2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Jeep Wrangler

Nearly every mainstream car company offers at least one family-friendly, midsize three-row SUV. Kia has three, and the Telluride is the largest of its gas-powered models. (The electric-only EV9 is slightly larger). The Telluride debuted in 2020 to critical acclaim and commercial success. Since then, it has received several updates but not a redesign. We took a 2025 Kia Telluride on a nearly 2,000-kilometre family road trip and remain impressed with this stylish and capable Kia.

Verdict: Aging technology caused some irritation during a five-day road trip in the 2025 Kia Telluride. Otherwise, it was perfectly suited to long-distance travel whether rolling down a highway, roaming a major city, or romping down trails.

There are no significant updates for the 2026 Jeep Wrangler, but it does add an enhanced hinge system that makes the doors easier to remove plus some limited-edition exterior colours. As one of the original rough-and-tumble off-roaders, the Wrangler maintains an aura of adventure with a minimalist, rugged interior with analog gauges. The Wrangler shines in an off-road environment but has just enough tech and comfort to double as a commuter car.

Verdict: The 2026 Jeep Wrangler is full of compromises. It has unquestionable prowess in the dirt and projects fun-loving confidence. But in a city or suburban environment, drivers will have to deal with a noisy cabin and poor fuel economy.