2022 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Jeep Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved over time, becoming more palatable since its debut. Initially, the short grille and swept-back headlights were points of contention, but over the years, the Cherokee's proportions seemed to improve. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding. Jeep's knack for maximizing roof utility was evident in the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, which covered the entire top surface. The Cherokee stood out in a crowded SUV market, bearing a resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee, especially from the front.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sportage's design was a mixed bag. While Kia's tiger-nose grille worked well on other models, it seemed out of place on the Sportage, resembling a Halloween party mustache. Despite this, Kia nailed other design elements, such as the four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and the symmetrical rear fascia. The SX Turbo's 19-inch wheels gave it a planted stance. Inside, the Sportage boasted a Germanic design with polished metallic accents and a high-contrast interior. The controls were user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy adjustments, and the transmission shifter's operation conveyed a sense of quality.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower for the Latitude and Latitude Plus trims. A 3.2-liter V-6 engine increased output to 271 hp, while the top-tier 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder delivered 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite these options, acceleration was modest, with the V6 achieving 0-60 mph in about 7.2 seconds and the turbo-four in 7.4 seconds. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which improved over time. The Cherokee Trailhawk excelled off-road, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the Cherokee was also available in FWD, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came with a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine generating 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The SX Turbo variant offered a more potent 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it suitable for high-altitude locations. Both engines used a six-speed automatic transmission, with an optional Dynamax all-wheel-drive system. The SX Turbo's acceleration was brisk, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm. The Sportage's suspension provided a smooth ride, and the SX Turbo featured upgraded brakes and exclusive 19-inch wheels. While the Sportage felt sporty, it wasn't as refined as competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee occupied a niche between the smaller Renegade and larger Grand Cherokee. However, it lagged in utility, offering only 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, placing it at the bottom among compact SUVs. Passenger volume was about 102 cubic feet, competitive with rivals. The interior was straightforward, with trim levels influencing satisfaction. The Latitude featured basic materials, while the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale options like suede seat inserts and Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller, provided a roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim offered perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. Cargo space was limited, with 60.1 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded and 30.7 cubic feet behind the back seat. The Sportage featured a smart liftgate for hands-free access, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface. It offered 7-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreens, depending on the trim, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The system included a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, adding convenience in various climates. The Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis brands, providing a familiar experience for users.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Most trims included UVO Link services and satellite radio, while the SX Turbo added wireless charging and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with knobs for volume and tuning. However, the UVO Link system was less advanced, lacking a WiFi hotspot and offering wired smartphone mirroring. Despite these limitations, the system was easy to use.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received "Good" scores in crashworthiness from the IIHS but did not earn a Top Safety Pick award. It had a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a slight demerit for front driver side crash protection. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and a driver monitoring system. Blind-spot warning was available on higher trims. The SX Turbo included adaptive cruise control. The Sportage earned favorable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo achieving an Acceptable headlight rating for a Top Safety Pick designation.