2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Base pricing ranged from $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The Telluride S trim offered significant value, but many opted for the top-tier SX trim, which could be equipped with a Prestige package, transforming it into a luxury SUV. This package added premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition package, new for 2021, provided a blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Nightfall Edition, AWD, Prestige package, Towing package, and other accessories, had a sticker price of $50,180, including a $1,170 destination charge.

The 2021 Telluride's styling was a major selling point, with a well-executed exterior and interior design. The transmission shifter, placed to the left side of the center console, preserved storage space and felt solid and smooth in operation. However, the interior color options were limited to black or gray unless you opted for the SX trim. Despite some glossy hard plastic on the lower parts of the interior, the Telluride's overall look and feel were impressive.

The fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, introduced over a decade ago, still looked timeless in 2021. Its design balanced rugged utility and upscale sophistication, with big wheels pushed to the corners under flared fenders. The Grand Cherokee's design contributed to its continued success, defying easy categorization as it could be seen as a mainstream, luxury, or performance SUV. The lineup included affordable Laredo and Limited trims, upscale Overland and Summit trims, performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk models, and the off-road-capable Trailhawk.

For 2021, the Grand Cherokee Laredo and Limited received minor updates, and new Laredo X and 80th Anniversary Edition versions debuted. Pricing ranged from about $35,000 to nearly $90,000. Our test vehicle, a Summit trim with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, 4WD, extra-cost paint, the Platinum Series Group, and the Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package, had an MSRP of $68,185, including a $1,495 destination charge. The Platinum Series Group toned down the Summit's standard glam with body-color mirror caps, door handles, side sills, and lower bumpers, giving it a more premium look. Inside, the Summit's interior featured premium leather, genuine wood, real aluminum, and simulated suede, with a striking Indigo and Ski Gray color scheme. However, the interior showed signs of aging, with old-school switchgear and non-flush panel fits indicating a need for a redesign.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a single powertrain: a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Kia's Drive Mode Select technology offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. AWD was optional, including a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, and the Telluride had eight inches of ground clearance. During testing in various conditions, including a wintry mix in Colorado and a suburban Los Angeles route, the Telluride demonstrated impressive ride and handling, nearly eliminating the "head-toss" phenomenon. The suspension tuning, including a self-leveling rear suspension on EX and SX trims, provided a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a compliant ride at higher speeds. The Telluride's 20-inch wheels and tires offered commendable grip, and brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology contributed to its handling. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving for the AWD Telluride, and our testing loop averaged 20.5 mpg.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, powering the rear or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It could tow up to 6,200 pounds. An optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, paired with a Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, delivered 360 hp, 390 lb-ft of torque, and a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation "Fuel Saver" technology, but the EPA estimated only 17 mpg in combined driving, with our testing loop averaging 18.2 mpg. The Quadra-Trac II system included a two-speed transfer case, hill-descent control, and Selec-Terrain traction management with Snow, Sand, Mud, Auto, and Rock settings. The Grand Cherokee Summit also had a Quadra-Lift air suspension, offering 4.1 inches of variability, lowering for efficiency on the highway and raising for increased ground clearance off-road. The Summit handled trails effortlessly and provided a speedy, responsive, and relatively quiet ride during daily driving. However, the V8's fuel consumption and occasional bouncy ride were drawbacks. The Grand Cherokee's tight turning radius and effective brakes were notable advantages.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim's driver’s seat offered 14-way power adjustment, including lumbar support and a thigh support extension, with heating and ventilation for both front seats. The Prestige package added premium leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain’s chairs, also heated and ventilated, provided comfort and convenience, with side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was usable for adults, with easy access via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. Storage solutions included a smartphone bin, door trays, and second-row features like USB ports, bag hooks, and cupholders. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when the key fob was nearby, revealing 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded and 87 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted and perforated leather seats, leather-wrapped panels, and an eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. The rear seat offered comfort but limited legroom for taller adults, with an optional rear-seat entertainment system adding to a sense of claustrophobia. Interior storage was adequate, but the entertainment system's DVD/Blu-Ray player took up most of the center console bin. The Grand Cherokee provided 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, with additional storage bins around the spare tire and a power liftgate closing button. Folding the second-row seats was easy, creating a maximum cargo space of 68.3 cubic feet, which was relatively small for a midsize SUV.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX trims featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and other upgrades. Kia's UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, with additional Care, Plus, and Ultimate plans available for the first year. These plans included features like Rear Occupant Alert, remote engine start, and climate control operation. The Telluride allowed pairing of two smartphones to Bluetooth simultaneously and offered wireless smartphone charging on upper trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa. SiriusXM provided satellite radio, Traffic Plus, and Travel Link services, with SiriusXM Guardian offering remote access to locks and engine starting, a vehicle finder service, and more. The infotainment system's voice recognition technology worked well, and the Summit trim included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Grand Cherokee's technology offerings were more limited compared to newer models, but it provided essential features and advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-monitoring system, and automatic emergency braking. EX and SX trims added Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. Additional safety features included Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Assist, front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its standard headlights received a Poor rating.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee had mixed safety ratings. While it received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, its performance in IIHS testing was less impressive, with Marginal and Poor ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions and Poor-rated headlights unless upgraded. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Grand Cherokee also offered a backup camera, parking sensors, and a ParkSense parking assistance system.