Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Kia Telluride

The standard engines in both models are quite similar. In the Grand Cherokee, you’ll find the Jeep tried-and-true 293-horsepower 3.6L Pentastar^® V6 engine, whereas the Telluride is equipped with a 291-horsepower 3.8L V6 engine. However, if you’re looking to tow, the Grand Cherokee’s standard towing capacity of 6,200 pounds proves better than the Kia Telluride’s maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

If you need more power, you’ll want to look toward the Jeep SUV as well. While there’s only one engine option in the Telluride, the Grand Cherokee boasts three powertrains as well as three available 4x4 systems that expand where you’ll be able to venture.

This includes the hard-hitting 5.7L HEMI^® V8 engine that provides 357 horsepower, 390 lb-ft of torque, and a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds when properly equipped. This is quite a bit more than the Telluride’s maximum towing capacity of 5,500 pounds. With the Grand Cherokee, you can also opt for the available 2.0L hybrid engine with 375 horsepower, 470 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA-estimated 57 MPGe. This hybrid engine is still capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds, again more capable than the one in the Telluride.

In both the Jeep and the Kia models, you’ll have a multimedia system with touchscreens that span over 10 inches, offering streamlined connectivity and entertainment on the road. In addition to providing smartphone integration, these vehicles are also equipped with navigation systems. However, in the Grand Cherokee, you’ll have the available TomTom^® Navigation system, a famed brand known for its precise up-to-date directions.

While the Kia’s touchscreen display is fully adequate, only the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a second display. The available passenger screen enables the front-seat passenger to serve as a true copilot and send directions to the driver’s display. The Telluride goes without a similar feature to help navigate the journey.

Another feature of the Grand Cherokee you won’t find in the Kia Telluride is luxurious massage seats. Available for the front row, these 16-way adjustable seats with memory pre-sets put you right in the lap of luxury. In the Kia, you’ll have to settle for 10-way adjustable seats with lumbar support.

When it comes to music, the Jeep SUV has another leg up on the Kia model. With its available 19-speaker McIntosh^® sound system, your music will sound better than ever. It also comes with a 17-channel, 950-watt amplifier and a 10-inch subwoofer for a first-class listening experience.

The Kia Telluride, on the other hand, maxes out with 10 speakers in its top-level available audio system and an 8-inch subwoofer.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Kia Telluride have brand-specific versions of the following standard driver-assistance features:

These features help your vehicle stay within your lane and maintain a set following distance while also keeping an eye out for other vehicles that share the road to help everyone remain safe.

Still, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers the most standard and available safety features in its class—over 110, in fact. Among the various systems only found in the Jeep is Trailer Sway Damping. So, when you’re taking advantage of the Jeep’s impressive towing capacity, your trailer will remain stable.

Likewise, the Grand Cherokee has Parksense^® Front and Rear Park Assist, which aids in helping you maneuver precisely into the right parking spot. While the Telluride has rear parking sensors that will issue a warning when you get too close, it doesn’t offer the advanced assistance you’ll find in the Grand Cherokee.