2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim did not impress with its new treatment. It lacked a suspension lift and more aggressive tires, which would have made it more convincing. The side steps, while useful for roof rack access, impeded entry and exit and reduced the breakover angle for off-roading. Unless the roof rack was used regularly, the XRT's visual enhancements were not recommended. The XRT trim was one of five gasoline Santa Fe trims, priced higher than the SE and SEL but lower than the Limited and Calligraphy trims. It included all SEL equipment and the Convenience Package, with a starting price of $34,095. The test vehicle, in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, had an MSRP of $35,940. Despite the lack of visual contrast, the interior patterns and brightwork made the cabin pleasant, demonstrating thoughtful design and high quality for the price point.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, accommodating a third row of seats. The wheelbase stretched five inches for more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. The extra mass and larger rear blended seamlessly into the body, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. The Grand Cherokee L was elegant and recognizable as a Jeep, with modernized lighting and improved paint finish and panel fit. All trim levels, from the base Laredo to the loaded Summit Reserve, looked impressive. For 2022, Jeep added new exterior paint colors: Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky. The interior featured dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof, making it feel luxurious and well worth the price.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. With nearly two tons of curb weight, the engine was adequate for reaching freeway speeds and cruising comfortably but lacked the power for quick acceleration. For more power, the Limited and Calligraphy trims offered a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, with pushbutton controls for gear selection. Driving modes included Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system that could be locked for maximum traction. The test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg. The ride quality was good, with excellent suspension isolation and a quiet cabin. Handling, steering, and braking were satisfactory, though the XRT's performance was not particularly notable. The XRT's cosmetic enhancements did not improve off-road capability, but the Santa Fe was generally capable on rough terrain.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in RWD or 4WD. The V6 engine, while sufficient, required high revs and was noisy under acceleration. The V8 provided better performance and sound. Fuel economy for the V6 was 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was 14/22/17. The chassis was a highlight, with excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension offered five ride height settings, enhancing comfort and off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee L handled well on rough roads, with a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 with 4WD.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer and rear air conditioning vents. The eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was comfortable, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats offered ample space and comfort, with rear side-window shades and USB charging ports. Storage space was adequate, with various compartments and a hands-free power-opening "Smart Tailgate." The cargo area provided 36.4 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs or an optional bench seat. A panoramic roof, large windows, and USB ports enhanced comfort. However, the air vents were small and required the fan to be on high, which was noisy.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and clean graphics. The XRT also featured Hyundai's digital key technology and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system. The infotainment system was easy to use, though the test vehicle lacked the upgraded system available on higher trims.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and Active Driving Assist. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. New for 2022 were optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with numerous standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.