2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim did not impress with its new XRT 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. The XRT trim, priced higher than the SE and SEL trims but lower than the Limited and Calligraphy trims, included all the equipment from the SEL and its Convenience Package. The test vehicle, painted in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, offered little visual contrast and felt like viewing an old black-and-white image. However, the interior patterns and brightwork made the cabin a pleasant place to spend time, demonstrating thoughtful design and high quality for the price point.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, redesigned for a sportier two-row, five-passenger version, mirrored the powertrain and trim-level lineup of its larger sibling, the Grand Cherokee L. Available in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, the Grand Cherokee's prices ranged from $37,390 to $63,365, excluding a $1,795 destination charge. The new Grand Cherokee's styling reflected influences from the 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee's interior ranged from basic but high-quality in the Laredo trim to luxurious in the Summit Reserve trim, featuring premium leather, heated and ventilated seats, a McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof.

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 freeway speeds and cruising but lacked the power for quick acceleration or climbing hills. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, with pushbutton controls for gear selection. The Santa Fe offered Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the default Smart mode best suited for low-demand driving. The test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 24 mpg. The ride quality was good, with excellent suspension isolation and a quiet cabin, but the handling and steering were unremarkable. The XRT's cosmetic treatment did not enhance off-road performance, and the running boards could detract from it.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and came with either a V6 or V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a tow rating of 6,200 pounds. The available 5.7-liter V8 engine supplied 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. Three different 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee's fuel economy ranged from 17 mpg to 21 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain. The Trailhawk trim, designed for serious off-roading, featured Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, a Quadra-Lift air suspension, and all-terrain tires. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, with nimble handling and a specific driving character that delivered compliance without feeling too soft.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT included 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, dressed in stain-resistant fabric, provided good comfort, but the front passenger's seat lacked height adjustment. The rear-seat accommodations were spacious, with plenty of room for a family of four and features like rear side-window shades, USB charging ports, and rear air conditioning vents. The Santa Fe offered 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded down. The hands-free power-opening "Smart Tailgate" was convenient but could open unintentionally.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading, and the available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel to the cabin. Rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, and the plastic front seatback trim was uncomfortable. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 70.8 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded down. The three-row Grand Cherokee L provided more cargo space and second-row legroom.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and Bluelink connected services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs, clean graphics, and logical menus. The XRT trim did not include the upgraded infotainment system available in higher trims, which offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Santa Fe's digital key technology allowed Android-based smartphones to unlock the doors and start the engine. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a thoughtful feature for distracted drivers.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, offering a comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard in every Grand Cherokee, featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available in higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and voice recognition were standard. The Grand Cherokee also offered a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV integration. The optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger allowed for entertainment and driver assistance.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with a comprehensive Hyundai SmartSense collection of driver-assist and collision-avoidance systems, 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 Junction Turning Detection system and Safe Exit Assist were also standard. The ultrasonic rear occupant alert system monitored the interior for movement and could respond to a baby waking up. Bluelink provided additional safety features like automatic emergency assistance and vehicle alerts. 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 featured an impressive collection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a safety cage composed extensively of aluminum and high-strength steel. The ADAS package included Intersection Collision Assist, Active Driving Assist, and a hands-free version of Active Driving Assist coming in 2022. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 hands-on semi-autonomous driving assistance with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The system performed well on highways but required driver attention on tighter curves. The new Grand Cherokee's crash-test performance remained to be seen, but the extensive use of high-strength materials suggested improved safety.