Fire TV and a "FamCam," provided a comprehensive and advanced experience for passengers.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Optional technologies included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kona received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crashworthiness tests. However, it did not achieve Top Safety Pick status due to the "Marginal" rating for child-seat anchors.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and received five stars from the NHTSA in most tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features on higher trims included front cross-traffic braking, 360-degree cameras, and night vision. The Grand Cherokee L's comprehensive safety suite made it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.