2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2022 Kia Carnival

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, with opinions softening over time. While the short grille and swept-back headlights initially divided opinions, familiarity improved its perceived proportions. The Cherokee's appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch wheels and painted cladding. Jeep's design prowess was evident in features like the optional panoramic sunroof, enhancing its distinctiveness among crossover SUVs. The Cherokee's resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee, especially from the front, ensured it stood out in crowded parking lots.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Carnival offered unique design elements across its trims. The LX featured a standard grille and 17-inch wheels, while the EX trim doubled paint options and added 19-inch wheels and simulated leather. The SX trim introduced a mirrored grille and black wheels, while the SX Prestige focused on interior upgrades like VIP Lounge Seats and leather upholstery. The Carnival's SUV-inspired design included skid plates, a floating roof, and a robust roof rack. Despite visible sliding door tracks, Kia integrated them seamlessly with character lines, making the Carnival a standout in its segment with a sharp, angular design.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder produced 180 horsepower, while the 3.2-liter V-6 delivered 271 hp. The top-tier 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generated 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the V-6 in torque. Despite these options, acceleration was modest, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 to 7.4 seconds. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, praised for its fuel efficiency. The Trailhawk model excelled off-road with features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. Front-wheel drive was available, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.

The 2022 Kia Carnival featured a new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered smooth acceleration and various driving modes, including Smart and Sport. The Carnival achieved an average fuel economy of 21.7 mpg. Its front-wheel-drive setup provided a taut, athletic feel, though it could be stiff on uneven surfaces. The Carnival's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds, making it versatile for family adventures.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up and 55 cubic feet with seats folded, lagging behind competitors. It provided 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, competitive in its class. The interior was simple and businesslike, with trim levels influencing material quality. The Latitude featured basic materials, while the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale options like suede and Nappa leather.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, with SUV-style design limiting some storage space. The LX trim featured captain’s chairs, while higher trims offered an 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration. The SX Prestige boasted VIP Lounge Seats with luxurious features. The Carnival provided 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 86.9 cubic feet with seats folded. Removing second-row seats increased capacity to 145.1 cubic feet. The smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could be inadvertently triggered.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. It included a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. The system was praised for its user-friendly interface and consistent functionality across Stellantis brands. Remote start was available, enhancing convenience in various climates.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's LX trim included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX trim upgraded to a 12.3-inch widescreen system with wired connectivity, navigation, and additional features like Passenger View and Passenger Talk. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system, while the SX Prestige featured a 12.3-inch digital display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Kia provided a comprehensive guide to help users navigate the extensive technology offerings.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received "Good" scores in crashworthiness from the IIHS but lacked a Top Safety Pick award. It earned a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was limited to higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The EX trim added features like front parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist. The Carnival included an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim featured a surround-view camera system, while the SX Prestige offered a Blind View Monitor. Crash-test results were pending at the time of review.