2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Kia Telluride

During our experience in Texas with the 2023 Kia Telluride’s X-Line and X-Pro models, the fresh designs were immediately noticeable. The Telluride's updated front and rear styling, along with revamped headlights, taillights, and new wheel designs, provided a modern yet rugged appeal. New paint colors such as Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green offered an impressive range of choices, while the interior welcomed new shades like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green.

The Telluride X-Line replaced the former Nightfall Edition and came with a raised suspension, unique grille designs, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. For the X-Pro, the 18-inch exclusive wheels and all-terrain tires reinforced its off-road persona. The SUV’s added aggression was further enhanced by the updated bumper designs. Inside, the most prominent update was the introduction of a digital instrumentation panel beside the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both encased in a curved 24-inch piece of glass, projecting the Telluride into a more futuristic space.

Conversely, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L exhibited an enduring charm since its first version. Known for its original tough yet upscale design, the Grand Cherokee L extended this legacy with a longer body while maintaining its classic style. Our Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured a blacked-out grille, logos, and door handles, matched with dark gray 21-inch wheels that cemented its bold appearance. The black leather interior with gold stitching and light walnut accents added upscale touches to the rugged charm. The U-shaped fenders, square greenhouse, slim LED lighting, and body-color bumpers all contributed to a modern yet timeless look.

The interiors of the upper trims were luxurious, albeit with some cheaper plastics in places. Despite this, a polished black dash, thick metal gear selector, and diamond-patterned stitching on the seats added a sense of class. The higher trims compared well to competitors like the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder, and even outshone others, offering class-topping luxury.

Mechanically, the 2023 Kia Telluride retained its powerful 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The drive modes—Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow—along with the AWD system’s low-speed Lock function, provided versatility.

The X-Line variant averaged 24.1 mpg in mixed driving conditions, while the X-Pro, despite its off-road foray, managed 20.4 mpg. Official ratings suggested 21 mpg combined for the AWD model. The Telluride’s raised suspension by 10mm, increased ground clearance to 8.4 inches, improved approach and departure angles, and new Downhill Brake Control system enhanced its off-road credentials. The X-Pro's additional towing capacity (5,500 pounds) and the self-leveling rear air suspension made it a practical off-roader.

On highways, the Telluride excelled with its soft, smooth ride. It was quiet inside, aside from some wind noise, and felt solid and balanced. The off-road tires slightly impacted cornering, but this compromise was expected.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, on the other hand, was hampered by its standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, which, while adequate at 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet, lacked low-end torque and was noisy under strain. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet, was a recommended upgrade, especially for those needing towing capabilities up to 7,200 pounds.

EPA ratings for the V6 stood at 18/25/21 mpg, while the V8 was less efficient at 14/22/17 mpg. Nonetheless, the Grand Cherokee L’s chassis offered a solid and stiff feel, complemented by an air suspension that maintained cornering stability without sacrificing ride comfort. The steering could be more responsive, but overall handling was top-tier for its class.

The Grand Cherokee L offered three 4WD systems, providing enhanced grip and off-road prowess. The Quadra-Trac I, II, and Quadra-Drive II (with limited-slip differential) systems, combined with variable air suspension for up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance, made the Grand Cherokee L formidable in challenging conditions, aligning it closely with Land Rover’s off-road capabilities.

The Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers depending on the second-row configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather, heated and ventilated front and second-row captain's chairs, and a heated steering wheel. The spacious interior provided comfort, bolstered by a power lumbar stabilization system.

Entering the second row was easy, and Kia's well-placed USB ports and a Wi-Fi hotspot added to passenger convenience. The third row offered reasonable comfort, although it could not match the Volkswagen Atlas in terms of leg support. Cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The smart power tailgate feature, though handy, risked unwanted openings if not carefully managed.

The Grand Cherokee L benefited from a longer wheelbase, offering ample legroom, especially for second-row passengers. Standard second-row captain’s chairs or an optional bench seat provided flexibility. The third row, while tight for adults, was suitable for children.

Visibility from the driver's seat was excellent, and the dual-row button layout around the touchscreen facilitated easy control access. However, the infotainment system's graphics posed legibility issues. Cargo space in the Grand Cherokee L was expansive with 17 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet with the second row down, and 85 cubic feet with both rows folded, placing it at the top of its class.

Technology in the 2023 Kia Telluride was impressive with a 12.3-inch touchscreen standard across all models, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and navigation. The voice recognition passed tests smoothly, though climate commands required manual adjustment.

The Kia Access app allowed remote control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, benefiting from OTA updates and dual-device Bluetooth pairing. Six USB ports and features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode enhanced passenger convenience. An upgrade to a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, digital-key technology, and a Full Display Mirror rounded out the tech offerings. The head-up display provided a robust 10-inch viewing area, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a notable highlight for daily commutes.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L also impressed with its Uconnect 5 system, available on an 8.4-inch or a 10.1-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The system was user-friendly despite some graphics issues. A notable feature was the superb night vision system, projecting infrared images and highlighting people and animals. The Active Driving Assist for semi-automated highway control and the impressive massage programs for the front seats added luxury and convenience.

Additionally, the Grand Cherokee L’s passenger screen allowed control over navigation, cameras, and the "FamCam" for rear-row surveillance. Amazon Fire TV provided streaming options, ensuring entertainment for all passengers.

Kia's 2023 Telluride packed an abundance of safety features. Standard amenities included forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and more. The Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and 2.0, and a host of collision-avoidance features were impressive. The inclusion of a Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors underscored Kia's commitment to safety.

The Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023, ensuring reinforced frame safety. It also scored highly in NHTSA tests, maintaining a five-star rating overall except for rollover. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features like night vision and 360-degree cameras enhanced safety further, providing robust protection on and off-road.