2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a testament to timeless design, maintaining its appeal over a decade after its debut. It combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication, featuring big wheels under flared fenders, creating a balanced automotive art piece. The Grand Cherokee's design contributed significantly to its success, as it defied easy categorization, fitting into mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV categories. The model lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, with high-performance SRT and Trackhawk models. The Summit trim, with its 5.7-litre V8 engine and premium interior, offered a luxurious experience, though the interior design showed signs of aging with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, presented a stylish and rugged appearance with matte-finish wheels, black cladding, and robust roof rails. The Sorento's interior exuded quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim, reflecting solid construction and attention to detail. The cabin was designed for comfort and practicality, with features like heated and ventilated seats, USB charging ports, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the third-row seat was cramped, making it more suitable for children. The Sorento offered a "smart" power tailgate for convenience, and its interior style and storage solutions made it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, capable of towing up to 2,818 kilograms. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 provided 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kg. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency, though it still consumed 14.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it suitable for daily driving.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's base engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, which was underwhelming in performance. However, the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine offered 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, providing a more enjoyable driving experience. The Sorento's eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and tuned suspension delivered a sporty feel, with excellent body motion control and communication. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km, but the Sorento's energetic performance and handling made it a compelling choice for those seeking a dynamic driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system, causing some distraction. The rear seat was comfortable but had limited legroom, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system added to the sense of claustrophobia. The Grand Cherokee provided 1,028 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,934 litres with the rear seats folded, though interior storage was limited.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with Burgundy leather seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for children, with cupholders, USB ports, and climate control vents. The third-row seat was cramped, making it more suitable for occasional use. The Sorento offered 357 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,139 litres with the seats folded. The "smart" power tailgate added convenience, though it could open unintentionally.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system provided a user-friendly experience with fast response times and clear graphics. The Summit trim included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. The Grand Cherokee's technology was considered "tech lite," focusing on essential features.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The system was intuitive, though the graphics and colours were not to everyone's taste. The Sorento's voice recognition was less effective than Hyundai's, and the 12-speaker Bose audio system was reserved for the SX trim. A wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA with 4WD, but its IIHS ratings were less favourable, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact tests. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The ParkSense parking assistance system was useful in low-traffic environments.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a full range of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor system provided live video feeds of blind spots, and Highway Driving Assist offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. The Sorento was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, though its LED headlights received a "Poor" rating. The NHTSA gave the Sorento a four-star overall rating, with four-star ratings in frontal-impact and rollover resistance tests.