2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2022 Kia Sportage featured a distinctive tiger-nose grille that, while successful on other Kia models, seemed out of place on the Sportage. The grille, positioned under oversized headlights and above a chrome trim, resembled a fake mustache, detracting from the SUV's overall aesthetic. Despite this, Kia nailed other design elements, such as the four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and the symmetrical rear fascia. The SX Turbo's 19-inch wheels added to its stylish and planted stance.

Inside, the Sportage boasted a Germanic design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and plain white markings on a black background. The SX Turbo trim included metal pedal covers and offered a choice of black, gray, and beige interiors, enhancing the upscale feel. The interior was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy adjustments, and the transmission shifter's solid operation added a sense of quality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, redesigned for the model year, maintained Jeep's traditional design elements while introducing a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. Available in various trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee offered a range of options to suit different needs. Prices ranged from $37,390 to $63,365, excluding the $1,795 destination charge.

The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to the 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with the base Laredo offering good quality cloth seats and higher trims like the Summit Reserve featuring premium leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a McIntosh audio system. The gloss black finish on higher trims, however, suffered from reflections, making controls harder to use.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came with two engine options. Most models had a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, offering competitive but unremarkable performance. The Sportage SX Turbo, however, featured a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for a compact crossover, especially at higher elevations.

Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and Kia's Dynamax all-wheel-drive system as an option. The SX Turbo's acceleration was quick, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, giving it a lively character, especially in Sport mode. The Sportage's suspension provided a smooth and compliant ride, though it exhibited some body roll and lateral rocking. The SX Turbo's upgraded brakes and 19-inch wheels contributed to its athletic feel, though it wasn't as refined as competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and came with either a V6 or V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, with a tow rating of 6,200 pounds. The available 5.7-liter V8 engine delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds.

Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering different levels of off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee's eight-speed automatic transmission, though sometimes tricky to operate, provided smooth shifts. Fuel economy ranged from 17 mpg with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6 and any drivetrain. The Trailhawk trim, designed for serious off-roading, featured Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension, among other off-road enhancements.

The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, with or without the Quadra-Lift air suspension. The V6 engine was the preferred choice for its balance of performance and efficiency, while the V8 offered a thrilling driving experience at the cost of higher fuel consumption.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller in size, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim provided perforated leather upholstery, ten-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, and eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat. Heated and ventilated front seats and a heated flat-bottom steering wheel added to the comfort.

Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. However, the Sportage's cargo space was limited, with 30.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The smart liftgate technology was a convenient feature, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a comfortable interior for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims providing heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. The redesign improved visibility, making it easier to navigate off-road and in other driving situations. The available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel to the cabin.

Rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, and the plastic front seatback trim could be uncomfortable. The Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom and cargo space, with 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Grand Cherokee L provided even more cargo space, with 46.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 84.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Most trims included UVO Link connected services and satellite radio, while the SX Turbo added wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for volume and tuning and logical onscreen menus. However, the UVO Link system lacked advanced features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was packed with technology, including a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and multiple interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio were standard. The optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger added convenience and entertainment options.

The 2022 Kia Sportage was equipped with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver monitoring system. Higher trims included a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic warning. The SX Turbo also had adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received good crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a robust safety cage made of aluminum and high-strength steel. It came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, which provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to be available in 2022. The new Grand Cherokee aimed to improve on the previous generation's mediocre crash protection.