2024 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Kia Telluride was offered in five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The X-Line treatment was available for all trims except the LX and S, while the X-Pro package was exclusive to the top two trims. The X-Line package enhanced the Telluride with standard all-wheel drive, a center locking differential, increased ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, unique grille and wheel designs, and roof rails. The X-Pro package further added 18-inch matte-black wheels with all-terrain tires and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing the towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. Prices ranged from $35,990 for the LX to $53,185 for the SX Prestige with the X-Pro package, excluding the destination charge. The SX Prestige with the X-Line package, featuring Wolf Gray paint and floor mats, had an MSRP of $54,270, including the destination charge.

The Telluride's design attracted buyers with its appealing forms and proportions, although last year’s styling updates were not universally liked. The Wolf Gray paint complemented the blacked-out X-Line styling, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the test car featured a black interior with premium Nappa leather seats, though other color options like Mahogany brown, Terracotta brown, light gray over black or dark blue, and Sage Green were available, each complementing the simulated open-pore wood trim. Despite the luxurious feel, the presence of shiny plastic in the interior's lower portions was a downside, especially in the SX Prestige, which otherwise nearly met luxury SUV standards with its soft leather, artificial suede headliner, 24-inch dual-screen digital display panel, and classy metallic accents.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S hardtop, encountered as a rental in Honolulu, presented a stark contrast with its black-on-black color scheme, which was less than ideal for a tropical climate. Despite the initial disappointment, the Wrangler's appeal lay in its ability to embrace the spirit of adventure, with its design rooted in a World War II military vehicle and its capability to traverse diverse terrains. The Wrangler was available in various trims, including Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, Rubicon X, and Rubicon 392, with the latter boasting a 470-horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine. The Wrangler's price ranged from $34,685 to $63,995, including the destination charge. The Sport S model, with options like black paint, a black hardtop, a Convenience Group, and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, had an MSRP of $49,175.

Despite its nearly $50,000 price tag, the Wrangler's interior was more functional than luxurious, with gray fabric dashboard trim, metallic accents, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Wrangler's design emphasized utility, with its iconic seven-slot front grille and Made in the U.S.A. label. While the Wrangler's ride was rough, and its steering and handling were less refined, it remained a fundamentally appealing vehicle, drawing on themes of American freedom and adventure.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, with the latter including a locking center differential and a Snow driving mode. The Telluride's towing capacity was typically 5,000 pounds, but the X-Pro package increased it to 5,500 pounds. The SUV had a ground clearance of 8.0 inches, which increased to 8.4 inches with the X-Line and X-Pro packages, and featured a self-leveling rear suspension. The Telluride provided good acceleration and passing power, though its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg in combined driving for AWD versions, and an observed average of 17.5 mpg during city driving.

The Telluride's driving experience was characterized by its quick and refined performance, with standard brake-induced Torque Vectoring Cornering Control enhancing its athleticism in curves and corners. The steering was responsive, and the brakes resisted rumble and fade. The ride quality varied, feeling firm at lower speeds but soft and compliant at higher velocities, effectively absorbing road undulations. While not as capable off-road as a Jeep, the Telluride proved more capable than expected in various off-road conditions.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, offering slightly better fuel efficiency with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving compared to the V6's 19-20 mpg. During testing in Hawaii, the four-cylinder Wrangler averaged 19.2 mpg with four passengers and air conditioning.

The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it well-suited for off-road adventures. However, its ride was rough, with a steady stream of jiggles and jolts, and its steering was slow and disconnected. The Wrangler's rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern, with a three-star rating, highlighting the need for caution when driving laterally across slopes. Despite these drawbacks, the Wrangler's off-road capabilities were impressive, allowing it to tackle challenging terrains with ease.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable and spacious interior, especially in higher trim levels. The SX Prestige X-Line test vehicle featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar massage, heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, and a third-row seat suitable for adults. A dual sunroof panel added light to the interior. The Telluride's controls were oriented horizontally, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that was easy to use, though the metallic finish buttons were hard to read in bright sunlight.

The Telluride included thoughtful details, such as a digital instrumentation panel with scenic landscape views, generous storage space, and a hands-free power liftgate. The SUV offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expandable to 46 cubic feet with the seat folded down, and a maximum volume of 87 cubic feet. The X-Line and X-Pro packages added useful roof rails for additional cargo capacity.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging, though the front seats were comfortable and supportive. The Sport S trim's cloth upholstery was suitable for any climate, and the Convenience Group option added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Wrangler's rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of the plastic hooks on the front seatback panels.

Storage space in the Wrangler was limited, with small items often ending up in the cupholders. The cargo area was accessible by opening the tailgate and lifting the rear window, though the process was cumbersome if space was limited. The Wrangler offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered Bluetooth connectivity and streaming capabilities, though a Kia Connect subscription was needed for voice recognition. Kia Connect plans included features like remote engine starting, climate pre-conditioning, and over-the-air updates. The Telluride also featured a Harman Kardon audio system, a blue-light filter for the display screen, and a digital key function.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The system was easy to use, even with the roof panels removed, and the Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display between the analog gauges. The Wrangler offered Jeep Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and GPS Trail Logs for off-road navigation.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was equipped with the Kia Drive Wise collection of driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear occupant protection. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities, with upgrades available depending on the trim level. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler included side curtain airbags as standard equipment, with optional advanced driver assistance systems available on higher trims. The Wrangler's safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, with a Good rating for side-impact protection from the IIHS.