2022 Kia Sorento vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Kia Sorento exhibited an impressive blend of rugged elegance, especially when equipped with the X-Line treatment. The X-Line brought serious presence to the midsize SUV with rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails. Our test vehicle sported the X-Line package, including the extra-cost Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather, raising the total MSRP to $45,310. Although the base LX trim started at $29,590, you could opt for a plush SX Prestige model for $42,405 without the X-Line package and still feel like you struck a great deal. Across all trims, the Sorento exuded quality, from the leather upholstery to the simulated wood trim on the dashboard. Even the smallest elements, like the door releases and the transmission shifter, felt meticulously crafted. The cabin's rock-solid construction reflected Kia's keen attention to design detail, regardless of the trim level. The result was a sense of high interior style without sacrificing practical storage space. Every drive in the Kia Sorento, whether an errand or a road trip, offered satisfaction and value, making it feel like a great purchase, even at full price. Comparatively, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, a lengthened version of the standard Grand Cherokee, distinguished itself by adding an 11.4-inch extension to accommodate a third row of seats. The extra length and expanded wheelbase provided more second-row legroom and wider rear doors, seamlessly integrating into the Grand Cherokee's iconic design. Its seven-slot grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and blunt front end screamed "Jeep," though modernized with slimmer, brighter lighting and improved paint finishes. Inside, the Grand Cherokee L justified its higher price with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The interior quality rivaled luxury brands, drawing comparisons to Mercedes in style and tactile quality. Despite the extra expense over models like the Kia Telluride, the Grand Cherokee L's interior felt like a wise investment. In all-black, it offered enough detail and contrast to be comfortable and visually engaging, while lighter tan leather options demanded a clean touch from passengers to maintain their pristine condition.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine lagged in performance, taking nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. This sluggish performance suggested other powertrain options, notably the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains as better alternatives. The turbo 2.5-liter engine, standard from the EX trim upwards, delivered 281 hp at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque between 1,700 and 4,000 rpm. Unlike the V6 in the Kia Telluride, this turbo engine offered a more enjoyable driving experience due to higher torque. Handling was significantly enhanced with the turbo engine, and despite the raised suspension, the Sorento drove more like a sport sedan. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission added to the driving pleasure, particularly with the torque-vectoring AWD system. Although not best suited for serious off-roading, the X-Line’s increased ground clearance to 8.2 inches and improved approach and departure angles did provide some off-road capabilities. Fuel economy was a concern, though, with the Sorento SX Prestige X-Line averaging around 20.7 mpg, below the EPA’s estimation of 24 mpg combined. Potential buyers looking to resolve fuel efficiency issues could turn to the hybrid or plug-in hybrid variants. In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8 engine, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in RWD or 4WD. The V6, producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, felt underpowered, especially noticeable when the SUV was fully loaded. Noise insulation was decent, but under acceleration, the engine noise was intrusive. The V8 engine, generating 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, offered better performance and a satisfying exhaust note. Fuel economy varied significantly between the two, with the V6 achieving an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined, while the V8 managed only 17 mpg combined. What truly shone in the Grand Cherokee L was its chassis. The optional air suspension provided exceptional ride quality, with five ride height settings for different driving conditions. The default Aero mode optimized aerodynamics, while off-road modes offered up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance. Despite its bulk, the Grand Cherokee L steered and handled with remarkable precision, featuring various driving modes designed to adapt to different terrains.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s interior, especially in the SX Prestige trim, approached luxury levels. Features included a 14-way power driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and, for the driver’s comfort, a heated steering wheel. Family-friendly elements were evident with the second-row captain’s chairs, cupholders, USB ports, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the third-row seats were cramped and best suited for short journeys. Cargo space measured 12.6 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and reaching 75.5 cubic feet with the second row down. The smart power tailgate simplified loading, albeit sometimes unexpectedly. In comparison, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L prioritized straightforward graphics and ease of use with its Uconnect 5 infotainment system. While higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen, lower trims had an 8.4-inch version. Space-wise, the Grand Cherokee L outshone the Sorento, offering ample room in all three rows, which could accommodate average adults comfortably for extended periods. A panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced passenger comfort, even though the small air vents challenged effective cabin airflow. Higher trims included high-tech features like night vision, adaptive cruise control, and multiple massage modes for the front seats.

Starting in 2022, all Kia Sorento trims but the base LX included a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system equipped with navigation, satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The base system provided wireless smartphone integration, while the higher-spec version required a USB connection. The voice recognition in Kia, though not as advanced as its Hyundai counterpart, covered essential functions. Surprisingly, the premium Bose audio system was reserved only for the top trim. Wireless smartphone charging was standard from the EX trim onwards. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L didn’t scrimp on technology either. High-end models featured multiple massage modes, a head-up display, night vision, and an intuitive Active Driving Assist system. The available navigation system could take over the instrument panel, offering a detailed preview of upcoming turns—exceptionally useful on intricate routes. New for 2022 were optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers, enhancing in-car entertainment. Adaptive cruise control and other driver aids were standard, with higher trims offering additional features like front cross-traffic alert and a rear-facing camera for interior monitoring.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came packed with the Kia Drive Wise safety suite, offering an array of features that evolved with the trim levels. Our test model featured advanced systems like a rear-seat reminder using ultrasonic sensors, Junction Assist to prevent unsafe turns, and a Blind View Monitor providing live video feeds of blind spots. The SUV earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with fewer stars in front impact and rollover resistance. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by either the NHTSA or IIHS at the time. Its standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and an arsenal of driver aids like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Higher trims and certain packages added even more advanced safety tech.