2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, and opinions on its design had mellowed over time. While the short grille opening and swept-back headlights were initially polarizing, they became more accepted after seven years. The Cherokee's appearance varied significantly depending on the trim level. The entry-level Latitude with 17-inch wheels and front-wheel drive (FWD) looked quite basic, while the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding offered a more refined look. Jeep's attention to roof design was notable, with the Cherokee featuring an optional panoramic sunroof that covered the entire top surface. Overall, the Cherokee stood out in a crowded field of crossover SUVs, bearing a resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee from the front.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento exuded style, especially with the X-Line treatment. Rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails added a rugged and purposeful look to the already attractive SUV. The test vehicle featured the X-Line package, which included all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, along with extra-cost Wolf Gray paint, Rust-colored leather, floor mats, and a cargo net, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310. The base LX trim with front-wheel drive (FWD) started at $29,590, making the Sorento accessible at various price points. Regardless of the version chosen, the Sorento's interior exuded quality, with leather upholstery, simulated wood trim, and a well-constructed cabin. The Sorento's interior style and practical storage space made it a compelling choice for buyers.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options, depending on the trim level. The Latitude and Latitude Plus came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower. The 3.2-liter V-6 engine, available on higher trims, significantly improved output to 271 hp. The top-tier engine was the 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder, generating 270 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite these options, none of the engines provided outstanding acceleration, with the V6 engine achieving 0-60 mph in about 7.2 seconds and the turbo-four in about 7.4 seconds. All Cherokee models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had proven to be a capable and fuel-efficient choice. The Cherokee's off-road capability was notable, especially in the Trailhawk model, which featured Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the Cherokee was also available in FWD, making it a more affordable option for rental fleets.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. However, the Sorento offered more powerful options, including a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine, available starting with the Sorento EX trim, provided a more enjoyable driving experience. The turbo engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, delivering a 0-60 mph time of about 7.5 seconds with AWD. The Sorento's suspension and handling were impressive, offering a blend of compliance and composure. The X-Line package raised ground clearance to 8.2 inches, enhancing off-road capability, though it was best suited for light off-roading. The Sorento's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed an average of around 20.7 mpg.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee occupied a space between the smaller Renegade and the larger Grand Cherokee in the Jeep lineup. However, it fell short in terms of utility compared to other compact crossovers. With 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded, the Cherokee lagged behind competitors like the Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, and Kia Sportage. The Cherokee offered about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in that metric. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with trim levels influencing the overall feel. The Latitude trim featured rubberized black plastic, while the Trailhawk offered suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching. The Latitude Lux trim added perforated Nappa leather upholstery for a more upscale appearance.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior often felt luxurious, especially in the SX Prestige trim. The SX Prestige featured a 14-way power driver's seat with thigh support extension, 10-way power adjustment for the front passenger, and heated and ventilated front seats. The heated steering wheel was a welcome addition for colder climates. Second-row captain's chairs were standard starting with the EX trim, and they were heated in the SX Prestige X-Line. The Sorento's second-row area was designed with kids in mind, offering cupholders, USB charging ports, rear air conditioning vents, and dual storage pockets. The available panoramic sunroof extended over the second row. However, the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults, with limited legroom and flat cushions. Folding the third-row seat expanded the cargo space from 12.6 cubic feet to 38.5 cubic feet, and folding the second-row seats provided 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The Sorento also featured a "smart" power tailgate for added convenience.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Stellantis Uconnect infotainment system, which was highly regarded for its user-friendly interface. The system was available with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both screen sizes offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, though they required a wired connection. The Cherokee also provided a 4G WiFi hotspot and integration with Amazon Alexa. Remote start was available, adding convenience for various climates. The Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis brands, offering a familiar experience for users.

Starting in 2022, the Kia Sorento featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system on all trims except the base LX, which retained an 8-inch screen. The larger screen included navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the latter required a wired connection. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the font style, graphics, and colors might not appeal to everyone. The Sorento's system shared similarities with Hyundai models, though Kia's voice recognition was less effective. The SX Prestige X-Line trim included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system, while wireless smartphone charging was standard starting with the EX trim.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. However, it received top "Good" scores in every crashworthiness category and a G+ score for the ease of use of the LATCH child seat anchors. The Cherokee's headlights received mixed ratings, with upper trims earning an "Acceptable" rating and lower trims receiving a "Marginal" rating. The NHTSA gave the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating, with a slight demerit for front driver side crash protection. The Cherokee offered advanced safety features as standard, including lane departure warning, full-speed forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came standard with Kia Drive Wise, though the features varied by trim level. The test vehicle included a comprehensive list of safety features, such as a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor system. The Sorento also offered Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The IIHS named the Sorento a Top Safety Pick, with the only negative rating being for the headlights on lower trims. The NHTSA gave the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact collision and rollover resistance, and five-star ratings in other assessments.