2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained the classic style of its predecessors while extending its length by over a foot. This extension did not compromise its iconic design, which combined a tough and upscale appearance. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured a bold look with blacked-out elements and dark gray 21-inch wheels. The interior of the upper trims was impressive, with luxurious touches like black leather with gold stitching and matte-finish light walnut accents. Although not every material was top-tier, the overall feel was justified for its price range, offering a classy experience with features like a polished black dash and diamond-patterned stitching.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design that could polarize opinions, particularly with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality varied significantly with color and trim, with darker shades offering a more harmonious look. The X-Line and X-Pro models featured distinctive grille designs and amber accent lights. The side profile showcased unique fender sculpting and black plastic tabs, while the rear view adopted a Range Rover-like style. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone palette, though some button labeling was difficult to read. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, provided a firm but comfortable experience, with excellent material quality throughout.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard V6 engine was its weakest point, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine was noisy and lacked low-end torque, making the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 a better choice with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V8 improved towing capacity to 7,200 pounds and offered a more satisfying sound. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, especially with air suspension, and offered three optional 4WD systems. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like adjustable air suspension and permanent 4WD systems.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system provided a smooth and quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The Telluride Hybrid was not available in off-road-capable trims but offered a comfortable and composed driving experience. The X-Pro Prestige trim provided a surprisingly smooth ride, even with its off-road suspension. The Telluride's handling was confident, though not particularly sporty, and the brake pedal required some adjustment for smooth operation.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered ample interior space, with five extra inches in the wheelbase providing more legroom for second-row passengers. The third row was best suited for children, while cargo space was generous, with up to 85 cubic feet available. The interior featured a range of controls and buttons, though some legibility issues were noted in the infotainment system. The Grand Cherokee L's cargo capacity was among the best in its class.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided ample space for adults in all three rows, though the third row was better suited for smaller passengers. The second-row seats offered power adjustments and a reclining feature, though they were slow to move. The Telluride's cargo capacity was competitive, with up to 89.3 cubic feet available. The interior featured a range of storage options, including a large center bin and deployable cupholders.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with Uconnect 5 providing a generally quick and easy-to-use interface. The vehicle offered a range of tech features, including night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that could play video and music independently. The Grand Cherokee L's tech offerings were extensive and included features not found in many competitors.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, along with a 5-inch climate control screen. The infotainment system was easy to use, though some delays and hard taps were noted. The Telluride offered a range of customization options and a premium audio system in higher trims. The vehicle's tech features were comprehensive, though some controls were prone to inadvertent activation.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored five stars in most NHTSA tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included a 360-degree camera system and night vision.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The Telluride's driver attention monitor had some operational issues, but the highway driving assist was effective.