If you’re in the market for a new SUV, you have many great choices available. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Kia Telluride are two of the most popular options. Both vehicles offer great features and benefits but are also quite different. In this car comparison guide, we’ll look at the similarities and differences between these two SUVs so that you can make an informed decision about the one that is right for you.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Performance is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a new SUV. After all, you want your vehicle to be able to handle whatever you throw at it, whether you’re driving on the open highway or taking on some rugged off-road trails. When it comes to performance, both the Grand Cherokee and Telluride are great choices.
Under the hood of the Grand Cherokee is a standard 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine that delivers 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It is also available with a 5.7-liter V-8 Hemi engine that produces a whopping 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the Telluride comes with a standard 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V-6 engine built on the Lambda architecture. It delivers an impressive 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. However, it isn’t enough to match the Grand Cherokee’s V-8 or even its V-6 in terms of power.
Regarding fuel economy, the Grand Cherokee and Telluride are evenly matched. The Grand Cherokee gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with its V-6 engine. With the thirstier V-8 engine, those numbers drop to 14 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The Telluride gets 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with its V-6 engine, so it slightly edges out the Grand Cherokee in fuel efficiency.
Passenger Space and Cargo Capacity
The purpose of these two high-riding minivan replacements is to move families and their belongings around easily, so it’s no surprise that the Grand Cherokee and Telluride offer plenty of space for passengers and cargo.
The Grand Cherokee can seat up to five passengers, while the Telluride can accommodate up to eight. The Telluride is a triumph of interior space, offering more legroom, headroom, and shoulder room in both the front and rear seats than the Grand Cherokee. Although the Jeep’s seats both recline and slide back and forth, the Kia’s second-row captain’s chairs are more comfortable and recline further.
In terms of cargo space, the Grand Cherokee struggles to compete with the Telluride. The Grand Cherokee has a maximum cargo capacity of 84.6 cubic feet, with the rear seats folded down. Meanwhile, the Telluride has a much more generous cargo area, offering up to 87.0 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. So, if you need a lot of room to haul your gear, the Telluride is the better choice.
The Telluride is the clear winner when it comes to passenger space. The seats recline, slide, and even tumble out of the way to create a flat load floor. Better still, Telluride’s cargo area is both larger and more versatile.
Handling and Ride Quality
Another important consideration when choosing an SUV is handling and ride quality. After all, you want your vehicle to be comfortable on long trips and easy to handle on winding roads.
Standard on the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and Limited, the signature Quadra-Trac I 4×4 system features a two-speed transfer case with full-time four-wheel drive. This system automatically shifts power to the wheels that need it most, whether you’re driving on dry pavement or dealing with slippery conditions.
Although it boasts the all-wheel-drive Lock Mode and Snow Mode, the 2022 Kia Telluride’s Active On-Demand all-wheel-drive system can’t match any Jeep’s 4×4 drive system for true off-road capability. For this reason, the Grand Cherokee is the better choice if you’re looking for an SUV that can handle rough terrain.
The Grand Cherokee’s available driver-adjustable suspension system lets you choose between a comfortable ride and a sportier feel. The Telluride’s ride quality is comfortable and agile for the large SUV, but it can’t match the Grand Cherokee’s adjustability. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a comfortable and composed ride, even when you select the sport-tuned suspension. The Kia Telluride’s ride is just as comfortable, but it can’t match the Jeep for sporty handling.
The Grand Cherokee’s adjustable suspension system gives it an edge when it comes to ride quality. However, the Telluride is more agile and offers a comfortable ride.
Entertainment Features
Entertainment features are essential if you spend a lot of time in your vehicle. All the same, you want to be able to stay connected and entertained on long trips.
The Grand Cherokee beats the Telluride when it comes to entertainment features. Measuring 10.1 inches, the Grand Cherokee’s available touch-screen display is one of the largest in its class. Moreover, the class-exclusive, 10.25-inch touch screen in front of the first-row passengers takes entertainment to the next level. Measuring just over 10.0 inches behind the second-row passengers, the dual screens keep even the far-back riders entertained.
On the flip side, the Kia Telluride offers a slightly bigger 10.25-inch Kia Connect infotainment console, but it lacks a dual-screen entertainment system for the back passengers. The Grand Cherokee also offers a 19-speaker audio system from McIntosh, one of the best-sounding systems available in any vehicle. The Telluride’s Harman Kardon audio system with only 10 speakers can’t match the Grand Cherokee’s sound quality.
The Grand Cherokee’s dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system and superior audio system make it the clear winner in entertainment features.
When it comes to the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Kia Telluride, there is no clear winner. Both SUVs offer a comfortable ride, a spacious interior, and a long list of standard and available features. However, the Grand Cherokee has a few advantages, making it the better choice for some buyers.
Huffines CJDR Plano is your local Jeep dealer in the Plano, TX, area, and we would be happy to answer any questions you have about the Grand Cherokee. We also have an extensive inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles, and we’re sure you’ll find the perfect one for your needs. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.