2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Kia Telluride

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 SX trim, especially with the Prestige option package, transformed the SUV into a luxury vehicle at a mainstream price, adding features like 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, added gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert, giving the Telluride a popular blacked-out look. 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 its exterior design receiving high praise. Inside, the interior was a model of contemporary design and quality execution, aside from some glossy hard plastic on the lower parts. 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.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a two-row version of the previous year's extended-length Grand Cherokee L, maintained Jeep's design traditions while offering a sportier, five-passenger configuration. Available in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, prices ranged from $37,390 to $63,365, excluding a $1,795 destination charge. The Grand Cherokee's styling drew influence from the 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. A black roof option and a limited selection of paint colors were initially available, with more colors promised later.

Inside, the 2022 Grand Cherokee mirrored the '21 Grand Cherokee L, with the base Laredo trim offering good quality despite its basic interior. The Summit Reserve trim, on the other hand, was convincingly luxurious, featuring premium quilted leather, heated and ventilated front seats with massage, a McIntosh high-end audio system, and a large panoramic sunroof. However, the gloss black finish on some controls in higher trims suffered from reflections, making them harder to use.

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, the Telluride demonstrated impressive off-road capabilities and handled various weather conditions well. The suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a more compliant ride at higher speeds. The Telluride's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, with our test vehicle averaging 20.5 mpg.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and came with either a V6 or a V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, with a tow rating of 6,200 pounds. The available 5.7-liter V8 engine delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. Three different 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim, designed for serious off-roading, featured Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, a Quadra-Lift air suspension, and improved approach, breakover, and departure angles. The Grand Cherokee's fuel economy ranged from 17 mpg with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6 and any drivetrain. Our test results varied from 17 mpg with the V8 and Quadra-Trac II to 21.3 mpg with the V6 and Quadra-Trac I.

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. Both front seats were heated and ventilated, with the Prestige package adding distinctive leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain's chairs, also heated and ventilated, provided ample space and convenience features like side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was usable by adults, with easy access via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading, and the available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel to the cabin. Rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, and the plastic front seatback trim was uncomfortable. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded. The three-row Grand Cherokee L provided more cargo space, with 46.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

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. Kia's UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, with additional plans available for the first year. The Telluride's infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons, stereo knobs, 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 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard on all trims, offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch screen available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio were standard. The Grand Cherokee also offered a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV integration. The optional front passenger interactive display allowed the front-seat occupant to assist the driver and enjoy their own entertainment options.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with the Drive Wise collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, 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. The SX trim also included 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 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an impressive collection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a safety cage composed mainly of aluminum and high-strength steel. The ADAS package included Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, providing Level 2 hands-on semi-autonomous driving assistance. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to be available in 2022. The new Grand Cherokee's crash-test performance remained to be seen, but the extensive use of high-strength materials suggested improved safety.