Choosing between the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Kia Telluride takes some consideration. Both midsize SUVs have what you want in terms of comfort and modern technology, that’s for sure. And both deliver a strong, sure performance. But which model makes the most of your daily drive? Our comparison guide is here to help you puzzle it out.
Key Takeaways
- The 2023 Kia Telluride (starting at $35,890) has a slightly lower price than the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee (starting at $41,530).
- For more power, choose the Grand Cherokee.
- If you’re after an off-road adventure, the Grand Cherokee will better serve your needs.
- With a more versatile interior and an impressive list of available features, the Grand Cherokee has the edge for modern comfort.
MSRP: 2023 Kia Telluride
If you’re after the best possible deal, check out the 2023 Telluride. Kia’s three-row midsize SUV starts at $35,890. The increasingly rugged 2023 Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, has an MSRP of $41,530
Powertrain Options: 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
If you crave a swift performance, check out the Grand Cherokee. With its available V8, you’ll be zooming ahead of competitors. And the available plug-in hybrid powertrain helps you earn an incredible 56 MPGe, all while giving you 375 horses! Properly equipped, Jeep’s midsize SUV can tow best-in-class loads of 7,200 pounds.
Choose from these Grand Cherokee powertrain options:
- Standard 3.6L V6 (293 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque)
- Optional for Trailhawk, Overland, Summit: 2.0L four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain (375 hp, 470 lb-ft)
- Optional for Overland, Summit: 5.7L V8 (357 hp, 390 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic
- Rear-wheel drive
- Optional four-wheel drive
Every Telluride trim model comes with the same engine, a punchy V6. Although it’s not quite as quick as some of the Grand Cherokee’s options, it competes well with the Grand Cherokee’s base engine. The Telluride can’t pull quite as big a trailer, either, with a maximum tow rating of 5,500 pounds.
The Kia Telluride is only available with one engine:
- 3.8L V6 (291 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic
- Front-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive
Rugged Capabilities: 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
With its true four-wheel-drive system, the Grand Cherokee gives you better traction on the trail. If you want to really power through the wilderness, choose the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk trim model. It includes all the gear you need to keep your footing over difficult terrain, like an electronic rear limited-slip differential, all-terrain tires, and an adaptive air suspension with selectable ride height settings!
You can add all-wheel drive to any Kia Telluride, and it will give you a little extra traction when you need it. But all-wheel-drive SUVs should definitely stick to lighter trails. If you want more rugged gear, the Telluride offers the X-Line and X-Pro packages. The former gives you standard all-wheel drive and 0.4 inch of extra ground clearance. The latter gives you those features, plus all-terrain tires and an off-road-tuned suspension.
Interior Upgrades: 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The standard Grand Cherokee offers space for five passengers. However, a three-row version of this midsize SUV, the Grand Cherokee L, is also available. Since it comes standard with comfy second-row captain’s chairs, this model seats up to six passengers.
Every Grand Cherokee comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control and a smartphone-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And its standard list of safety aids beats the Telluride’s. It adds rear parking sensors and automatic emergency reverse braking to the standard features the two SUVs have in common, such as blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
The three-row Kia Telluride might be the best choice for big families, since it seats up to eight passengers (or seven with second-row captain’s chairs). The standard lineup does give you a slightly bigger touchscreen (12.3 inches to the Grand Cherokee’s 8.4 inches). However, we prefer the Grand Cherokee’s standard cloth seating to the Telluride’s faux-leather seats, which can feel a little sticky on a hot day.
Meanwhile, both SUVs are available with every imaginable upgrade, from leather seats to premium sound systems. If you want a panoramic sunroof (or dual sunroofs in the Telluride) or a bigger central touchscreen, you can have it!
Make Your Choice
The 2023 Kia Telluride has its moments, but it’s the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee that truly shines! Choose Jeep’s midsize crossover for interior versatility, the strongest ride, and maximum adventure.