2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. It featured a minimalist exterior design with subtle character lines, but a closer look revealed a complex array of design elements, particularly the Parametric Pixel design used extensively in the lighting. The interior, contrasting the exterior's intricate design, was calm and inviting, with a "Living Space" theme that emphasized comfort and sustainability. The cabin materials included recycled fibers and bio-materials, and the seats offered a "Relaxation" mode for added comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an extended version of the standard Grand Cherokee, adding 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. The exterior maintained Jeep's recognizable design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, but with modernized lighting and improved paint finish. The interior was luxurious, with high-end materials like quilted Nappa leather and real wood, and featured dual high-resolution screens. The Grand Cherokee L's cabin was spacious, even in the third row, and offered a panoramic roof and ample USB ports for convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in three trims—SE, SEL, and Limited—and offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The base SE Standard Range featured a 128-kW rear motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and a 303-mile range. The AWD variants combined a 74-kW front motor and a 165-kW rear motor for a total of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well on various terrains, offering four drive modes, including a Sport mode that added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle also featured paddle shifters for adjusting regenerative braking levels and had a quiet cabin due to noise-reducing features.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered either RWD or 4WD. The V6 engine felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, while the V8 provided better performance. The Grand Cherokee L also had an optional 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a 17.3-kWh battery and two electric motors for a total of 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The chassis was impressive, offering a smooth ride and precise handling, with an optional air suspension that adjusted ride height and comfort levels.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a longer wheelbase and maximizing interior space. Despite its hatchback appearance, it was sized like an electric SUV, with a wheelbase longer than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. The Ioniq 5 provided 133.7 cubic feet of interior volume, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The cabin featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, enhancing comfort and utility. The seats were supportive and comfortable, making long drives pleasant.

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 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 or an optional bench seat. The panoramic roof and large windows added to the spacious feel, but the air vents were insufficient, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and could charge other devices or vehicles. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and anti-glare, ensuring clear visibility even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features in upper trims, such as massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. New for 2022 were optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also featured a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, but Hyundai's track record suggested high marks.

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, and trailer sway control. The vehicle also offered various driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.