2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Kia Telluride attracted consumers with its muscular design, balanced proportions, and trendy blacked-out wheels and trim. For 2022, Kia made only minor changes to the grille pattern and added new badges. The Telluride was available in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, with prices ranging from $32,790 to $44,590, plus a $1,225 destination charge. The interior was well-designed, though the glossy plastic in the lower half of the cabin looked cheap, especially in the SX Prestige with its Nappa leather upholstery and simulated suede headliner. Despite this, the Telluride offered numerous new standard features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, automatic climate control, and advanced driving aids.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, maintained Jeep's design traditions while offering a sportier look. Available in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, prices ranged from $37,390 to $63,365, excluding a $1,795 destination charge. The Grand Cherokee's styling was influenced by the 1963 Wagoneer, featuring 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 and the Summit Reserve providing luxurious features like premium leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a high-end audio system. However, the gloss black finish on some controls in higher trims could be problematic due to reflections.

The 2022 Kia Telluride, powered by a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine with 262 pound-feet of torque, offered a satisfying driving experience. The eight-speed automatic transmission and available AWD with Lock mode provided good performance on various terrains, though limited wheel articulation suggested sticking to well-traveled paths. The Telluride's ride quality was smooth, with driving modes like Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport enhancing the experience. The Telluride achieved an EPA fuel economy estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered RWD or 4WD and came with either a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque or a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V6 had a tow rating of 6,200 pounds, while the V8 increased it 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 Trailhawk trim, designed for serious off-roading, featured Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. The Grand Cherokee's fuel economy ranged from 17 mpg with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6. The V6 was preferred for its balance of performance and efficiency, while the V8 offered a thrilling driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale, organized interior. Thoughtful details included overhead air vents, rear smartphone storage pouches, and USB ports in all three rows. The Telluride offered dual-zone automatic climate control for the front seats and single-zone for the rear. The SX Prestige package added premium Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. All three rows were comfortable for adults, though the third row was less preferred. The Telluride provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered comfort for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims providing heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading. The Grand Cherokee L offered more rear-seat legroom and cargo space, but the two-row Grand Cherokee still provided 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

The 2022 Kia Telluride came standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including navigation. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wire. Kia Connect offered features like 911 Connect, remote engine start, and home-to-car smart speaker integration. The Telluride also had standard Quiet Mode and Driver Talk functions, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a head-up display, and a surround-view monitoring system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured Uconnect 5 infotainment with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Grand Cherokee offered a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system. The front passenger interactive display allowed the passenger to assist the driver and access entertainment options.

The 2022 Kia Telluride included numerous standard driver assistance and collision avoidance technologies under Kia Drive Wise. Features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured advanced driver assistance systems and a safety cage composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. New features included Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, providing Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected in 2022.