2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of design. While Kia's signature tiger-nose grille was a hit on models like the Stinger and Sorento, it seemed out of place on the Sportage, resembling a Halloween party fake mustache. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with its four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a Volkswagen-style symmetry in the rear. The SX trim's 19-inch alloy wheels added to its stylish and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage boasted a Germanic-inspired design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and user-friendly buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained its classic style while extending its length by over 30 centimetres. The High Altitude package added a bold touch with blacked-out grille, logos, and door handles, complemented by dark gray 21-inch wheels and black leather with gold stitching. The interior featured matte-finish light walnut accents, a thick metal dial for gear selection, and toggle switches for driving modes. While not every material was top-tier, the overall feel was luxurious, especially in upper trims. The Grand Cherokee L's design combined traditional Jeep elements with modern touches, ensuring it remained a standout in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. Most models came with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, providing a competitive yet unremarkable performance. The Sportage SX, however, featured a more robust engine with 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it particularly appealing for those living at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Dynamax all-wheel-drive system was standard on all but the base LX FWD model. The Sportage SX delivered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, and offered a sporty driving experience, though it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, shared with Dodge and Chrysler, produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. While the engine was well-muffled, it lacked the low-end torque needed for the heavy SUV. An optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine with 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque was recommended, especially for towing, as it increased the towing capacity to 3,265 kilograms. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, and the air suspension allowed for smooth cornering and a pliable ride. The SUV offered three 4WD systems, with the Quadra-Drive II featuring a low-range transfer case and limited-slip differential. The air suspension allowed for adjustable ground clearance, making the Grand Cherokee L a capable off-road vehicle.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though on the smaller side of the compact crossover scale, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim provided front-seat occupants with perforated leather upholstery, ten-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, and eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. The Sportage's cargo space was less impressive, with 1,703 litres available with the second-row seats folded and 868 litres behind the back seat. The smart liftgate technology added convenience, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, with standard captain's chairs and optional 60/40 bench seating. The third row, while power-folding, was best suited for children. The SUV offered a power liftgate and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof on higher trims. Cargo space was generous, with 481 litres behind the three rows, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded, making it one of the most spacious in its class.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SX trim added UVO Intelligence connected services, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the UVO Intelligence system lagged in technological sophistication, lacking features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, all running Uconnect 5. The system was generally quick and easy to use, though some legibility issues were noted. The Grand Cherokee L offered a 19-speaker McIntosh sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and advanced features like night vision and Active Driving Assist. The passenger screen allowed for independent media control and navigation assistance, adding to the SUV's tech-savvy appeal.

The 2022 Kia Sportage's EX and SX grades included safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The SX trim also offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favourable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX earning an Acceptable headlight rating for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L achieved a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored five stars in most NHTSA tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features on higher trims included front cross-traffic braking, 360-degree cameras, and night vision. The Grand Cherokee L's comprehensive safety suite contributed to its high safety ratings.