2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Base pricing ranged from $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The Telluride S trim offered significant value, but many opted for the top-tier SX trim, which could be equipped with a Prestige package, transforming it into a luxury SUV with features like premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition package, new for 2021, added gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert, giving the Telluride a popular blacked-out look. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Nightfall Edition, AWD, Prestige package, Towing package, and other accessories, had a sticker price of $50,180, including a $1,170 destination charge.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, a new seven-passenger model, was not based on the existing Grand Cherokee but was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee. It featured a third-row seat and more cargo volume. Jeep offered the Grand Cherokee L in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, with pricing ranging from $36,995 to $64,235, plus a $1,695 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Summit trim with 4WD, metallic paint, the Advanced Pro Tech Group, the Luxury Tech Group, and a 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system, had a window sticker of $64,770. While the Summit’s quilted and perforated leather and real wood trim were appealing, some interior materials and fittings did not meet the high price expectations. However, the redesigned interior was a substantial improvement over the old model.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a single powertrain: a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. AWD was optional and included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, combined with eight inches of ground clearance. During testing in various conditions, including a wintry mix in Colorado and mountain routes near Malibu, the Telluride demonstrated excellent ride and handling, nearly eliminating the phenomenon known as “head-toss.” The suspension tuning, including a self-leveling rear suspension on EX and SX trims, provided a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a compliant ride at higher speeds. The Telluride averaged 20.5 mpg on the testing loop, slightly below the EPA’s 21 mpg combined estimate for AWD models.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD) or one of three 4WD systems. The maximum tow rating was 6,200 pounds, and the EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving for the V6. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims and 4WD, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. Our test vehicle, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, offered brisk acceleration but was loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission sometimes resisted downshifts in Auto mode, likely to improve fuel economy, which averaged 17.8 mpg on the testing loop. The Grand Cherokee L featured a Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension with various off-road modes and up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance, making it capable of tackling challenging terrain. The Summit’s large 20-inch wheels and variable-ratio steering provided capable handling on twisty roads.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim’s driver’s seat offered 14-way power adjustment, including lumbar and thigh support, and both front seats were heated and ventilated. The Prestige package’s leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass enhanced the luxury feel. The test vehicle’s second-row captain’s chairs, also heated and ventilated, provided ample legroom and comfort, with easy access to the third-row seat via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The “smart” hands-free power liftgate was a convenient feature, automatically opening when the key fob was nearby.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit trim featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain’s chairs provided plenty of legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added privacy. The third-row seat was comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows for a great view. The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants, but second-row passengers had a storage console between the captain’s chairs. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 17.2 cubic feet, with a useful storage bin under the load floor. Folding the third-row seat down provided 46.9 cubic feet of cargo space, and the maximum volume behind the front seats was 84.6 cubic feet.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and other upgrades. Kia’s UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, with additional Care, Plus, and Ultimate plans available for the first year. These plans included features like Rear Occupant Alert, remote engine start, and climate control operation. The Telluride could pair two smartphones to the Bluetooth connection simultaneously, and upper trims offered wireless smartphone charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons, stereo knobs, and intuitive touchscreen operation. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreens. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, which offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The natural voice-recognition system worked well, though it occasionally provided unexpected results. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh high-end audio system delivered excellent sound quality, especially for bass-heavy music. The Grand Cherokee L also offered a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-monitoring system, and automatic emergency braking. EX and SX trims added Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. The SX trim also featured front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star frontal-impact ratings for both the driver and front passenger.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. While the system worked well, the steering assist felt artificial, and lane changes were more sudden than expected. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats at intersections and apply the brakes if necessary. Additional safety features included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. As of this review, crash-test ratings were unavailable for the Grand Cherokee L, but it was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee’s ratings.