2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Kia Telluride

Posted on December 4, 2021

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the automaker's first foray into the three-row SUV market. Building on the enormous success of its smaller Grand Cherokee sibling, it combines a huge amount of power under the hood with in-cabin comfort and genuine off-road capability. Does the new model have the chops to lead the lucrative three-row segment? To find out, we've pitted it against one of the most established players, the 2021 Kia Telluride, and here's how it went.

Under the Hood

At the base level, both of these SUVs boast a powerful V6 engine delivering all the output you could ask for in daily driving conditions. In the Grand Cherokee L's case, there's a 3.6L V6 making a healthy 295 horsepower and 260lb-ft of torque, passed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all-wheel drive as standard.

The Kia Telluride's figures are placed in a very similar ballpark, with a 3.8L V6 delivering a slightly lower 291 horsepower, but a slightly higher 262lb-ft. As with the Jeep, the transmission is an eight-speed automatic design. However, the Kia only offers front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive as a paid upgrade.

But if you're looking for greater power, the Grand Cherokee L is the only choice. While every Telluride features the same V6 engine, the Jeep is available with a 5.2L V8 mill that pushes the horsepower up to 360 hp alongside a searing torque rating of 390lb-ft. This level of engine power opens up genuine high-end off-roading possibilities, as well as greater confidence and smoothness in more everyday situations.

Fuel Economy

At the standard level, both of these SUVs offer a city fuel economy rating of 12.4L / 100km. However, there's a slight difference in highway performance, with the Jeep's 9.0L improving on the Kia's 9.8L. Nonetheless, both vehicles offer highly respectable economy considering their size and power.

Towing Capacity

Towing is an important aspect of three-row SUV performance, and both of these models perform very well. The Kia has a maximum rating of 2,272kg, but is outshone by the standard Jeep's figure of 2,812kg. And if you switch up to the 5.8L engine, the Grand Cherokee L can haul an impressive 3,266kg, enough for any extended wilderness camping trip.

Infotainment

The entry-level Kia is supplied with an 8" touchscreen display, with a 10.25" upgrade available. The Jeep's entry screen is larger at 8.4", but there's no larger option available. To compensate, the Jeep boasts a large 10.25" digital instrument display cluster as standard. Both SUVs offer smartphone integration as standard, with in-built navigation, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot as options.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs. 20201 Kia Telluride: The Verdict

The Kia has a slight edge in infotainment tech thanks to its optional larger touchscreen, but in every aspect of power and performance the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L comes out ahead. Call us now to book a test drive of any model in the range, and see for yourself why this new Jeep has made such a great impact among reviewers and buyers alike.