2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered an attractive and stylish design that appealed to its audience. The vehicle took on an even more significant presence with the X-Line treatment, which added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails. This gave the already attractive SUV a newfound sense of definition and purpose. The test vehicle featured the X-Line package in the SX Prestige specification, including standard all-wheel drive (AWD). It also came with optional Wolf Gray paint, rust-colored leather interior, floor mats, and a cargo net, leading to an MSRP of $45,310, including a $1,215 destination charge.

The base LX trim for the Kia Sorento with front-wheel drive (FWD) started at $29,590, plus destination charges. For someone looking to avoid the extra costs, a plush Sorento SX Prestige front-driver with fewer extras was available for $42,405, including destination fees.

Regardless of the model chosen, the 2022 Kia Sorento exuded an aura of quality. The use of leather upholstery, simulated wood trim on the dashboard, and robust cabin construction demonstrated Kia's keen attention to design detail. Even in the most affordable LX model, every touchpoint, from door releases to the transmission shifter, reflected a solid build without any sense of flimsiness. The traditional design and cable-operated transmission shifters did not compromise storage, providing both style and substance.

On the other hand, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivered a sense of familiarity mixed with modern enhancements. Jeep adhered to its iconic design traditions, evident in the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, while also drawing inspiration from the classic 1963 Wagoneer. The forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars added to the aesthetic appeal. Initially, the Grand Cherokee was available in a range of trims, from the accessible Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $37,390 to $63,365, not including a $1,795 destination charge. More trims and special editions were anticipated for future releases.

The Grand Cherokee's interior drew from the design of the previous year's three-row Grand Cherokee L, ensuring a sense of familiarity. Even with the basic Laredo trim featuring durable cloth seats, the vehicle managed to present a high-quality feel. The Summit Reserve trim elevated the luxury experience with quilted and stitched leather, heated and ventilated front seats with a massage feature, a McIntosh high-end audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. The design also featured a black roof option and a limited color palette initially, with more color choices promised.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came with an array of powertrains, although the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower often felt underwhelming, taking nearly 9.5 seconds to accelerate the 3,715-pound SUV to 60 mph. For those seeking more zest, the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder was a better choice, delivering 281 hp at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque between 1,700 rpm and 4,000 rpm. This engine, available from the EX trim upwards, managed to enhance the driving experience significantly, aided by an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. With AWD, Kia estimated a 0-60 mph time of about 7.5 seconds.

The ride quality blended sports sedan-like agility with SUV practicality, even with the raised X-Line suspension that provided 8.2 inches of ground clearance. The SUV handled the winding roads of the Santa Monica Mountains effortlessly, and despite aggressive driving, the brakes performed admirably. While the X-Line offered improved angles for light off-roading, it wasn't tailored for serious terrain due to its tire selection and lack of protective elements.

Fuel economy was a concern given the turbocharged engine's power, with the EPA estimating 24 mpg in combined driving. However, real-world testing showed figures closer to 20.5 mpg on an evaluation loop and 20.7 mpg over a week.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options with either a V6 or a V8 engine, though a plug-in hybrid was planned for later. The standard 3.6-liter V6 delivered 293 hp at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, allowing for a tow rating of 6,200 pounds. Higher trims could opt for the 5.7-liter V8, which pumped out 357 hp at 5,150 rpm and 390 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm, boosting the tow rating to 7,200 pounds.

Three 4WD systems—Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II—offered varying degrees of off-road capability. Quadra-Trac I, available for lower trims like the Laredo, was fully automatic and best suited for light off-roading. Quadra-Trac II upped the ante with a two-speed transfer case and manual control for tougher terrain, available with Overland trim and compatible with both V6 and V8 engines. For serious off-roading, Quadra-Drive II was the go-to, providing maximum control and articulation.

The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, designed with serious off-roading in mind, featured Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, a Quadra-Lift air suspension for 11.3 inches of clearance, and Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires. Selec-Speed off-road cruise control and a forward-facing off-road camera added to its robust capabilities. However, the Trailhawk's tire whine and firmer suspension might not appeal to everyone for everyday driving.

