Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was designed to be much more than a simple reboot of the original Ioniq. It was a completely new spinoff that emphasized electrified mobility with a fresh approach. Different from its predecessor that offered three electrified variants, the 2022 model was available exclusively as an EV, marking the beginning of Hyundai's Ioniq sub-brand dedicated solely to electric vehicles. This strategic shift showcased Hyundai's commitment to EVs, much like the Hyundai N sub-brand represents performance.

At first glance, the Ioniq 5 presented an understated, polished exterior. Its character lines were minimal, avoiding the flashy sheet metal work seen on some other vehicles. However, a closer inspection revealed a complex design philosophy termed 'Parametric Pixel,' which made extensive use of an 8-bit box motif reminiscent of a Nintendo game, especially in the vehicle's LED lighting.

The Parametric Pixel design was apparent in all the exterior lights, including headlights, taillights, and turn signals, which were intricately designed with dot-matrix configurations to create the illusion of pixels. The use of LED pixels was extensive, evoking a concept car feel in a production vehicle. Other exterior design elements included aerodynamic wheels with ornamental designs that extended into the wheel arches and horizontal lines that offered a silver-contrast trimming around the vehicle's bottom half, adding a touch of nostalgia.

Inside, the Ioniq 5 flipped the script with a calm 'Living Space' theme. Available in black, gray, and dark green interiors, the cabin's mellow tones created a relaxing atmosphere. Hyundai offered a unique 'Relaxation' mode for the driver’s seat, which reclined to a zero-gravity position for ultimate comfort. The interior materials were sustainably sourced, featuring stain-resistant cloth seats, leatherette upholstery in higher trims, and recycled fibers from plastic bottles for door inserts and armrests.

On the flip side, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was comfortably familiar in its design while integrating traditional Jeep aesthetics with modern elements. The new Grand Cherokee L had already set a precedent in 2021, and the two-row 2022 model followed with a powertrain and trim lineup almost identical to its larger sibling.

The new Grand Cherokee sported the iconic seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, with design cues borrowed from the 1963 Wagoneer like the forward-leaning grille, headlights, and a lowered beltline. Jeep even introduced a black roof option and assured more exterior color options would follow.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee shared many elements with the Grand Cherokee L, ranging from basic cloth seats in the Laredo trim to luxurious quilted leather and high-end audio systems in the Summit Reserve. Regardless of the trim level, the cabin exuded quality with thoughtful material choices and enhanced visibility, especially beneficial during off-roading. The panoramic sunroof added an airy feel, and although rear-seat room was tight, the Grand Cherokee L offered better legroom. Cargo space was competitive, with the two-row Grand Cherokee providing 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat, extendable to 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with a range of configurations to suit different needs. Available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, its standard RWD setup could be upgraded to AWD. The base model, SE Standard Range, featured a 128-kW rear motor delivering 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. This model, however, was slated for a later release in spring 2022.

The more readily available extended-range variants included a larger 168-kW motor producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with the best single-charge range of 303 miles. Opting for AWD added a 74-kW front motor and a 165-kW rear motor, bringing the total output to 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though range dropped to 256 miles. Despite its impressive specs, the Ioniq 5 was not aimed at performance enthusiasts but managed a 0-60 mph sprint in under 5 seconds in its Limited AWD trim. Sport mode added some driving excitement but at the expense of range.

Regenerative braking was versatile, with four adjustable levels and an i-Pedal setting for one-pedal driving, enhancing the driving experience. Noise control was a significant feature, with aerodynamic wheels and noise-absorbing materials contributing to a quiet cabin.

Conversely, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a familiar yet robust powertrain selection. Available with RWD or 4WD, it sported a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. Higher trims could opt for a 5.7-liter V8 producing 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, and increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds.

There were three 4WD systems: Quadra-Trac I, suitable for light off-roading; Quadra-Trac II, with a two-speed transfer case for tougher terrains; and Quadra-Drive II, featuring a two-speed transfer case and the ability to send 100% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Grand Cherokee’s V6 was the more efficient choice, achieving up to 21.3 mpg in our tests, whereas the V8 managed 17 mpg. The Trailhawk trim, tailored for off-roading, featured advanced tools like Selec-Terrain and Selec-Speed along with an electronic locking differential and a Quadra-Lift air suspension.

Built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 leveraged a longer wheelbase, surpassing even the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. At 118.1 inches, it offered more interior space than competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4, though it was shorter in overall length, making it surprisingly roomy and flexible.

The Ioniq 5 boasted a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet. Although it had less rear cargo space (27.2 cu-ft) compared to the ID.4’s 30.3 cu-ft, it prioritized passenger comfort with 106.5 cu-ft of passenger volume, significantly more than its competitors. The interior featured practical and comfortable touches, including a movable center console and highly supportive leatherette seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered solid comfort across all trims. The higher trims, such as the Summit Reserve, provided luxurious touches like front seat massagers and McIntosh audio systems. Visibility improvements were evident, especially useful for off-roading.

However, the rear seats in the two-row Grand Cherokee remained tight for taller passengers, which could be remedied by opting for the Grand Cherokee L. Cargo space was generous, with the standard model offering 37.7 cu-ft behind the rear seats and up to 70.8 cu-ft with the seats folded, compared to the Grand Cherokee L’s 46.9 cu-ft and 84.6 cu-ft, respectively.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 dazzled with cutting-edge technology. It featured a next-gen high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, supporting both 400-volt and 800-volt charging infrastructures without additional tools. Using a 350-kW charger, it could gain 68 miles of range in just 5 minutes, with a full charge taking about 42 minutes. Hyundai's partnership with Electrify America provided two years of unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions.

The Ioniq 5 also excelled in multimedia tech, with a bespoke Blue Link app, digital key, AI voice recognition, and over-the-air updates. The twin 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, both featuring anti-glare coating, were a standout.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee didn't lag behind, offering advanced features like a head-up display, Night Vision, and a camera-based rearview mirror. It incorporated Jeep’s Uconnect 5 system, claimed to be five times more responsive than its predecessor, with standard features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM 360L. The premium trims could be equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, and a unique passenger-side interactive display.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came loaded with advanced driver assistance systems through the Hyundai SmartSense suite. Features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. Also standard was Hyundai's Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous system with adaptive cruise control that learns the driver’s habits. Although official safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's strong record in safety indicated high expectations for the Ioniq 5.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, designed with extensive aluminum and high-strength steel, also came equipped with a comprehensive ADAS package. New features included Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, providing Level 2 semi-autonomous capability. Jeep’s plans for a hands-free version of Active Driving Assist further highlighted its advanced technology. Improved design and materials suggested better safety performance, building upon the previous model’s shortcomings.