2022 Jeep Wrangler 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 $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 2021 Kia Telluride was widely praised, with its exterior and interior design receiving high marks for quality and contemporary execution. However, the interior was criticized for some glossy hard plastic and limited colour options, with light grey leather only available in the SX Limited trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a classic two-door or a more practical four-door body style. Buyers could select from various powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions available. Our test vehicle was the new High Tide model, based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim, featuring LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. The Wrangler's design was rugged and functional, with a focus on off-road capability. However, the interior was basic, with a focus on durability rather than luxury. The Wrangler's unique character and capabilities made it a favourite among off-road enthusiasts, but it required compromises in terms of comfort and refinement.

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 its 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance helped it handle low-grip terrain effectively. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride and handling. It averaged 11.5 L/100 km in combined driving, slightly above the expected 11.3 L/100 km.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Wrangler's fuel consumption was higher, averaging 14.0 L/100 km over a week of testing. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a focus on off-road capability and a rugged feel. However, it was known for its loud cabin, vague steering, and rough ride, which were part of its charm for enthusiasts.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a quiet cabin. The second-row captain's chairs offered heating and ventilation, and the third-row seat was accessible and usable for adults. The Telluride provided ample storage and a smart hands-free power liftgate, with 601 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 2,455 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was more utilitarian, with comfortable seats and durable cloth upholstery. However, entry and exit were challenging, especially with a raised suspension. The Wrangler offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded. Storage options were limited, and the interior was basic, with a focus on functionality rather than luxury.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It offered a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system and a head-up display on Limited grades. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and wireless smartphone charging.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, and heated front seats, but the infotainment system was basic compared to the Telluride.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star frontal-impact rating.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, offering features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. Safety features were optional rather than standard.