Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Kia Sportage

The 2023 Kia Sportage had transformed significantly over its past iterations, bringing a bold and somewhat unconventional look to the compact crossover segment. The new design incorporated bright, boomerang-shaped daytime running lights framing a distinctive grille, while texture metal trim on the D Pillar added a touch of sophistication. The overall aesthetic felt refined yet exotic, almost aligning it with the stylings often seen in French automobiles like Renault or Citroen. The interior, although lacking leather seating in favor of synthetic materials, delivered a luxury feel with a large display dominating the dash, leather-wrapped steering wheels, and shifters in higher trims. Dual-zone climate control was a standard feature above the base model, enhancing the sense of quality inside.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L retained its classic rugged appeal while incorporating modern, upscale elements. The Hydro Blue High Altitude package added a touch of boldness, with its blacked-out grille, logos, and 21-inch wheels. It seamlessly mixed luxury with toughness due in part to its five-inch extended wheelbase, accommodating roomy interiors. Inside, the upper trims boasted luxurious features like black leather with gold stitching and light walnut trim. While lower trims didn't exude the same level of luxury, the design and materials used still outclassed most of its competition. Integrated high-end elements like slim LED lighting and a modern black roofline helped ensure the Grand Cherokee L aged gracefully.

The 2023 Kia Sportage had introduced both hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, along with a 2.5-liter inline-four gasoline engine capable of producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in FWD and AWD configurations. Although slightly larger and more powerful than its predecessor, this engine still felt underwhelming compared to the turbocharged options available in competing models. The fuel efficiency was commendable, achieving up to 32 mpg on the highway with FWD, but the lack of a turbocharged engine might have dampened its appeal to performance enthusiasts. Off-road capabilities were respectable in the X-Pro trims, which featured BF Goodrich all-terrain tires and AT-tire-tuned drive modes, but the Sportage generally struggled to offer a thrilling on-road experience.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L’s base 3.6-liter V6 engine suffered from low-end torque issues, delivering 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. While quiet, it felt unrefined in spirited driving conditions. Alternatively, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 presented a more compelling option, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, ideal for towing up to 7,200 pounds. Though fuel efficiency was compromised with the V8, the overall handling benefited significantly from the chassis and air suspension, providing a comfortable yet confident ride. Jeep's advanced 4WD systems and 10.9 inches of ground clearance with air suspension enabled the Grand Cherokee L to tackle off-road challenges with ease, though it was often more capability than the average buyer required.

For 2023, the Kia Sportage upped its game significantly in terms of interior space and practicality. It grew by 7.1 inches in length and 3.4 inches in wheelbase compared to its predecessor, putting it on par with competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Rear-seat legroom expanded to an impressive 41.3 inches, complemented by a spacious cargo area of 39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. Upfront, the driver and passenger enjoyed compartments for storage, including a sizable center console and tandem cupholders. One downside was the overcomplicated touch-sensitive HVAC controls, difficult to use while driving.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L leveraged its additional length to offer excellent interior space. The second-row legroom was expansive, thanks to an extra five inches in the wheelbase. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard, with an optional 60/40 bench seat for those needing more flexibility. Cargo capacity was another highlight: 17 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and an impressive 85 cubic feet with both rows folded, making it one of the largest in its class. Accessibility to the third row was adequate for children but tight for adults, highlighting its family-oriented design.

, especially in higher trims. A 12.3-inch touchscreen interface came standard starting from the EX trim, paired with a matching driver information display in the SX trim. This setup created a luxurious ambiance. However, the wired-only Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the top trims seemed counterintuitive, while the base trim offered wireless versions with a smaller 8-inch screen. Despite those quirks, the Sportage provided ample tech features like wireless charging, rear USB-C ports, and a premium Harman Kardon stereo system on higher trims. The intuitive yet sometimes frustrating tech could detract from the driving experience, including overcomplicated HVAC controls that could switch between climate settings and navigation functions.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L also excelled in technology. Lower trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims enjoyed a larger 10.1-inch unit. Navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard on Limited and Overland trims. The night vision feature was highly effective, and the Active Driving Assist system enhanced semi-automated control on highways. Stand-out features included a 16-way power front seat with massage functions, a head-up display, and a unique passenger screen. While Uconnect 5 was generally intuitive, some legibility issues in the infotainment system could be frustrating.

For the 2023 Kia Sportage, safety features included an extensive list of advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear backup sensors. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The top-tier trims featured Kia’s Blind-view monitor and Highway driving assist, though these were not offered on lower trims. Unfortunately, the 2023 model had yet to undergo testing by the NHTSA and IIHS at the time of the review.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L excelled in safety ratings, achieving a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023, and securing five-star ratings in all NHTSA tests except rollover (four stars). Standard safety features included front knee airbags for both driver and passenger, forward and rear emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Optional safety tech on higher trims included front cross-traffic braking and night vision, along with Jeep's sophisticated Active Driving Assist on its top-tier Summit Reserve trim.