2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid showcased a dramatic new design, featuring sharp, angular cues across its fascia and sides. It was longer and wider than its predecessor, making it unmistakable from the 2021 model. The grille, shared with the Santa Cruz, blended seamlessly with the LED headlights, creating a futuristic look. The base-level Blue trim had 17-inch wheels, while the SEL Convenience trim included a panoramic sunroof and a hands-free smart tailgate. The interior was open and airy, with heated front seats, cloth upholstery, and an eight-way power driver seat on the Blue trim. The Limited trim added a 10.25-inch digital driver information display, wireless device charging, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, introduced as a longer version of the standard Grand Cherokee, featured an 11.4-inch longer body to accommodate a third row of seats. The design was elegant and recognizable as a Jeep, with modernized lighting and improved 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, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The spacious cabin offered comfort and visual stimulation, with ample USB ports and a panoramic roof.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-liter turbo-four engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The steering was responsive, and the six-speed automatic transmission managed everything admirably. The suspension soaked up road imperfections, keeping the vehicle balanced through corners. The EPA rated the Tucson Hybrid at 37 mpg city, 36 highway, and 37 combined, with the Blue trim achieving 38 mpg across the board. A plug-in hybrid version was expected to offer 80 MPGe with 33 miles of all-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 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, felt insufficient for the vehicle's weight. The V8, with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, provided better performance. The plug-in hybrid 4xe, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a 17.3-kWh battery, delivered 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The V6 achieved an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 25 highway, and 21 combined, while the V8 managed 14/22/17. The chassis offered stellar ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension providing five ride height settings.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, despite its larger footprint, offered impressive cargo space. The trunk held 38.8 cubic feet, expanding to 74.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Front and rear legroom exceeded 41 inches, and the rear seats reclined. The cargo floor had a dual-level system, and the interior featured multiple cupholders and bottle holders. The Limited trim's ambient lighting added flair to the cabin.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with straightforward graphics and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, 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 USB ports enhanced comfort, though the air vents were insufficient for proper airflow.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid's tech was good but sometimes frustrating. The 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Limited trim looked great but only utilized about 8 inches for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, requiring a wired connection. The smaller 8-inch screen in lower trims offered wireless connectivity. The touch-capacitive buttons for infotainment and HVAC controls were less user-friendly, but steering-wheel controls helped. The Tucson provided plenty of USB ports and a Bose premium stereo in the test vehicle.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims offered premium features like multiple massage modes for the 16-way power adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. New for 2022, optional touchscreens for rear-seat passengers and a front passenger display were available. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The Limited trim added a surround-view monitor, highway-driving assist, and unique features like blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.