2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model in the U.S. with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front featured Hyundai's new vehicle face, with a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The illuminated lights formed a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. The Tucson's side profile borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Elantra, including a silver D-pillar that created a floating roof effect. At the rear, the Tucson sported LED-illuminated toothy taillights, except for the base model, which helped it stand out among compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch wheels, with high-end models featuring premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with standard stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, and a spacious, uncluttered dashboard design.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, introduced as a longer version of the standard Grand Cherokee, featured an 11.4-inch extension to accommodate a third row of seats. Its design seamlessly integrated the extra length, making the standard model appear truncated. The Grand Cherokee L retained Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving paint finish and panel fit. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome. The interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather. Despite its higher price, the Grand Cherokee L's interior felt like a worthwhile investment, offering a Mercedes-like style and quality. The spacious cabin accommodated passengers comfortably, with second-row captain's chairs and a panoramic roof enhancing the experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. The ICE engine produced 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly thrilling, it was competent and more efficient than its predecessor, targeting 28 mpg combined. The hybrid powertrain, with 226 combined horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, provided a more engaging driving experience. The Tucson Hybrid outperformed competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid. All-wheel drive was standard on the hybrid and optional on ICE models, offering impressive off-road capabilities. The Tucson Hybrid achieved 37 mpg combined, with the most efficient model reaching 38 mpg. A plug-in hybrid version was anticipated, promising 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque, with an estimated 25 miles of electric range.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, with engine noise intruding into the cabin. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was a standout feature, offering excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension provided adjustable ride heights, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee L's towing capacity reached 7,200 pounds with 4WD. While the V6 offered decent fuel economy at 21 mpg combined, the V8 was less efficient at 17 mpg combined. A plug-in hybrid version was expected to improve efficiency further.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, a budget-friendly compact SUV, offered a well-appointed interior that rivaled its competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. It featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. Heated and ventilated front seats, memory settings, and an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat were also available. The Tucson's new platform provided more passenger and cargo space, with rear seats offering two inches more legroom than the RAV4. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, with a 74.8 cubic-foot cargo area comparable to the Forester and CR-V. A 60-40 split-folding rear bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor added versatility, while a hands-free liftgate was available on mid-grade models.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek graphics. Physical switches separated climate and stereo controls from the touchscreen, providing ease of use. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch version. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. A panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced passenger comfort. However, the air vents were small, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was noisy. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was spacious, accommodating adults comfortably in the third row, making it suitable for long journeys.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with a robust set of standard tech features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker audio system. A 4.2-inch multi-information display was positioned in front of the driver. Upgrading to the SEL/Blue trim added satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, and dual-zone automatic climate control. A 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen was available, but required plugging in devices for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen was embedded in a black plastic head unit, with touchpoints for climate and media controls. While responsive, the touchpoints lacked physical differentiation, making it challenging to use while driving. Steering wheel controls and voice commands were more reliable, though the narrow buttons were less user-friendly.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of high-end tech features on upper trims, including massage modes for the 16-way power adjustable front seats, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The Active Driving Assist system provided excellent steering on marked highways. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, offering a zoomed-in view of upcoming turns. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allowed two phones to connect simultaneously. New for 2022, an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen was available for the front passenger, along with dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The Summit trims offered additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition. The Summit Reserve trim boasted a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, while lower trims had simpler audio systems.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. It featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Additional options included blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai provided a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and complimentary maintenance for three years.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, and trailer sway control. The Grand Cherokee L also included various driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.