2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line treatment, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. The X-Line package added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, enhancing the SUV's already attractive design. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, featured all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, along with extra-cost Wolf Gray paint, Rust-colored leather, floor mats, and a cargo net, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310, including the $1,215 destination charge. Even without the X-Line package, the Sorento exuded quality, with leather upholstery, simulated wood trim, and a rock-solid cabin construction.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained the classic style of its predecessors while adding more than a foot in length. Our Hydro Blue test vehicle, equipped with the High Altitude package, featured blacked-out grille, logos, and door handles, along with dark gray 21-inch wheels and black leather with gold stitching. The interior boasted matte-finish light walnut trim, a polished black dash with an optional touchscreen, and a thick metal dial for the gear selector. Despite some hard plastics and rougher-grained leather, the upper trims felt justified for a $70,000 truck. The Grand Cherokee L's design combined quintessential Jeep elements with modern touches, making it look clean and ready to last.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which took almost 9.5 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph. This sluggish performance made the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, a more appealing option. With AWD, the turbo Sorento could reach 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. The Sorento's suspension provided an excellent blend of compliance and composure, making it feel more like a sports sedan than an SUV. However, the X-Line package's raised suspension was more for show than serious off-roading. The Sorento SX Prestige X-Line's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg combined by the EPA, but real-world testing showed an average of 20.7 mpg.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, but it felt underpowered for the heavy SUV. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, was a better choice, especially for towing. The V8's max towing capacity was 7,200 pounds compared to the V6's 6,200 pounds. The V6's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, while the V8's was significantly worse at 17 mpg combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, and the air suspension allowed for adjustable ground clearance up to 10.9 inches. Jeep offered three 4WD systems, with the most advanced being Quadra-Drive II, which included a low-range transfer case and a limited-slip differential.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with the SX Prestige featuring a 14-way power driver's seat, 10-way power front passenger seat, and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were heated in the SX Prestige X-Line, and the panoramic sunroof extended over the second row. However, the third-row seat was cramped and uncomfortable for adults. Cargo space was limited to 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, but folding the seats expanded it to 75.5 cubic feet. The Sorento's "smart" power tailgate was convenient but could open unintentionally.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's added length provided more legroom for second-row passengers. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a center console available on the Summit and Summit Reserve trims. The third row was tight for adults but suitable for children. Cargo space was ample, with 17 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Grand Cherokee L's interior featured a mix of physical buttons and touchscreen controls, but some graphics and text were hard to read.

Starting in 2022, the Kia Sorento's base LX trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured a 10.25-inch display with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was intuitive but had a unique font style and color scheme. The SX Prestige X-Line included a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, and wireless smartphone charging was standard from the EX trim.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had a 10.1-inch display with navigation. All systems ran Uconnect 5, which was quick and easy to use despite some legibility issues. The McIntosh sound system, with 19 speakers, was available as a standalone option on upper trims. The Grand Cherokee L offered advanced tech features like night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that could control navigation and cameras.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came standard with Kia Drive Wise, which included features like rear-seat reminder, Junction Assist, Blind View Monitor, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. The Highway Driving Assist system provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. The Sorento earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included front knee airbags, forward emergency braking, rear emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking, 360-degree cameras, and night vision.