Fuel economy estimates for the Grand Cherokee ranged from 17 mpg combined with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6. Actual testing showed similar figures, with the V6 providing a more balanced experience between performance and fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was a melding of luxury and functionality, though the choice of naming its appealing leather color "Rust" might have been questionable. The SX Prestige featured a 14-way power driver’s seat with added thigh support extension, 10-way power adjustment for front passengers, and heated and ventilated seats. A heated steering wheel was also standard, catering to those in colder climates. While the driver comfort was generally excellent, some users reported that the center console's hard plastic could irritate the leg over long periods.

The second-row captain’s chairs, standard from the EX trim, were kid-friendly, featuring cupholders, USB ports, rear air conditioning vents, and a panoramic sunroof extending over the second row seats. However, the third row was a compromise, offering cramped legroom and minimal headroom, making it uncomfortable for adults on long journeys. With the third-row seat up, the Sorento provided 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space. When folded down, the space increased to 38.5 cubic feet, and with both the second and third rows folded, it expanded to a generous 75.5 cubic feet. The "smart" power tailgate facilitated easier loading when your hands were full but could be unintentionally triggered by the proximity of the key fob.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee's interior remained comfortable across all trims, with features like heated and ventilated front seats and front seat massagers available at higher trims. Even the base Laredo trim exhibited a sense of quality, despite using cloth upholstery. The Grand Cherokee’s cabin provided enhanced visibility and situational awareness, especially valuable during off-roading. Camera technologies and improved sightlines boosted driver confidence, while the optional panoramic sunroof contributed to an airy ambiance.

However, the second-row seating remained tight for adults, especially those with longer legs, due to the plastic front seatback trim. For those requiring frequent accommodation of taller passengers, the Grand Cherokee L, with its extra 1.2 inches of second-row legroom, might have been a better fit. Cargo space in the two-row Grand Cherokee was 37.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded. The Grand Cherokee L, given its three-row arrangement, offered slightly more cargo space at 46.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84.6 cubic feet with seats down.

For the 2022 Kia Sorento, all trims except the base LX came with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base LX trim kept an 8-inch touchscreen, and paradoxically, only the base system supported wireless smartphone integration; higher trims required a USB connection. The infotainment system was functional and feature-rich, though the purple-heavy interface aesthetics were not universally appealing. Voice recognition performed adequately but lagged behind Hyundai’s equivalent technology. A 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system was exclusive to the SX Prestige X-Line, and wireless smartphone charging was standard from the EX trim onwards.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was teeming with advanced technology. Depending on the trim, it offered a vast array of features, including head-up displays, Night Vision systems, camera-based rearview mirrors, and up to five interior touchscreens. Its infotainment system—Uconnect 5—boasted improved responsiveness and received over-the-air updates. Most trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while a 10.1-inch screen was standard on higher trims like Summit and Summit Reserve.

Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, and dual-device Bluetooth support. Optional tech upgrades included navigation, HD Radio, and SiriusXM connected services. The voice recognition system worked reliably, though not without occasional hiccupping. The optional 10.25-inch touchscreen in front of the passenger seat, dubbed the "front passenger interactive display," was a unique addition for the Limited trims and higher, providing navigation assistance and entertainment options.

For the 2022 Kia Sorento, the Kia Drive Wise suite was standard across all trims, featuring a range of driver assistance technologies. Highlights included a rear-seat reminder system that monitored the interior post-locking, alerting the owner if movement was detected, and Junction Assist for safer turning at intersections. Additionally, the SX Prestige X-Line exclusively offered a Blind View Monitor, displaying camera-fed video of the SUV's blind spots on the dashboard. Adaptive cruise control and lane-following assist were part of the Highway Driving Assist system, which provided a near hands-free driving experience on freeways.

The 2022 Sorento achieved a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, except for models not equipped with the top-level headlight systems. The NHTSA awarded the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating, with specific four-star results for frontal impact and rollover resistance, but five stars in other categories.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee came with a comprehensive package of driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a robust safety structure composed predominantly of aluminum and high-strength steel. Intersection Collision Assist, a front cross-traffic warning system, and Active Driving Assist were notable features. The Active Driving Assist system, which provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance.

A fully hands-free version was planned for later, which would allow semi-autonomous driving on approved roads. This enhancement aimed to offer further convenience and safety on longer drives.