2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Kia Sorento

In 2021, Kia made a bold departure from the jelly-bean styling of its last-generation Sorento, and the new design was a significant leap forward. The modern Sorento exhibited an athletic, muscular silhouette, with features like roof rails and a shark fin antenna enhancing its rugged vibe. The front showcased Kia’s tiger-nose grille, dramatically larger and more prominent, curving towards the headlights accented with running lights. The visual appeal, though athletic, was not exaggeratedly macho.

At the rear, vertical taillights enhanced the cohesive and cautiously modern look, avoiding the more contentious designs seen in some competitors. Inside, the Sorento offered desirable features like heated outside mirrors, second-row air vents, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and keyless entry across all trims. Higher trims introduced 10-way driver’s seat adjustment, leatherette, and real perforated leather upholstery in the SX Prestige. Despite some visibility concerns with the large D-pillars, the panoramic sunroof flooded the cabin with natural light.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee leaned heavily on traditional Jeep design cues but updated them with a modern twist. Its forward-leaning grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and black roof option paid homage to the original 1963 Wagoneer. Available in multiple trims from Laredo to Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee ranged from basic comfort to luxurious appointments with premium quilted leather and a McIntosh audio system. Despite only a few initial paint color options, Jeep promised more selections.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the three-row Grand Cherokee L. Even the base Laredo trim exuded quality, and upper trims like the Summit Reserve offered a swath of luxuries, including a panoramic sunroof. The interior finish, especially the gloss-black controls, had some drawbacks, but overall the Grand Cherokee provided various luxury options.

Kia's 2021 Sorento came with a few engine choices, starting with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission delivered power to either FWD or AWD. However, the star was the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder in our test car, churning out 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with a wet clutch. This powertrain made a noticeable difference, ensuring smooth interstate drives.

Kia also introduced hybrid versions, with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The Sorento’s AWD system offered torque vectoring and featured a center-locking differential for better traction on slippery surfaces. The X-Line package enhanced this with additional ride height, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a roof rack.

Jeep's 2022 Grand Cherokee provided a distinctly different powertrain choice: no turbocharged four-cylinders but rather a selection of V6 and V8 engines. Most models, including our test vehicles, had a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The V6-powered Grand Cherokee could tow up to 6,200 pounds. A 5.7-liter V8 option raised the stakes with 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds.

Jeep's 4WD systems ranged from the basic Quadra-Trac I to the more advanced Quadra-Trac II and the robust Quadra-Drive II, the latter offering up to 100% of engine output to a single rear wheel. For serious off-roading, the Trailhawk trim boasted specialized features like an electronic locking rear differential, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and an advanced Selec-Terrain system. The infotainment and driving aids like Active Driving Assist added to the Grand Cherokee's versatile nature.

The 2021 Kia Sorento served well as a daily driver with occasional utility needs. While the three-row seating setup was a selling point, the third row was best suited for children. The upper trims, with second-row captain’s chairs, effectively made it a four-seater for adults. With the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 12.6 cubic feet, emphasizing the need to fold these seats for more room.

Legroom was a highlight, with 41.4 inches in the front and an equally impressive 41.7 inches in the second row. Small storage solutions like cupholders, phone slots, and door pockets were appreciated, though limited in size.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially the two-row version, provided ample space for passengers and cargo alike. While rear-seat room could be tight for taller adults, the front seats offered excellent comfort across all trims, improving further with upgrades. The panoramic sunroof added a sense of openness, and improved sightlines enhanced driving confidence.

Cargo capacity stood at 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the seat down. While this was less than the larger three-row Grand Cherokee L, it remained competitive in its segment.

Kia’s 2021 Sorento offered two touchscreen options: an 8-inch standard display and an optional 10.25-inch screen on higher trims. The smaller screen, with hard buttons and knobs, supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the larger screen required a wired connection for these functionalities, and users found part of the display redundant when using Android Auto. While loaded with USB ports, the Sorento lacked USB-C options. The optional Bose audio system was decent but did not stand out.

Jeep's 2022 Grand Cherokee came fully loaded with the latest technology. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available on an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and more. A comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision, and multiple interior screens, including a dedicated front passenger interactive display, added to its tech appeal. The system featured a configurable Home display and responsive voice recognition, complemented by a stunning 19-speaker McIntosh audio system for audiophiles.

The 2021 Kia Sorento came with a formidable array of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and more. The NHTSA awarded it four stars overall, with perfect scores on side-impact crash tests. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick, though only the SX trims with pricey LED headlights received perfect ratings.

Jeep made significant safety improvements in the 2022 Grand Cherokee, using high-strength steel in its structure. Advanced driver assistance systems included Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, offering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. Though its crash-test results were still pending, the structural and technological upgrades suggested promising safety performance. A future hands-free Active Driving Assist would further enhance its safety features.