Is the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L a Good Kia Telluride Alternative?
If you’re searching for a good three-row SUV with plenty of space, options are seemingly endless. Buyers are no longer stuck with enormous full-size SUVs to get their families where it needs to go. Instead, many automakers offer a midsize three-row model, like the Kia Telluride. As one of the most well-reviewed midsize SUVs, the Telluride is very popular. However, is the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L a good forgotten alternative? Here’s how these two three-row SUVs measure up to one another.
Why is the 2023 Kia Telluride so popular?
According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2023 Kia Telluride is “one of the hottest vehicles in America.” On average, car dealers used to keep a six-week supply of vehicles to sell. During the 2023 model year so far, they’re struggling to hold onto Tellurides for more than two weeks. It has a spacious interior with room for passengers and cargo, a potent V6 engine, and a surprisingly large number of features for the price. Speaking of price, it starts under $36,000, making it one of the most affordable ways to get three rows and many excellent SUV features.
The Telluride beats the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L in a few ways
Next, there are a few significant ways the 2023 Kia Telluride beats the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. First, it has more cargo space than its competitor. Since the L in Grand Cherokee L stands for “long,” it is the stretched version of the Jeep model. However, the Telluride still impressively beats it in cargo space.
Even more important is the Kia three-row SUV’s price. KBB says it’s nearly $8,000 lower than the starting price of the Grand Cherokee L. Despite being underpriced, the Telluride comes better equipped than its Jeep rival. For example, the base LX trim has one-touch sliding and folding rear seats, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a rear-occupant safety alert system.
Finally, Kia beats Jeep with its excellent standard warranty. Telluride buyers get a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty not offered by other automakers. In addition, KBB says the Kia bumper-to-bumper warranty is longer than Jeep’s. As a result, even the optional warranty is better.
Grand Cherokee L has its advantages over the 2023 Kia Telluride
As with most vehicles, they all have their pros and cons. Just as the Telluride beats the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L in many ways, the Grand Cherokee L also has advantages. First, the standard V6 engine for both midsize SUVs is so close in performance that drivers will hardly notice a difference. However, buyers searching for a little more power can get an optional V8 with 357 horsepower under the hood of the Jeep three-row model.
In addition to the V8 engine, buyers should choose the Jeep for its towing capacity. When properly equipped, the Grand Cherokee L can pull 7,200 pounds. That’s the perfect amount for owners looking to regularly tow a camper or boat. It’s also far better than the Telluride, which maxes out at 5,500 pounds. As a result, the Grand Cherokee L is a perfect towing alternative to the Kia model.
Finally, the Kia Telluride introduced its off-road versions for the new model year. Sometimes, midsize three-row SUV drivers need to take a trail or just get through a snowy road. Unfortunately, the Telluride’s off-road capability does not compare to Jeep’s offering. The Quadra-Drive II four-wheel drive system, an electronic limited-slip differential, and skid plates give the Jeep an advantage. Although the Telluride is fine for off-roading in 2023, serious off-roaders are better off with the Grand Cherokee L.
Is it a good Kia Telluride alternative?
In conclusion, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is an excellent 2023 Kia Telluride alternative. Although the two excel in opposite areas, that’s why it’s the perfect replacement. Jeep’s three-row SUV could be the answer if you’ve owned or considered owning a Telluride but want something different because of its few cons. Kia’s SUV wins for cargo space, price, standard equipment, and warranty. However, anyone needing a more potent V8 engine, a higher towing capacity, and off-road-readiness should opt for the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
