2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, extending 29 centimetres to accommodate third-row seating. Its wheelbase stretched an additional 12.7 cm, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The design seamlessly integrated the extra length, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep's decision to release the L model first, as an all-new 2021 model, contributed to this perception. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing with slimmer, brighter lighting. The interior boasted high-end materials like real wood and Palermo leather, offering a luxurious feel akin to a Mercedes, without sharing parts.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai's largest SUV, received a styling update that enhanced its road presence. The new front fascia, with its squared-off grille and LED lighting, gave the Palisade a stronger look. Standard features included body-colour mirrors with heating and power functions, and the Ultimate Calligraphy trim added premium rear accent lighting and a unique grille. The Palisade's 20-inch alloy wheels conveyed a premium feel, and a new colour, Robust Emerald, was introduced. Inside, the Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured premium Nappa leather and a dual-pane sunroof, while lower trims had cloth seats and a single sunroof. The Palisade's interior design drew inspiration from Mercedes-Benz, with horizontal quilting and dash lines, and offered a range of comfort features, including heated and ventilated seats.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, four-wheel drive was standard, with three different systems available. The V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, but it struggled with the vehicle's weight, requiring high revs for power. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, providing a more satisfying performance. Fuel efficiency for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8 was less efficient. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis offered excellent ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension providing adjustable ride heights and comfort levels. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by various driving modes and a maximum towing capacity of 3,265 kilograms.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured a single powertrain: a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine was competitive within its class, offering more power than some rivals. The Palisade's eight-speed automatic transmission could be controlled with paddle shifters, and all-wheel drive was standard in Canada. The HTRAC all-wheel drive system performed well in off-road conditions, although the Palisade was not designed for rock-crawling. It offered a comfortable ride and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Fuel economy was rated at 12.6 L/100 km city, 9.5 highway, and 11.2 combined.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek interface. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch version. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row. However, the air vents were small, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered spacious seating for seven or eight passengers, with generous legroom in all rows. The second-row seats facilitated easy access to the third row, and the seats folded flat for increased cargo space. The Palisade provided 509 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,297 litres behind the second row, and 2,447 litres with all seats folded. A hands-free smart liftgate was standard on most trims. The Palisade's interior featured HVAC vents in all rows, numerous cupholders, and a well-organized centre console. Physical buttons and knobs were compact and intuitive, and dual-zone climate control was standard.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Active Driving Assist system provided highway steering assistance. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids were standard. The Summit trims included additional features like automatic parking and a McIntosh audio system.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims. Bluetooth connectivity allowed for multiple devices, and USB ports were available in all rows. The Palisade's Bluelink connected vehicle system offered remote accessibility and management features, including remote start presets and seat heating or cooling. A digital instrument cluster and in-car intercom were standard on higher trims, and a head-up display was included on the Ultimate Calligraphy.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by major safety organizations. It came with standard driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It featured Hyundai's Smart Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist was standard on higher trims, and a digital rearview mirror was available. The Palisade also included safe exit warning and rear seat occupant alert.