2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Kia Telluride

During our time in Texas, we experienced the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, which featured refreshed front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride offered new paint colours like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior introduced fresh hues such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, boasting a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-colour door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro further enhanced the off-road appeal with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the updates were subtle, with a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a curved 24-inch glass, pushing the Telluride into a modern era. The interior changes included new colours, minor trim updates, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional centre console. The X-Line and X-Pro trims had their names embossed on the front seatbacks, adding a touch of exclusivity.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained its classic style while extending the Grand Cherokee by over 30 centimetres. Our Hydro Blue model, equipped with the High Altitude package, featured a blacked-out grille, logos, and door handle tops, along with gloss black interior accents. The dark gray 21-inch wheels, black leather with gold stitching, and matte-finish light walnut trim created a bold and upscale appearance. The U-shaped fenders and square greenhouse were quintessential Jeep, complemented by modern elements like slim LED lighting and body-colour bumpers with integrated exhaust tips. The interior of upper trims was impressive, with polished black dash hiding an optional touchscreen, a thick metal dial for gear selection, and toggle switches for driving modes and air suspension. The diamond-patterned stitching on the seats and door panels, along with aluminum speaker grilles, added a touch of class. While not every piece was Mercedes-grade, the overall feel was justified for a vehicle approaching $90,000.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for even power distribution. The V6 provided ample motivation, averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the X-Line during a mix of highway and twisty roads. The X-Pro, with its off-road capabilities, returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading in Lock mode. Official ratings suggested 11.4 L/100 km in combined driving. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance to 21.3 mm, approach and departure angles, and traction control for off-road performance. The X-Pro, with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride excelled off-road, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, ground clearance, and stability. On highways, it offered a smooth ride, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, shared with Dodge and Chrysler, produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. While the engine was well-muffled, it lacked low-end torque, making it less suitable for a heavy SUV. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for towing, offering a max capacity of 3,265 kilograms. The V8's fuel economy was rated at 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, with air suspension allowing for smooth cornering and a pliable ride. The steering could be quicker, but the handling was top-notch. The 4WD system, standard in Canada, offered three different systems, with Quadra-Drive II featuring a low-range transfer case and LSD. The air suspension allowed for five height settings, with a maximum ground clearance of 27.6 centimetres, making it more sophisticated off-road than most competitors.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior offered ample room, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system to keep drivers alert on long trips. The second row was equipped with manual side-window sunshades, adjustable armrests, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the second-row captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third-row seating area, which was more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a “smart” power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo space was plentiful, with 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided more legroom for second-row passengers, creating a spacious interior. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a centre console and four-zone climate control available on higher trims. The third row, while power-folding, was tight for adults and best suited for children. A power liftgate and dual-pane panoramic sunroof were available on higher trims. The driver's seat offered good visibility, with two rows of buttons surrounding the touchscreen for easy access to controls. However, legibility issues with the infotainment system's graphics and text were noted. Cargo space was ample, with 481 litres behind the three rows, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,407 litres with both rows folded, making it one of the largest in its class.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported pairing two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included six USB charging ports, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. A wireless phone charger and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were standard in Canada. Digital-key technology allowed smartphones or smartwatches to function as keys. A Full Display rear-view mirror and an optional head-up display with a larger viewing area were available. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, notifying drivers when traffic ahead started moving.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel. Higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen and navigation with full-screen maps. Uconnect 5 was generally user-friendly, though legibility issues were noted. The McIntosh sound system, while good, lacked surround imaging. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. Night vision and Active Driving Assist were available on higher trims. The passenger screen, active only when a passenger was seated, allowed for independent media control and navigation assistance. The Grand Cherokee L offered numerous tech features not found in competitors.

The 2023 Kia Telluride boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. Blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist were also standard. The adaptive cruise control system could reduce speed based on navigation data, and Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. Advanced Highway Drive Assist added a Lane Change Assist function. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023, following frame reinforcements. It scored five stars in NHTSA tests, except for rollover, where it received four stars. Standard safety features included front knee airbags, forward emergency braking, rear park assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features on higher trims included front cross-traffic braking, a backup camera washer, and 360-degree cameras. Night vision was available on Summit and Summit Reserve trims.