2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels in Canada, all equipped with standard all-wheel drive (AWD): EX, SX, SX Limited, and SX Limited Nightsky Edition. The base pricing ranged from MSRPs of $46,195 to $55,695, excluding destination charges of $1,895. The Telluride EX was noted for its value, but many opted for the SX Limited trim, which offered a luxurious feel with features like premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. The SX Limited Nightsky Edition, new for 2021, added gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert, giving the Telluride a popular blacked-out look. The styling of the Telluride was widely praised, with its exterior and interior design receiving high marks for quality execution, despite some glossy hard plastic on the lower interior parts.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an extended version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, with an additional 29 centimetres in length to accommodate third-row seats. The wheelbase was also extended by 12.7 cm, providing more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's recognizable design elements, such as the seven-slot rectangular grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving paint finish and panel fit. The interior of the Grand Cherokee L was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather seating. Despite being more expensive than a loaded Kia Telluride, the Grand Cherokee L's interior was likened to a Mercedes in terms of style and tactile quality.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology, offering Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. The Telluride's AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, and with 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance, it handled low-grip terrain effectively. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a more compliant ride at higher velocities. The SUV's 20-inch wheels and tires offered commendable grip, and its brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology contributed to its composed handling. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with an observed average of 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, four-wheel drive (4WD) was standard, with three different systems available. The V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, was found lacking for the vehicle's weight, with engine noise intruding into the cabin under acceleration. The V8, available on higher trims, offered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, providing a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering five ride height settings. Fuel efficiency for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 12-way power adjustment and a standard heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The front seats featured heating and ventilation, and the second-row captain’s chairs in Limited grades added these features as standard. The Telluride's third-row seat was usable by adults, though not as spacious as in some competitors. The SUV provided ample storage solutions, including a smart hands-free power liftgate and a generous cargo capacity of up to 2,455 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek interface and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch display. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench optional. A panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced passenger comfort, though the air vents were criticized for insufficient airflow. The Grand Cherokee L's cargo space was generous, accommodating family needs with ease.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system on SX trim. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice-recognition system had room for improvement. The Limited grades added a head-up display with comprehensive information, including blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, such as massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. The Summit trims added advanced features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition, while the Summit Reserve boasted a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also featured adaptive cruise control, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, despite a 4-star frontal-impact result.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.