2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Kia Sorento represented a significant leap forward in design compared to its predecessor. It shed the previous model's bubbly aesthetic for a more athletic and muscular silhouette. The SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package featured roof rails, a shark fin antenna, and a rear roof spoiler, enhancing its rugged appeal. The front showcased an expansive tiger-nose grille with a noticeable curve, complemented by squinting headlights and running lights. A silver accent between the front fender and the door added visual interest. The rear design included large D-pillars and beautiful vertical taillights, which were more cohesive than those on the 2022 Tucson. The interior boasted high-value features like heated outside mirrors, second-row air vents, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and keyless entry. The SX Prestige trim offered real perforated leather seats, which were soft and comfortable, though more thigh support was desired.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended length to accommodate a third row, presented an elegant and recognizable Jeep design. The seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and blunt front end were classic Jeep elements, modernized with slimmer, brighter lighting and improved paint finish and panel fit. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims featured black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome. The interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The design and tactile quality were reminiscent of a Mercedes, offering a premium feel. Even in all-black, the interior provided enough detail and contrast to keep passengers comfortable and visually stimulated. The lighter tan leather option required extra care to maintain its pristine condition.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered a range of small powertrains. The base engine was a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the tested model featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with a wet clutch to all-wheel drive. This setup provided ample power for merging, cruising, and passing. The Sorento also had a hybrid version with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, available only with front-wheel drive. The AWD system in the tested model included torque vectoring and a center-locking differential for better traction. The X-Line package added 1.3 inches of ride height, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a roof rack. The suspension setup, with McPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear, ensured a smooth and comfortable ride. Various drive modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, offered different driving experiences, with Sport mode providing the best throttle response.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came with two familiar engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available only on higher trims with 4WD, offered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The 4xe plug-in hybrid, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack, and two electric motors, delivered 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The V6 had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 14/22/17. The chassis of the Grand Cherokee L was impressive, with a stellar ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension offered five ride height settings, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The driving modes, similar to Land Rover's, adjusted various systems for different terrains, making the Grand Cherokee L versatile and capable.

The 2021 Kia Sorento, while practical as a three-row SUV, was best considered a four-seater in its top trims due to the second-row captain's chairs and a tight third row. The cargo space behind the third row was limited to 12.6 cubic feet, making it more practical to fold those seats down. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, and the front and rear seats offered ample legroom at 41.4 inches and 41.7 inches, respectively. The Sorento provided good cargo space for small items, with a spot for a phone, cupholders, and a decent-sized center console bucket. The total cargo volume was 75.5 cubic feet, which was on the smaller side for a three-row midsize crossover, comparable to a compact crossover like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with straightforward graphics and physical switches for climate, seat climate controls, and stereo functions. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, while higher trims had a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L offered plenty of space in all rows, with the third row accommodating average adults comfortably. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a 60/40 split bench seat available as an option. The panoramic roof, large windows, and ample USB ports enhanced the comfort of long journeys. However, the air vents were small and didn't direct enough airflow, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was quite loud.

The 2021 Kia Sorento featured an 8-inch touchscreen display on the LX, S, and EX trims, with hard buttons, a volume knob, and a tuning knob. This screen could wirelessly project Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SX and SX Prestige trims had a larger 10.25-inch screen with haptic touch buttons and knobs, but required a physical connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen's right third was often unusable, showing redundant information. The Sorento had plenty of USB ports but lacked USB-C ports. The optional Bose stereo was decent but not exceptional. The navigation system needed improvement, particularly in voice search and Point-of-Interest functions.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including multiple massage modes for the 16-way power adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system could take over the instrument panel, providing a zoomed-in preview of the next corner. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless, and two phones could be connected simultaneously. New for 2022 were optional 10.3-inch and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers, respectively. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. The Summit trims offered additional features like automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition.

The 2021 Kia Sorento came with a comprehensive array of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a driver-attention warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, lane-following assist, and auto high beams. The test car also had a surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Sorento four out of five stars overall and in all frontal-impact crash tests and rollover. It received a perfect five out of five stars in side-impact crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded a Top Safety Pick designation to the Sorento, with the SX trim levels receiving top marks for their LED headlights.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert for possible unattended passengers, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.