2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Kia Seltos

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Kia Soul and the larger Kia Sportage, offering a range of four trim levels in Canada: LX, EX, EX Premium, and SX. All trims except the LX came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), with prices ranging from $23,595 to $33,195, excluding a mandatory $1,850 destination charge. The U.S. model tested, the Nightfall Edition, was similar to the top SX grade, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, and a dual-clutch transmission. The Seltos was a visually appealing small SUV, though its headlights were not universally liked. Inside, it showcased a stylish design with exposed stitching and metallic accents, but the abundance of shiny hard plastic detracted from its overall quality. The controls were logically arranged, with knobs and buttons for easy access, although the purple accent colour for the infotainment system was not a popular choice.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained the classic style of its predecessors while extending the length by over 30 centimetres. The Hydro Blue model tested featured the High Altitude package, which added blacked-out elements and gloss black interior accents, creating a bold appearance. The interior of upper trims was impressive, with high-quality materials and thoughtful design, although some hard plastics and rougher-grained leather were present. The Grand Cherokee L offered a luxurious feel, with features like a polished black dash, metal gear selector, and diamond-patterned stitching. Despite some minor drawbacks, the Grand Cherokee L's interior was more refined than many competitors, providing a classy and comfortable experience.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the LX, EX, and EX Premium trims, producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The SX trim featured a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The Seltos provided three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Smart, with Smart mode balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. However, the suspension tuning was less appealing, with the vehicle exhibiting lateral rocking motions and a bouncy ride on uneven roads. Despite these issues, the Seltos offered good grip and was easy to park, with excellent visibility and a secure steering feel on the highway.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard Pentastar V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, but it was considered underwhelming for the SUV's size. An optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine offered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving towing capacity and performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, with air suspension allowing for smooth cornering and a comfortable ride. The SUV featured three different 4WD systems, with the ability to adjust ground clearance up to 27.6 centimetres. The Grand Cherokee L's off-road capabilities were impressive, making it a tough and versatile choice for buyers.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access and comfortable seating. The driver's seat was manually adjustable, while heated front seats were standard on all trims except the base LX FWD. The rear seat provided ample legroom and footroom, with additional features like rear air conditioning vents and a USB charging port on upper trims. The Seltos offered decent storage space, with 752 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,778 litres with the seat folded down.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided more legroom for second-row passengers, with standard captain's chairs and optional bench seating. The third row was best suited for children, while the power liftgate and dual-pane panoramic sunroof added convenience. The Grand Cherokee L offered excellent cargo space, with 481 litres behind the third row, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The SUV's interior was well-designed, with good visibility and a range of features for comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Kia Seltos featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the EX Premium grade, paired with a Bose premium sound system on the SX trim. The system included Bluetooth, navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity, although a cable was required for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for easy access, but the voice recognition system was less effective without a connected services subscription.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, running Uconnect 5. The system was generally quick and easy to use, with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Grand Cherokee L included advanced technology like night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that allowed for independent media control. The SUV's tech features were extensive, providing a high level of convenience and entertainment for passengers.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The Seltos SX offered adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top marks for crashworthiness and crash-avoidance tech.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and 360-degree cameras, with night vision available on higher trims.