2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a surprisingly spacious and commanding driving experience. Its design featured an upright layout with a clear view of the road, and while the headlight design was somewhat intricate, it seamlessly integrated with the grille. Although not intended for off-roading, the Seltos had an aggressive lower front bumper, hinting at its dynamic on-road capabilities. The interior was straightforward and intuitive, with clean lines and tech features reminiscent of more upscale brands. The Seltos was available in various trims, each offering a range of features from basic to more luxurious, including options like a larger infotainment screen and advanced driver assistance features.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended length to accommodate third-row seating, presented an elegant and recognizable Jeep design. Its exterior maintained classic Jeep elements like the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modern touches included slimmer, brighter lighting. The interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials and a layout that felt premium. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space across all three rows, making it suitable for families. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical switches for essential controls, and the vehicle was equipped with a range of advanced features, especially in higher trims, enhancing both comfort and convenience.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came with two engine options. The base engine, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, produced 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. While adequate for city driving, it lacked power at higher speeds. The SX Turbo trim offered a more robust 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine provided ample power for both city and highway driving, with drive modes enhancing the driving experience. The Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride, making it feel more like a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine choices: a 3.6-litre V6 with 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-litre V8 with 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The V6, while adequate, struggled with the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8 provided a more satisfying performance, available on higher trims. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in ride quality, with a stellar chassis and optional air suspension that adjusted ride height and comfort. It offered impressive handling for its size, with various driving modes to suit different terrains, although it was more suited for on-road comfort than off-road adventures.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered impressive cargo space, with 752 litres behind the rear seats and 1,778 litres with the seats folded, surpassing many subcompact and even some compact SUVs. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, and the rear seats provided ample head- and legroom, making it a practical choice for passengers and cargo alike.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical controls for essential functions. It offered spacious seating across all three rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row and an optional bench seat. The panoramic roof and ample USB ports enhanced passenger comfort, though the air vents were somewhat inadequate. The Grand Cherokee L provided a luxurious and spacious interior, suitable for long journeys.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured a range of infotainment options, with the base trims offering an 8-inch touchscreen and higher trims boasting a 10.25-inch screen. The system was intuitive, with hard buttons for easy navigation. However, there were some quirks, such as the default audio source switching when a phone was connected via USB.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced technology, especially in upper trims, with features like massage seats, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and adaptive cruise control and other driver aids were standard. The Summit trims included additional features like automatic parking and a rear-facing camera for monitoring rear passengers.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came with a comprehensive array of safety features, including airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Most trims included advanced driver-assistance features like collision avoidance and lane-keep assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time, but it came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The vehicle was equipped with a range of safety features, enhancing its appeal as a family vehicle.