2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Kia Seltos

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing five-passenger Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and more cargo volume. Despite the potential confusion of its model year designation, the Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the luxurious Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The SUV's design was unmistakably Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. Available in various trims, the Grand Cherokee L's price ranged from $36,995 to $64,235, with a destination charge of $1,695. The Summit trim test vehicle, equipped with numerous features, had a window sticker price of $64,770. While some interior materials didn't meet the high price expectations, the Summit's quilted leather and real wood trim were appealing, and the redesigned interior was a significant improvement over the old model.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Soul and the larger Sportage, available in five trim levels: LX, S, EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX. Prices ranged from $22,590 to $28,080, excluding a $1,255 destination charge. The Nightfall Edition test vehicle featured matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission, a black grille, added body cladding, and robust roof rails, with an MSRP of $28,045. The Seltos had an appealing design, though the headlights and intricate wheels had mixed reviews. Inside, the Seltos showcased a stylish interior with contrast-color dashboard panels, exposed stitching, gloss-black trim, and metallic accents. However, the abundance of shiny hard plastic detracted from the overall quality. Despite this, the build quality was excellent, and the controls were logically arranged, making the Seltos a practical and attractive choice in its segment.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD) or one of three 4WD systems. The V6 engine offered a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims and 4WD, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The V8 upgrade added $3,295 to the price. The test vehicle had the V6 engine and 4WD, providing brisk acceleration but loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was well-behaved but sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L Summit 4WD averaged 17.8 mpg on the testing loop, below expectations. The Jeep offered various driving modes, including Sport, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock, with the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension providing up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in off-road conditions and provided a smooth ride and capable handling on the highway.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque for the LX, S, and EX trims, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard AWD for the LX and EX. The Seltos S offered both FWD and AWD. The Nightfall Edition and SX trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The turbo engine provided a more engaging driving experience, with torque available between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. The DCT exhibited some quirks but was preferable to the CVT. The Seltos offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The Seltos Nightfall Edition returned 27 mpg in combined driving on the testing loop. The AWD system had a Lock function for even power distribution at lower speeds, but the 7.3 inches of ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities. The Seltos' suspension tuning was less appealing, with noticeable impacts from speed bumps and uneven pavement. Despite these issues, the Seltos felt lively in urban environments and secure on the highway, though road noise and wind noise were significant.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered comfort with Summit trim, featuring heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system with air vents in all three rows. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades. The third-row seats were comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows for a great view. The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants but offered a storage console for second-row passengers. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access due to its ride height and large door openings. The Nightfall Edition featured a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and heated front seats. The front passenger seat was not height-adjustable but provided proper leg support. The Nightfall Edition's cloth upholstery with Sofino simulated leather bolsters and single-zone automatic climate control added to the comfort level. The rear seat accommodated adults comfortably, with generous legroom and footroom, rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a center armrest with cupholders. Cargo space measured 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, with plastic grocery sack hooks for added convenience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response and an improved user experience. Two touchscreen sizes were available: 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch with navigation. The test vehicle had the larger screen, which was easy to acclimate to despite a few quirks. Highlights included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh high-end audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the logo's design was out of place. Additional features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Kia Seltos expanded the availability of its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system to the S trim level, with standard inclusion on the EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX trims. The SX trim paired the system with a Bose premium sound system. Highlights included Bluetooth pairing with two devices simultaneously, a navigation system, connected services, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The infotainment system was intuitive to use, with physical knobs and buttons for primary functions. However, the voice recognition system was frustrating, and it was better to use smartphone-based digital assistants. The system provided accurate directions to hospitals without including irrelevant locations.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. The system was good but not great, with artificial steering assist and overly responsive lane changes. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected threats at intersections and applied brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's flaws.

The 2022 Kia Seltos came with numerous driving assistance systems, including forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Seltos EX added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, Highway Driving Assist, and Safe Exit Assist. The lane-centering assist was accurate and refined. Connected services offered safety-related functions like 911 Connect and programmable alerts for parents of teen drivers. The Seltos earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for the SX trim and an overall four-star rating from the NHTSA.