2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2022 Kia Seltos

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Kia Soul and the larger Kia Sportage, offering a range of trim levels in Canada, including LX, EX, EX Premium, and SX. Most trims came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), except for the Seltos LX, with prices ranging from $23,595 to $33,195, excluding the $1,850 destination charge. The U.S. model tested, the Nightfall Edition, was similar to the top SX grade, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, and a dual-clutch transmission. The Seltos was a small SUV with a stylish interior, though it had an abundance of hard plastic that detracted from its overall appeal. The controls were logically arranged, but the purple accent colour for the infotainment system was not universally liked.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, maintaining Jeep's design traditions. It was available in several trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices starting at $51,545 and reaching up to $78,040, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The Grand Cherokee's design was influenced by the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille and headlights, a lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee offered a range of luxurious features, especially in the Summit Reserve trim, with premium leather seats, a high-end audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior quality was high across all trims, with the base Laredo providing a sense of substance and quality.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, EX, and EX Premium trims came with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The SX trim featured a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The Seltos provided a choice of driving modes, including Normal, Sport, and Smart, with the latter balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution, but the Seltos's ground clearance was less than some competitors, making it suitable for light off-roading. The suspension tuning was a weak point, with the Seltos exhibiting lateral rocking motions and a lack of bump isolation.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-litre V8 engine with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V6 had a tow rating of 2,812 kilograms, while the V8 increased it to 3,265 kilograms. Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim was particularly off-road capable, with features like an electronic locking rear differential and Quadra-Lift air suspension. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, and it felt more nimble and athletic than the larger Grand Cherokee L. The V6 was preferred for its efficiency and good acceleration, while the V8 offered a thrilling sound but at a higher cost.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access due to its ride height and large door openings. The driver's seat was manually adjustable, and heated front seats were standard on most trims. The rear seat provided ample space for adults, with generous footroom and rear air conditioning vents on upper trims. Cargo space was impressive, with 752 litres behind the rear seat and 1,778 litres with the seat folded down. However, the use of hard plastic on the upper door panels and front seatbacks detracted from comfort.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort for both the driver and front passenger, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. Higher trims offered additional features like ventilated front seats and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence, especially during off-roading. Rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, and the plastic front seatback trim was uncomfortable. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 1,067 litres of cargo space behind the back seat and 2,004 litres with the seat folded down, while the Grand Cherokee L provided more space due to its design.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system starting at the EX Premium grade, paired with a Bose premium sound system on the SX trim. The system included Bluetooth, navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a cable connection was required. The infotainment system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for easy access. However, the voice recognition system was frustrating, and a native conversational voice recognition system was missing.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and multiple interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch screen available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Amazon Alexa integration and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The optional front passenger interactive display allowed the passenger to assist the driver and provided entertainment options.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous driving assistance systems, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The Seltos SX offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Highway Driving Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, but the NHTSA gave it an overall rating of four stars due to a four-star performance in the front-passenger, frontal-impact crash test.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an impressive collection of advanced driver assistance systems, with a safety cage composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. Standard features included blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and full-speed forward collision warning. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance, with a hands-free version expected in 2022. The Grand Cherokee's crash-test performance was yet to be determined, but improvements were anticipated.