2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The 2025 Kia Telluride presented a stylish and well-proportioned SUV with a distinctive design that stood out in a crowded market. Its lineup included five core trim levels, with prices ranging from $36,390 to $51,390, excluding destination charges. The X-Line and X-Pro packages added a rugged, blacked-out aesthetic and enhanced off-road capabilities, though they somewhat muted the SUV's personality. Inside, the Telluride offered a luxurious feel with its black-over-Terracotta interior, simulated wood trim, and metallic accents. However, the lower cabin areas revealed cost-cutting measures with less premium plastics. The dual-screen display on the dashboard provided a modern touch, though some controls were difficult to read in bright daylight.

In contrast, the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer underwent a refresh that maintained its upright stance and large windows while introducing a modern illuminated grille inspired by the all-electric Wagoneer S. The new Upland trim added utility with front recovery hooks without compromising elegance. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer featured a clean design with strong horizontal lines, and while the 12-inch infotainment screen seemed small for such a large vehicle, it retained some physical controls for ease of use. The seats, though plain in appearance, offered exceptional comfort and adjustability, making long drives pleasant. The cabin's premium materials, including Nappa and Palermo leather, contributed to a high-quality fit and finish.

The 2025 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. Front-wheel drive was standard on most trims, with all-wheel drive available or standard on others. The Telluride offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with the latter adapting to driver behavior. Despite some competitors switching to turbocharged four-cylinders, the Telluride's V6 remained smooth and powerful, delivering 20.2 mpg over a 1,200-mile road trip, aligning with its EPA rating. The X-Pro package enhanced off-road capabilities with all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, though it sacrificed some on-road grip. The Telluride's suspension and tires excelled on rough roads, but brake pedal behavior in traffic was occasionally problematic.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, generating 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and effortless power, even for a vehicle weighing around 6,000 pounds. The Grand Wagoneer was slated to receive a range-extended electric powertrain with a 92-kilowatt-hour battery pack, delivering an estimated 647 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque. Despite its large size, the Grand Wagoneer was surprisingly agile and absorbed road imperfections well. The cabin remained quiet, with minimal tire and wind noise, and the seats offered exceptional comfort for long journeys.

The 2025 Kia Telluride impressed with its thoughtful interior design, offering heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, USB-C charging ports, and smartphone storage sleeves. The driver's seat featured a lumbar massage function, enhancing comfort on long drives. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, while the third row was reasonably comfortable for adults. Cargo space measured 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded and 87 cubic feet with the second row down. While not class-leading, the Telluride offered sufficient space for most needs.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer excelled as a people mover, with three rows providing ample leg and hip room. The optional second-row bench seat allowed seating for up to eight passengers, with the third row accommodating three people comfortably. Cargo space measured 27.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 42.6 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase version. The Grand Wagoneer could tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped. Features like three-zone automatic climate controls, heated and ventilated front seats, and Quadra-Lift air suspension added to its appeal.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 10-inch head-up display in the SX Prestige trim. The head-up display provided blind-spot alerts, while the Blind Spot View Monitor showed live video feeds. However, the Telluride lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice recognition system was basic. Despite these shortcomings, the Harman Kardon audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-inch touchscreen display, and a 10.25-inch digital cluster. Additional features included a wireless phone charger, hands-free power liftgate, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims offered a 23-speaker McIntosh sound system and a front passenger interactive display. While the tech generally performed well, the wireless phone charger overheated an iPhone 16, and the 12-inch infotainment screen felt small for the vehicle's size.

The 2025 Kia Telluride's Drive Wise suite included forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous highway driving, while higher trims added features like evasive steering assist and a surround-view camera. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available features included automated parking assist, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. The Grand Wagoneer received mixed ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with some lower scores in crash tests.