2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased a refreshed design with updated front and rear styling, new headlights and taillights, and a selection of new wheel designs. The SUV was available in new paint colours such as Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior offered fresh hues like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro model added exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch glass panel, giving the SUV a modern edge. Other interior updates included new colours, minor trim changes, and a redesigned steering wheel, with the X-Line and X-Pro trims featuring embossed trim names on the front seatbacks.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic body-on-frame look, with larger all-terrain tires on the Rubicon X and Rubicon 392 trims. A redesigned grille, first seen on the 2023 20th Anniversary edition, allowed for improved airflow into the engine bay. The Wrangler also introduced an integrated antenna in the windshield, preventing snags during off-roading. With 10 new wheel designs, the Wrangler offered a variety of roof options, including a traditional soft-top, full hard top, retractable sunroof, and power-retractable sunroof. The windshield could fold down, and the doors were removable, with options for full doors, half doors, or tube doors from Mopar. These features underscored the Wrangler's rugged, adventure-ready design.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for power distribution. The Telluride X-Line averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro, with its off-road capabilities, returned 11.5 L/100 km. The X-Pro model featured a raised suspension, improved approach and departure angles, and an enhanced cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, all-terrain tires, and Downhill Brake Control system. On highways, it offered a smooth ride, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower, a plug-in hybrid version with 375 horsepower, a 3.6-litre V6 with 285 horsepower, and a 6.4-litre V8 with 470 horsepower. Various transfer cases provided different off-road capabilities, with the Rubicon trim featuring the Rock-Trac transfer case. The Wrangler 392 offered full-time 4WD with the Selec-Trac system. The 4xe PHEV Wrangler combined a turbo engine with electric motors, offering 35 kilometres of all-electric range. The Wrangler's solid axles provided excellent articulation, and the Offroad+ mode optimized performance for sand dune driving or rock crawling. The Willys trim offered a cost-effective option with Offroad+ mode, 33-inch tires, and a rear locking differential. However, the Wrangler's ride quality on pavement was bumpy, though sound deadening material improved cabin quietness.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior offered ample space, with comfortable seating and a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row featured manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets, while a button on the captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third row. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and a maximum cargo volume of 2,455 litres with rear seats folded.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler's big news was its upgraded towing capacity, now rated at 2,268 kilograms for specific models. Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with new 12-way power adjustable front seats. The 4xe model featured a 30-amp Power Box, running off the battery to power accessories. The Wrangler's interior was designed for rugged use, with features like removable doors and a fold-down windshield, emphasizing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. The system supported over-the-air updates and dual Bluetooth device pairing. Driver Talk and Quiet Mode enhanced communication and comfort, while a wireless phone charger and Harman Kardon audio system were standard in higher trims. The Telluride also offered digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror, with an optional head-up display providing additional driving information.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Uconnect5, with optional navigation. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and a wireless hotspot. The Off-Road Pages provided detailed data, and the system's speed was notably improved. The Wrangler's technology suite catered to both on-road and off-road needs, with user-friendly features and multiple USB ports.

The 2023 Kia Telluride boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Advanced Highway Drive Assist provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, with additional collision avoidance features available in higher trims. The Telluride was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler introduced first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, with forward collision warning standard on most models. Advanced driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were optional. The Wrangler's safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were expected to improve with the addition of side curtain airbags, though previous models received mixed ratings.