2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Kia Seltos

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Soul and the larger Sportage, offering five trim levels: LX, S, EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX. All trims except the Seltos S included standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices at the start of the model year ranged from $22,590 to $28,080, excluding a $1,255 destination charge. The Nightfall Edition, our test vehicle, featured matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a black grille, added body cladding, and robust roof rails. With no additional options, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) was $28,045, including the destination charge.

The Seltos had an appealing design, though the headlights beneath the wide, horizontal running lights were not favored. The Nightfall Edition’s intricate wheels were attractive but barely visible due to their matte finish. Inside, the Seltos showcased a stylish interior with contrast-color dashboard panels, exposed stitching, gloss-black trim, and metallic accents. However, the abundance of shiny hard plastic made the interior look cheap, despite excellent build quality. The controls were logically arranged, with knobs and matte-black buttons for commonly adjusted features. The purple accent color for the infotainment system was not widely appreciated.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, introduced as a 2021 model, was 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee to accommodate a third row of seats. The wheelbase was also extended by five inches for more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. The extra length blended seamlessly into the body, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. The Grand Cherokee L was elegant and unmistakably a Jeep, with its seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and blunt front end. The lighting was modernized, and the paint finish and panel fit were significantly improved. All trim levels, from the base Laredo to the loaded Summit Reserve, looked impressive, with the high-end trims featuring black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome. For 2022, Jeep added new exterior paint colors: Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky.

The interior of the Grand Cherokee L was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The design and tactile quality were comparable to a Mercedes, despite not sharing any parts. The interior offered enough detail and contrast to keep passengers comfortable and visually stimulated. The lighter tan leather option required passengers to be mindful of cleanliness. The Grand Cherokee L’s interior was properly luxurious, making it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The LX and EX included standard AWD, while the S trim offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and AWD. The Nightfall Edition and SX trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The turbocharged engine provided a more engaging driving experience, with torque available between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm.

The Seltos offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes. Smart mode balanced fuel efficiency with responsiveness but was sometimes unpredictable. Sport mode quickened the powertrain’s response, though the transmission occasionally struggled to find the right gear. The AWD system had a Lock function for even power distribution at lower speeds, and the ground clearance was 7.3 inches. The Seltos was suitable for light off-roading and snowstorms but not for more challenging terrain. The multi-link rear suspension improved ride and handling, though the suspension tuning was less appealing. The Seltos felt lively in urban environments, with excellent outward visibility and easy parking. On the highway, the steering was secure but not engaging, and the braking was reliable. Wind noise and road roar were significant at higher speeds, and the suspension struggled with larger potholes and uneven pavement.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The V6 engine required high revs to deliver power, making it insufficient for a fully loaded vehicle. The engine noise was noticeable under acceleration, and the transmission’s early upshifts did not complement the engine. The V8 engine, available on higher trims, provided better performance and a satisfying sound.

The Grand Cherokee L’s chassis was impressive, with excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension offered five ride height settings, ranging from Access height for easy entry and exit to Off-road 2 mode with 10.9 inches of ground clearance. The driving modes adjusted various systems for different terrains, similar to Land Rover’s system. The Grand Cherokee L handled rough roads well, though it was optimized for on-road comfort. The maximum towing capacity was 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 pounds for 4WD models.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior that was easy to live with daily. The ride height and large door openings made entry and exit easy. The Nightfall Edition featured a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel for a comfortable driving position. The front passenger seat was not height-adjustable but provided proper leg support. The Nightfall Edition’s interior included cloth upholstery with Sofino simulated leather bolsters, a single-zone automatic climate control system, and heated front seats. However, the hard plastic upper door panel trim was unkind to elbows.

The rear seat was spacious enough for adults, with generous legroom and footroom. The Nightfall Edition included rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a center armrest with cupholders. The seatback angle was slightly too reclined for comfort. The Seltos offered decent storage space, including a smartphone shelf and plastic grocery sack hooks. Cargo space measured 26.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek and sharp interface. Physical switches separated climate, seat climate controls, and stereo functions from the touchscreen, providing ease of use. The central rotary shifter was easy to learn, and there was ample storage space, including a wireless phone charging bin and a large central cubby. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen.

The Grand Cherokee L offered plenty of space in all rows, with the third row accommodating average adults comfortably. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard, with a 60/40 split bench seat available as an option. A panoramic roof, large windows, and ample USB ports enhanced comfort during long journeys. However, the air vents were too small, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was noisy.

The 2022 Kia Seltos expanded the availability of its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system to the S trim level, where it was optional. This system was standard on the EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX trims, with the SX trim featuring a Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, a navigation system, connected services, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection with the 10.25-inch system, while the standard 8-inch system offered wireless connectivity. The system was intuitive to use, with physical knobs and buttons for primary functions. However, the voice recognition system was frustrating without an active subscription to connected services.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including multiple massage modes for the 16-way power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system could take over the instrument panel, providing a zoomed-in view of the next corner. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless, and two phones could be connected simultaneously. New for 2022, Jeep added an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen display for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. Additional features were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous driving assistance systems, including forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Seltos EX added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX trim included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, Highway Driving Assist, and Safe Exit Assist. The lane-centering assist technology was accurate and refined. The Seltos offered connected services with safety-related functions, such as 911 Connect and programmable alerts for teen drivers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2022 Kia Seltos SX a Top Safety Pick rating, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it an overall rating of four stars.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, enhancing its appeal as a family vehicle.