The Jeep Grand Cherokee Stumbles but Still Beats the Kia Telluride 2 to 1
Competition is fierce among popular SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Kia Telluride. Recent car sales figures for the two models show an intriguing development. Despite a notable decline, the Grand Cherokee maintains its strong position, outselling the Telluride two to one. Let’s look at the numbers.
Recent sales figures for these 2 SUVs
First-quarter 2023 and 2022 sales numbers for the Jeep Grand Cherokee show a 27.39% drop this year. The Grand Cherokee sold 54,502 units in the first quarter of 2023, while it sold 75,116 in the same period last year, GoodCarBadCar reports.
Comparing Jeep Grand Cherokee and Kia Telluride figures, we noticed the Grand Cherokee had nearly doubled the sales of the Telluride in Q1 2023. The Grand Cherokee sold 54,502 units, whereas the Telluride sold 27,190 units in the same period.
Despite an over 27% drop, the Grand Cherokee still outsold the Kia Telluride two to one in the first quarter of 2023.
Why is the Jeep Grand Cherokee more popular than the Kia Telluride?
One explanation is that Jeep includes Grand Cherokee L data in its sales numbers for the standard-length model. The L is an extended-length model nearly identical to the standard SUV except in size. The Grand Cherokee is a two-row SUV that measures 193.5 inches long and seats up to five. The Grand Cherokee L is a three-row SUV that’s 204.9 inches long and seats up to seven. Introducing it was a clever way for Jeep to fill a void in its lineup and boost the Grand Cherokee’s sales.
In addition, the Grand Cherokee has a longtime reputation for off-road capability, ruggedness, and style. Jeep’s brand image is also appealing for its spirit of adventure and rich history that resonates with American car buyers.
Still, the relatively new Kia Telluride, which debuted in 2019 as a 2020 model, is a strong three-row contender in the midsize SUV class. Consumers like its impressive list of features, the abundance of space, and excellent value for the price. Even though the Telluride is gaining popularity, it hasn’t yet reached the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s level.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2023 Kia Telluride comparison
The 2023 Kia Telluride and the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee are hot sellers for their automakers. While they offer similar seating capacity and competitive pricing, the two SUVs have notable differences in design, performance, features, and off-road capabilities.
Starting at $37,255, the 2023 Telluride boasts a modern, stylish exterior with a spacious and thoughtful cabin. Every trim seats either seven or eight passengers. It also offers ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for families or anyone who needs extra storage. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, starting at $41,330 for the standard model and $43,330 for the L model, has a more rugged and iconic design, showing off its heritage as one of the pioneers of the midsize SUV segment.
Both offer capable performance. The Telluride packs a strong V6 engine with sufficient power for everyday driving. However, the Grand Cherokee offers an optional V8, delivering even more horsepower for those who want greater performance and towing capabilities. And the Grand Cherokee L boasts an impressive towing capacity of 7,200 pounds when properly equipped, surpassing the Telluride’s 5,500-pound max towing capacity.
Both SUVs provide a range of features to enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity. The Telluride excels with a well-equipped base trim, offering features like one-touch sliding and folding rear seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a rear-occupant warning system. The Grand Cherokee L, on the other hand, provides a tailored and upscale experience with available features and high-quality materials.
One area where the Jeep Grand Cherokee shines is its off-roading capabilities. With Jeep’s renowned off-road reputation and the availability of advanced four-wheel-drive systems, electronic limited-slip differentials, and skid plates, the Grand Cherokee L offers impressive trail capability. While the Telluride offers some off-road-oriented versions, they can’t stand toe-to-toe with Grand Cherokee L.
