2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson rode on a new platform and was offered in the U.S. as a long-wheelbase model with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front featured a parametric grille that hid standard LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The side profile mirrored the Hyundai Elantra's design, with a silver D-pillar creating a floating roof effect. The rear showcased toothy taillights illuminated by LEDs in all but the base model, making the Tucson stand out among compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch wheels, with high-end trims featuring premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler required buyers to choose between a two-door or four-door model and offered a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, and plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions available. Our test vehicle, the High Tide special edition, included features like LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and the Xtreme Recon package, which added a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires. The Wrangler's unique character and capabilities made it a singularly immersive driving experience, though it came with compromises in comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came in two powertrain variants: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. The ICE engine delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain offered 226 combined horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, making it more powerful and fun to drive. The Tucson Hybrid was more fuel-efficient, achieving 37 mpg combined, compared to the ICE model's 29 mpg combined. Hyundai also planned to introduce a plug-in hybrid version with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque.

Our Wrangler High Tide had a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was great for slippery conditions. The EPA estimated 21 mpg combined for the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6, but our test vehicle averaged 16.8 mpg. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique and immersive, though it came with well-known traits like loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride.

The Hyundai Tucson's interior was well-appointed and spacious, with a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat standard and an eight-way version available on higher trims. The new platform allowed for more passenger and cargo space, with 74.8 cubic feet of cargo area. The rear seats offered two inches more legroom than the RAV4, and the cabin had plenty of space for a family of four. Features like a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and a hands-free liftgate were available.

Getting into and out of the Jeep Wrangler was challenging, especially with the High Tide's raised suspension. The seats were comfortable, and the cloth upholstery felt durable, but the driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard. Visibility was mixed, with some areas requiring leaning forward to see traffic lights. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. The Wrangler offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The Hyundai Tucson came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and two USB ports. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, and a fully digital instrument cluster. The larger screen required plugging in devices for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the touchpoints on the center console were difficult to use while driving.

The Jeep Wrangler High Tide had a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. The Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, a driver attention monitor, rear occupant alert, speed limit assist, and leading vehicle departure alert. Optional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and remote parking assist. Hyundai backed the Tucson with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty.

The Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS for small overlap crash-test protection and side-impact test. Headlight performance was rated Poor for standard lights and Marginal for LED upgrades.