2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained its reputation for luxury and ruggedness, extending its classic style with an additional foot in length. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured a bold aesthetic, with blacked-out elements and dark gray 21-inch wheels. Inside, the upper trims impressed with a mix of high-end materials, though not all were top-tier. The interior boasted a polished black dash, a metal gear selector, and diamond-patterned stitching, offering a classy feel for those willing to spend more. Despite some hard plastics, the Grand Cherokee L's interior was notably superior to lower-priced competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative exterior design, lacking the standout looks of some other Hyundai models. The Calligraphy AWD trim in Stormy Sea paint offered a dark, monotone interior, though the Nappa leather seats provided comfort and style. The Santa Fe's cabin was high-quality, with heated and cooled front seats standard in the Calligraphy trim. While the interior was dark, opting for a beige or gray interior could provide more visual contrast. The Santa Fe's design was practical and comfortable, appealing to those seeking a more understated look.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hindered by its standard V6 engine, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine's noise was well-muffled, but its performance was lackluster, especially in sport mode. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better towing capacity and sound. The V8 allowed for a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds, compared to 6,200 with the V6. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, with air suspension enhancing cornering and ride comfort. Three optional 4WD systems offered varying levels of off-road capability, with the air suspension allowing for adjustable ground clearance.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine with 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine provided immediate acceleration and passing power, with no noticeable turbo lag. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering. The turbo version could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the non-turbo version was limited to 2,000 pounds. The Santa Fe's performance was competitive for its price point, offering a balance of power and ride comfort.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended length provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, with standard second-row captain's chairs. The third row was best suited for children, as it was tight for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 17 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85 cubic feet with both rows folded. The interior featured a range of buttons for easy access to various controls, though some infotainment graphics were difficult to read.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, offered 41.7 inches of rear-seat legroom, among the best in its class. Cargo space was competitive, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Santa Fe's interior was comfortable, with features like dual-zone climate control and a hands-free smart liftgate. The Calligraphy trim included a head-up display and a panoramic sunroof, though the driver's seat position could be awkward for some.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, running Uconnect 5. The system was generally user-friendly, though some legibility issues were noted. The McIntosh sound system, with 19 speakers, was available on upper trims. The Grand Cherokee L offered advanced tech features like night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that could play video and control navigation.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, with a 4.2-inch display on lower trims and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims. The infotainment system included an 8-inch display on the base trim and a 10.25-inch touchscreen on higher trims, with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Santa Fe's voice-recognition system had mixed results, but the infotainment system was highly customizable.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored five stars in most NHTSA tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and night vision.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. The Highway Driving Assist feature was standard on SEL and above trims, enhancing driving ease with adaptive cruise control.