2023 Kia Telluride vs. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Comparison

If you need an SUV with three rows of seating, you’re not stuck buying a bus-length full-size vehicle with poor gas mileage. There are some excellent midsize SUVs available with a third row of seating at reasonable prices with decent gas mileage. Two of the best are the Kia Telluride (our Best Buy Award winner in its class three years in a row) and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L – a stretched version of the iconic Grand Cherokee.

Let’s look at reasons a buyer might be attracted to each.

2023 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is simply one of the hottest vehicles in America. Car dealers used to try to keep a 6-week supply of new cars to sell. For much of the 2023 model year, Kia dealers have had trouble holding a Telluride on the lot for a second week. With a roomy, well-thought-out cabin, a strong V6 engine, and a long feature list, the 2023 Telluride is a hit. Prices start at $35,690.

Kia Telluride Highlights

More cargo space: This is a comparison between the normal-size Telluride and the stretched version of the Grand Cherokee. And the Telluride has more cargo space. That’s quite a feat.

Lower price, not lesser content: The Telluride’s starting price is almost $8,000 lower than the Grand Cherokee L’s. Yet it’s no less well-equipped. The base LX trim brings niceties like one-touch sliding and folding rear seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even a rear-occupant alert safety system, all at no added cost.

Excellent warranty: Kia protects your investment with a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Even their bumper-to-bumper warranty is longer than what Jeep offers.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Telluride models for sale near you

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Jeep practically invented the modern midsize SUV. The 2-row Grand Cherokee is one of America’s 25 best-sellers almost every year for a lot of good reasons. For the 2023 model year, Jeep offers a 3-row version, the Grand Cherokee L, with the usual off-road prowess and a tailored, upscale look. Prices start at $43,530.

Jeep Grand Cherokee L Highlights

Available V8: The standard V6 engine in these two SUVs are close enough in performance to make little difference. But Jeep lets buyers step up to a 357-horsepower V8. The Jeep is your best choice if you need (or just prefer) more grunt on your drive.

Available 7,200-pound towing capacity: Properly equipped, the Telluride can tow up to 5,500 pounds. The Grand Cherokee L can do that without breaking a sweat. It maxes out at a full 7,200. If your SUV will be pulling a boat or camper regularly, the Grand Cherokee L will have a far easier time of it.

Off-road skills: Kia has introduced two off-road-oriented versions of the Telluride this year, but neither stacks up to the most trail-capable Grand Cherokee L. Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II 4-wheel-drive system may be the best in the business, with an electronic limited-slip differential and real skid plates. The Telluride X-Line and X-Pro acquit themselves better on the trail than you might expect. But if your SUV will see as much dirt as asphalt, you might want Jeep’s proven off-road reputation.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Grand Cherokee L models for sale near you.

Similarities

Both SUVs come with a standard V6 and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both are available in off-road-oriented trims, and they’re two of the dressiest-looking midsize SUVs.

Conclusion

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L does what a Jeep tends to do – offers excellent off-road performance and near-luxury features if you’re willing to pay for them. But so does the 2023 Kia Telluride, with a little more space for less money. If you need to tow, or will spend as much time off-road as on, the Grand Cherokee L might still be your best bet. But in many circumstances, the Telluride bests it for a lower price.

Specs