2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with the "L" denoting its extended length, stood out as a significant evolution from its two-row counterpart. This elongation, measuring an additional 11.4 inches, enabled the integration of a third row of seats. Furthermore, the wheelbase received a five-inch extension to offer more legroom for second-row passengers and facilitated wider rear doors. The additional length and bulk were so seamlessly incorporated into the design that the standard Grand Cherokee seemed truncated in comparison. This was also due to Jeep's strategic move of releasing the elongated version first in 2021, thus debuting the two-row model almost a year later.

From all perspectives, the Grand Cherokee L exuded elegance paired with the unmistakable Jeep identity. Hallmark design elements such as the seven-slot rectangular grille, the U-shaped wheel arches, and the blunt front end remained integral. Yet, the L model embraced modernity with sleeker, brighter lighting and improved paint finishes and panel fits. Across the trim levels, from the base Laredo to the lavish Summit Reserve, this model retained its impressive demeanor. High-end trims like the Summit and Summit Reserve enhanced this with black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome. For the 2022 model year, Jeep also expanded its color palette with Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky, offering more customization options.

The interior of the Grand Cherokee L was another leap forward. Despite its price being around $20,000 higher than a fully loaded Kia Telluride, the Grand Cherokee L justified this with luxury materials and advanced technology. The cabin featured dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum accents, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The entire layout offered both style and substance, reminiscent of high-end vehicles without the burden of sharing components with other brands.

Conversely, the 2023 Kia Telluride also underwent aesthetic updates that refined its already popular design. Our evaluation was based on the new X-Line and X-Pro models. These versions benefitted from fresh front and rear stylings, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The 2023 model year introduced three new exterior colors: Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, complementing the new interior tones of Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green.

The X-Line variant replaced the Nightfall Edition and came with a raised suspension, unique grille design, roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model added chunkier 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, blending ruggedness with sophistication. These visuals conveyed a mildly aggressive off-road preparedness, especially when combined with updated bumpers.

Inside, the Telluride showcased more subtle updates like a new digital instrumentation panel, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and enhanced interior color schemes. Despite these updates, the layout prioritized functionality with practical trim changes and a redesigned center console. The embossed trim names on the seatbacks of the X-Line and X-Pro added a personalized touch.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a choice between two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 generating 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. However, a 48-volt hybrid system seen in Ram pickups was absent, though an advanced 4xe plug-in hybrid system loomed as a future enhancement.

Testing the V6, we found it somewhat underpowered for this hefty vehicle. The engine's peak power required high revs, and the transmission's early upshifts exacerbated this. The noise and performance lag were noticeable, especially under full loads. Alternatively, the V8 was more responsive, offering better power delivery and sound quality. Fuel economy for the V6 stood at 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 combined, whereas the V8 managed 14/22/17 mpg. The prospective 4xe hybrid promised cleaner emissions and better efficiency but lacked immediate availability data.

The Grand Cherokee L's redeeming feature lay in its exceptional chassis. Its ride quality was adaptable, courtesy of an advanced air suspension system with settings for various driving conditions. This system provided a plush ride while nearly eliminating body roll, pitch, and dive. Five ride height settings allowed for an adaptable clearance, ranging up to 10.9 inches in Off-road 2 mode. Combined with Jeep’s intelligent driving modes, the vehicle could effortlessly transition between on-road comfort and off-road prowess.

By contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride maintained its mechanical setup with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This, too, was matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Owners could select from five driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow. The available AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for improved off-road capability. In our testing, the Telluride averaged an impressive 24.1 mpg on highways, though the X-Pro variant, which we off-roaded for 30 minutes, averaged 20.4 mpg, aligning with its EPA rating of 21 mpg combined for AWD models.

Kia's adjustments included raising the suspension by 10mm, increasing ground clearance to 8.4 inches, and improving approach and departure angles. Enhancements such as the Downhill Brake Control and AWD Lock mode showcased improved off-road competence. The X-Pro model, with its 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, was the preferred choice for serious off-road enthusiasts, offering a higher towing capacity of 5,500 pounds and an optional self-leveling rear air suspension.

On Texas highways between San Antonio and Austin, the Telluride provided a smooth and responsive drive. The cabin remained quiet except for minor wind noise, and the ride retained a balance between comfort and road connection. However, the off-road tires rendered the ride slightly softer in turns, which was expected given their design.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and high-resolution graphics. Physical switches controlled essential functions like climate and audio, providing a tactile experience with well-damped clicks. The range included an 8.4-inch touchscreen for lower trims and a 10.1-inch version for higher trims. However, some graphics and text legibility issues persisted, especially in specialized apps.

The interior space was a notable advantage, accommodating three rows with ample room in each. The third row, though perhaps not luxurious, was comfortable for adults. Standard second-row captain's chairs allowed for six-person seating, with an optional bench seat increasing capacity to seven. Features like a panoramic roof and multiple USB ports added to the comfort. The main drawback was the air vents’ limited airflow, necessitating louder fan settings.

Cargo space in the Grand Cherokee L measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, extending to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row down and a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered similar adaptability in passenger arrangements, seating up to eight with second-row bench seating. Our tested models had premium amenities like Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs. The second row included features designed for comfort and convenience, such as manual sunshades, USB ports, and dedicated climate controls.

The third row was relatively easy to access and more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride provided ample storage and a smart power tailgate with automatic closing capability. Cargo capacity measured 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet with it folded down, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet with both rear rows stowed.

Jeep equipped the 2022 Grand Cherokee L with a wealth of technological features, particularly in its upper trims. Drivers could enjoy 16-way power adjustable front seats with multiple massage modes, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, a 360-degree camera system, and a competent Active Driving Assist system. The Uconnect system offered intuitive navigation features, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual phone connectivity.

Jeep introduced new optional 10.3-inch and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens for rear passengers, further enhancing in-car entertainment. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more, with additional options for advanced safety functions on higher trims. The Summit Reserve model featured a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, while lower trims had simpler audio setups.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, meanwhile, came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a navigation system. Kia Connect services offered additional conveniences, including a new Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed reliably, although it didn't control climate settings. Kia's app allowed remote vehicle control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, OTA updates, and dual-device Bluetooth pairing.

The Telluride featured useful inclusions like Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, and an optional Harman Kardon sound system. The new digital-key technology enabled smartphone or smartwatch-based vehicle entry, and a Full Display Mirror enhanced rear visibility. An optional head-up display provided turn-by-turn navigation, driving assistance, and more.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's safety credentials included standard driver and passenger knee airbags, rear-seat alerts for unattended passengers, and trailer sway control. Despite abundant driver aids, it hadn’t been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS as of that model year.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. It offered forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, and automatic emergency braking. Advanced ADAS technologies included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, lane-keeping and centering assists, adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction, and Highway Drive Assist systems. Occupants benefited from Safe Exit Assist, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors.

Test drives confirmed the efficacy of these systems, especially the nuanced forward collision warning and competent Highway Drive Assist 2.0.