2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Kia Sportage

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured a distinctive design with its tiger-nose grille and bulbous headlights, which some might have likened to a frog-like appearance. Kia described the styling as "Euro-focused," and the two-row crossover SUV was well-suited for urban environments due to its short wheelbase and overhangs. The headlights were carried over from the previous year, and the Sportage offered wheel options ranging from 17 to 19 inches. Inside, the cabin was centered around an 8-inch touchscreen display, complemented by physical buttons and knobs for easy control. While not the most advanced in terms of technology and fashion, the interior provided a comfortable and pleasant experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee embraced traditional Jeep design elements while introducing a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. The SUV was available in various trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $37,390 to $63,365. The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee offered a range of luxurious features, especially in the Summit Reserve trim, which included premium leather, a high-end audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. Despite some reflections on higher trim controls, the interior was generally well-received for its quality and comfort.

The 2021 Kia Sportage was available in LX, EX, and SX Turbo trims, with options for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The LX and EX trims were powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The SX Turbo trim offered a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. All models featured a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy varied, with FWD models achieving up to 30 mpg on the highway, while AWD models saw slightly lower figures. The Sportage's suspension provided a smooth ride, though the steering and tire grip left room for improvement.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The V6 was available with both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD), while the V8 was exclusive to 4WD models. The Grand Cherokee's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 7,200 pounds, depending on the engine and drivetrain. Three 4WD systems were available, catering to different off-roading needs. The Trailhawk trim, in particular, excelled in off-road conditions with its advanced features. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 17 to 21 mpg, with the V6 being more efficient. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was praised, though the Quadra-Lift air suspension was noted for its complexity and cost.

The 2021 Kia Sportage, while on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, offered good interior space for passengers. The SX Turbo trim featured power-adjustable seats and heated and ventilated options. Rear legroom and headroom were adequate, but cargo space was limited, with 30.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 60.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable experience for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering luxurious features like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence. Rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers, and the two-row model offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports. The SX Turbo trim added wireless charging and a premium audio system. The technology was user-friendly, with logical menus and physical controls.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, offering a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was standard, with options for larger screens and advanced features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Grand Cherokee also offered a front passenger interactive display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Sportage boasted a strong suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The SX Turbo trim received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, and all trims performed well in NHTSA crash tests.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an extensive array of advanced driver assistance systems, with a safety cage composed of high-strength materials. New features like Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist demonstrated the Grand Cherokee's technological advancements. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to arrive in 2022.