2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler aesthetic, with its rugged exterior features like the exterior-mounted spare tire, removable doors, rounded headlights, and the iconic seven-slot grille. The only noticeable differences indicating its plug-in hybrid nature were the blue decals, specific badging, and the charger port on the driver’s side front quarter panel. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe offered a mix of Dark Saddle brown leather seats, black leather inserts with contrast stitching, and a prominent front passenger grab handle. However, the interior was dominated by black plastic, a reminder of its utilitarian roots. Despite its hybrid status, the Wrangler 4xe retained the essence of a traditional Wrangler, with some surprising omissions like the lack of standard heated seats in Canada.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade presented a striking and elegant design, shedding any past criticisms of Hyundai's derivative styling. Its exterior featured distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and sculpted wheel arches, creating a visually appealing profile. The continuous strip of glass surfaces around the tailgate gave the impression of a floating rear roof, while expressive LED headlights and taillights added to its modern look. Inside, the Palisade was equally refined, with a horizontally arrayed 12.3-inch touchscreen, high-quality materials, and a spacious cabin. The second row offered either a bench or captain's chairs, and the third row was roomy enough for adults on short trips. The Palisade's fit and finish approached near-luxury levels, making it a worthy flagship for Hyundai.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total system output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Wrangler 4xe was trail-rated, featuring a Selec-trac two-speed transfer case for the Sahara grades and a Rock-trac transfer case for the Rubicon, offering various drive settings. It boasted solid front and rear axles, locking differentials, and a fully articulating suspension, with up to 27.4 cm of ground clearance and 76 cm of water fording capability. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain provided an electric-only range of 35 kilometres, with hybrid, electric, and e-save modes for battery management. The Wrangler 4xe offered a burst of energy from a stop, but its handling and quietness were not its strong suits.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, with gasoline direct injection and dual variable valve timing, offered a smooth and responsive driving experience without turbo lag. The Palisade's fuel consumption was estimated at 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.6 on the highway, and 11.1 combined. Despite its middling efficiency, the Palisade's power and engine note were appealing. Weighing between 1,991 and 2,004 kilograms, it handled well with its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. The Palisade could tow up to 2,267 kilograms with trailer brakes, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was designed to accommodate its battery pack under the rear seats, minimizing space loss for second-row occupants. Headroom for the Sahara grades was consistent with standard Wrangler models, while legroom was slightly reduced. The Rubicon's soft-top roof provided additional headroom. Cargo space was somewhat compromised, with 784 litres available with the second-row seats upright and 1,908 litres with them folded. The Wrangler's width of 1,875 mm made it manageable in urban settings. An optional power-retracting roof added convenience, allowing for on-the-fly operation. However, some quirks, like the centre stack window controls, remained.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and functionality. The third row offered comfortable seating and easy access, while the second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and headroom. Storage options were plentiful, with door panels, cupholders, and seatback pockets. Luggage space measured 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,297 litres with it folded, and 2,447 litres with both rows down. An underfloor storage compartment added extra capacity. The Palisade's gear selector featured a compact shift-by-wire setup, and controls were logically arranged. A dual-panel sunroof enhanced the ambiance, and heated and ventilated seats were standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured the Uconnect 4C system with navigation on an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Uconnect was praised for its intuitive interface, combining touch controls with hard buttons and dials for essential functions. The system included off-road pages and Hybrid Electric Pages for efficiency settings. However, the Wrangler 4xe lacked some modern tech features, such as a fully digital instrument cluster and wireless phone charging. It did offer four USB ports and a 7-inch colour information display.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess. The standard display audio system featured a 1920 x 720 colour touchscreen, with a 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system on higher trims. The infotainment system included wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and satellite radio. USB ports were abundant, with a Qi wireless charging pad on Ultimate Calligraphy models. The Palisade also offered a rear-view monitor, surround view function, and a head-up display. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system provided remote engine start and vehicle monitoring, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe shared its structural design with other Wranglers, receiving a Good rating in most IIHS crashworthiness tests. However, it received a Marginal rating in the driver’s side small overlap front test due to tipping over, and rear passenger head protection was also rated Marginal. The NHTSA rated the Wrangler with four stars for front crash tests and three stars for rollover resistance. Safety features were limited, with blind spot monitoring and rear park assist standard only on the Unlimited Sahara High Altitude. The Advanced Safety Group offered additional features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade boasted a comprehensive list of safety features. Passive safety included seven airbags, three-point seat belts, LATCH anchors, and more. Standard active safety features encompassed anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. Higher trims added features like Highway Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.