2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting including puddle lamps, additional lower body trim, exclusive 20-inch wheels, upgraded interior detailing, and a simulated suede interior headliner. These features made the Calligraphy trim look fancier than other Palisades, drawing attention with its unconventional styling. While opinions on its aesthetics varied, the Calligraphy trim undeniably appeared more expensive than it was, both inside and out. The interior, with its Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, and suede headliner, made the Palisade Calligraphy seem like a genuine bargain compared to other midsize three-row SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L extended the standard two-row Grand Cherokee by 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats, with a wheelbase stretched by five inches for more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. The extra length blended seamlessly into the body, making the standard Grand Cherokee look truncated. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's recognizable design elements, such as the seven-slot rectangular 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, enhancing the vehicle's elegance. New exterior paint colors for 2022 included Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding Snow mode and a Lock function for improved low-speed traction. The EPA estimated a Palisade AWD would achieve 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade's firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without encouraging aggressive driving. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

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 and available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, but it felt insufficient for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available only on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The V6 achieved an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 managed 14/22/17. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis offered stellar ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension providing adjustable ride heights and excellent handling. The maximum towing capacity was 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 with 4WD.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility. The Calligraphy trim offered eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and separate climate controls for third-row passengers. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and support, with easy access to the third-row seat. The Palisade offered 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be disabled if desired.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek interface and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch touchscreen. 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, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced comfort, though the air vents were less effective. The Grand Cherokee L offered a large central bin for wireless phone charging and a big central cubby under the armrest.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Other features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims featured multiple massage modes for the 16-way power adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system could take over the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. New for 2022 were an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping systems, and a rear occupant alert system. Higher trims included active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, Safe Exit Assist, and a Blind View Monitor. Highway Drive Assist provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with three free years of Blue Link services for automatic collision warning and emergency assistance.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. Higher trims offered additional safety features such as automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition.