When it comes to the three-row SUV, Jeep and Kia have two excellent and well-equipped options. However, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 4×4 pulled ahead from the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Pro in a few ways. While Kia’s sport utility vehicle is popular and well-loved, it doesn’t quite measure up to Jeep’s long history of off-road capability.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is better equipped for adventure

When MotorTrend took the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 4×4 Overland and the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige out for testing, there was plenty to like about both options. Historically, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has more off-road capability than the average SUV. The new Grand Cherokee L 4×4 is a more refined and capable version. While the Telluride is quite popular among the everyday driver, the new X-Pro trim aims at the occasional adventurer. The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland costs $63,485 compared to the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige’s $55,365.

When it came time to actually go off-road, the Grand Cherokee L was simply more capable. While the Kia was able to get up a muddy hill, it needed momentum to do so. The engine wasn’t powerful enough to propel the large SUV up the hill. At one point, the SUV stopped and had some trouble moving forward. To advance up the hill, the driver had to reverse down and try again with more power.

The Jeep was able to make its way up the hill slowly but surely. With a better set of tires, it would have an even easier time. It was clear the Grand Cherokee L was built to traverse hills on a regular basis, while the Telluride was simply given a more capable trim.

During testing, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was more comfortable

Even if you don’t plan to take the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 4×4 off-road, this three-row SUV has more luxurious offerings. The Jeep’s adjustable air suspension adds additional comfort, and the low-range gearing makes it a better ride. On top of that, the Grand Cherokee is known to perform better in less forgiving environments.

The Jeep uses higher-quality materials throughout the cabin, and it feels more luxurious all around. While it does come at a higher cost, the Kia’s interior doesn’t match the Jeep. After doing the math, the additional $133 a month that the Grand Cherokee L 4×4 costs is worth it.

While the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Pro looks nice enough, the interior and exterior are aging quickly. On top of the underwhelming cabin, this popular SUV doesn’t measure up to the competition.

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Pro is still a good choice

Even though the 2023 Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige comes with all-wheel drive, it is no match for the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland’s four-wheel drive system. The Overland also gets 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque compared to the X-Pro’s 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.

Jeep has bigger brakes, bigger wheels, and bigger tires too. That means it also has a higher tow rating of 6,200 pounds than Kia’s 5,500-pound maximum. Even though the Telluride is still a solid SUV with plenty of features and technology, its off-road trim is no match for the Grand Cherokee L. If you are just looking for a tougher-looking three-row SUV, the Telluride will do just fine. If you are interested in tackling some trails on the weekend, the Grand Cherokee is a better option.