2022 Jeep Wrangler 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 S trim offered significant value, but many opted for the top-of-the-line SX trim, which could be equipped with a Prestige package. This package transformed the Telluride into a luxury SUV with 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 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 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.

When shopping for a 2022 Jeep Wrangler, buyers had to choose between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door model. Engine options included a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid powertrain. The turbo-four and V6 engines came standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with an optional eight-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive (4WD) was standard, with multiple systems available depending on the trim level. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions offering various top options and features.

Our test vehicle was the new High Tide special edition model, based on the four-door Sport S trim. It included LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, a Gorilla Glass windshield, sand-and-slush floor mats, and High Tide or Beach hood decals. The Xtreme Recon package, standard on the High Tide, added a 1.5-inch suspension lift, revised shock tuning, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, and a 4.56 rear axle ratio. Our Wrangler also had a gasoline V6 engine with eTorque mild hybrid electrification, an automatic transmission, Selec-Trac full-time 4WD, and various option packages, bringing the MSRP to $58,845, including a $1,595 destination charge.

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 and included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, combined with the SUV’s eight inches of ground clearance. During testing in various conditions, including a wintry mix in Colorado and mountain routes near Malibu, the Telluride demonstrated impressive ride and handling, nearly eliminating the phenomenon known as “head-toss.” The suspension tuning provided a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds, while softening up at higher speeds for a smooth ride. The Telluride averaged 20.5 mpg on the testing loop, close to the EPA’s estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide had a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option on the High Tide. The Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was also optional. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving for the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6, but the Xtreme Recon Package modifications reduced this to an average of 17.6 mpg on the evaluation route and 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The Wrangler’s driving experience was unique and immersive, with a rough-and-tumble feel, frequent fuel stops, and a loud cabin. However, it offered a sense of freedom and adventure, especially with the top and doors removed.

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 had heating and ventilation, and the Prestige package added distinctive leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain’s chairs, also heated and ventilated, provided easy access to the third-row seat via a button that tilted and slid the seats. The Telluride offered ample storage, including a smartphone bin, seatback pockets, and a “smart” hands-free power liftgate. Cargo space measured 21 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with the second row folded.

Getting into and out of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was challenging, especially with the raised suspension. The driver’s seat had a manual height adjuster, but it required regular re-adjustment. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and some soft, padded spots for arms and elbows. Visibility was mixed, with some areas requiring leaning forward or relying on the reversing camera. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but had agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with netting on the door panels, a small dashboard tray, and deep but narrow center console and glove compartments. The tailgate, with the heavy 35-inch spare wheel, required careful handling. Cargo space measured 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

Every 2021 Telluride came 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 plans available for the first year. Features included Rear Occupant Alert, remote engine start, and climate control operation. The SX trim had 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 Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system, bundled with an Alpine premium sound system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

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, rear cross-traffic alert, driver-monitoring system, and automatic emergency braking. EX and SX trims had Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The SX trim also featured 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 it received four-star frontal-impact ratings for the driver and front passenger.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings in IIHS testing for small overlap crash protection and side-impact performance. Headlight performance was rated Poor for standard lights and Marginal for LED upgrades.