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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

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

2022 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

2023 Kia Telluride 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Estimated Starting Price $35,690 $43,530
Popular Powertrains
Engine 3.8-liter V6 3.6-liter V6
Horsepower 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm 293 @ 6,400 rpm
Torque 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm 260 pound-feet @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic
Fuel Economy 20 city/26 highway/23 combined mpg 19 city/26 highway (FWD), 18 city/25 highway (AWD)
Also Available AWD 5.7-liter V8, 4WD
Specs
Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty 10 years/100,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Overall Safety 5 stars n/a
Max Seating Capacity 8 7
Wheelbase 114.2 inches 121.7 inches
Overall Length 196.9 inches 204.9 inches
Width 78.3 inches 77.3 inches
Height 68.9 inches 71.5 inches
Turning Diameter 38.8 feet 38.3 feet
Headroom, 1st row 39.5 inches 39.8 inches
Headroom, 2nd row 38.8 inches 39.9 inches
Headroom, 3rd row 37.8 inches 37.3 inches
Legroom, 1st row 41.4 inches 41.3 inches
Legroom, 2nd row 42.4 inches 39.4 inches
Legroom, 3rd row 31.4 inches 30.3 inches
Shoulder room, 1st row 61.6 inches 58.0 inches
Shoulder room, 2nd row 59.9 inches 51.9 inches
Shoulder room, 3rd row 55.3 inches 51.9 inches
Cargo volume 21.0/46.0/87.0 cubic feet 17.2/46.9/84.6 cubic feet

 

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