2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a familiar sight, echoing Jeep's design traditions while offering a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. It launched with a variety of trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each delivering on its promise of capability or comfort. The styling drew inspiration from the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with options ranging from basic cloth seats to premium leather and high-end audio systems in the Summit Reserve.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid embraced a bold new design, sharing its platform with the larger Sorento. It was longer, taller, and wider than its predecessor, with a distinctive front end featuring angular LED headlights and "boomerang" daytime running lights. The interior focused on a minimalist aesthetic, highlighted by a large optional infotainment display and unique design touches like door handle shapes echoing the air vents. While the base models offered cloth seats, higher trims featured SynTex artificial leather, which felt somewhat cheap despite its eco-friendly appeal.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a V6 and a V8 engine, with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive options. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the V8 delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were available, catering to different off-roading needs. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions with features like Quadra-Drive II and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. Fuel economy ranged from 17 to 21 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid combined a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It offered front-wheel drive on the base LX trim and all-wheel drive on higher trims. The powertrain provided smooth acceleration and seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The Sportage Hybrid had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and delivered a comfortable ride, though it wasn't as sporty in corners as some competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort across all trims, with features like heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the experience. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading. However, rear-seat legroom was tight, and cargo space was less than the three-row Grand Cherokee L, offering 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid offered competitive interior space, with a dual-level cargo floor providing 39.5 cubic feet of space with seats up and 73.7 cubic feet with them down. It excelled in rear-seat legroom, though headroom was slightly less than the non-hybrid version. The interior featured clever storage solutions, including a rotary shift knob and adaptable cupholders.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision, and multiple touchscreens, including a 10.25-inch passenger display. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with options for a McIntosh audio system and rear-seat entertainment.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with higher trims offering a 12.3-inch panoramic display. The system was user-friendly, though Android Auto didn't utilize the full screen. The Sportage Hybrid also included multiple USB-C ports and optional wireless charging.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a robust ADAS package, including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist for semi-autonomous driving. Its structure was reinforced with aluminum and high-strength steel, though crash-test ratings were pending.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid offered standard safety features like forward collision warning and lane keep assist. Higher trims added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot view camera, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of testing.