Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Kia Telluride
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Kia Telluride Comparison
On paper, the Grand Cherokee and Telluride are very different vehicles. The Grand Cherokee boasts impressive off-road potential for adventurous families, while the Telluride caters to city-style comfort for folks who need a little extra space. They have at least one thing in common though: both are incredibly popular with shoppers looking for the best mid-size SUV in Kansas City.
So, which one is right for you? Read on to find out.
| 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2027 Kia Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Staring price | $39,515 | $39,190 |
| Standard horsepower | 293 hp | 274 hp |
| Towing capacity | 6,200 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| 4x4 | Available | No |
| Max cargo space | 84.6 cu ft | 89.3 cu ft |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® | Yes | Yes |
| Hands-free driving | Available | No |
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Kia Telluride: Performance
The 2026 Grand Cherokee has two engine options to choose from:
Aside from these two powerful engines, it also lives up to the Jeep name by offering a variety of features that aid in off-roading, including a choice between three drivetrains (RWD, Quadra-Trac® I 4x4, or Quadra-Drive® 2 4x4), the Selec-Terrain Traction Management System with five different drive modes, and the available class-exclusive Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension System. Despite its trail-ready prowess, it still provides excellent handling on highways and paved streets, giving shoppers the best of both worlds.
The 2027 Kia Telluride also has two engine options, including a hybrid:
While the Telluride’s engines put out more raw power by the numbers, it’s far more suited to on-pavement driving. It comes standard with front-wheel drive, and although all-wheel drive is available on upper-level trims, its AWD system isn’t nearly as robust as the Grand Cherokee’s 4x4. However, it does have a drive mode selection, and it provides a ride that’s quite smooth when it’s in its element, which may be preferable if you rarely leave the tarmac.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Kia Telluride: MPG
The Grand Cherokee gets its best gas mileage out of the 2.0-liter Hurricane engine, which nets an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. This is better than the gas-powered Telluride, which is rated for up to 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
However, the Telluride Hybrid takes the cake for fuel economy, getting up to 34 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Kia Telluride: Towing Capacity
When properly equipped, the Grand Cherokee can tow a class-leading 6,200 pounds, making it ideal for shoppers who own campers, trailers, and small boats. On the other hand, the Telluride can tow a max of 5,000 pounds, while the Telluride Hybrid tows up to 4,500 pounds.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Kia Telluride: Size
The Grand Cherokee is available in two sizes: the standard Grand Cherokee, and the longer Grand Cherokee L, which has three rows of seating. The Telluride comes standard with three rows.
Here’s a look at all of their interior dimensions side-by-side:
| 2026 Grand Cherokee | 2026 Grand Cherokee L | 2027 Telluride | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rows of seating | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Seating capacity | 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Head room | 39.9 / 39.4 in | 39.8 / 39.9 / 37.3 in | 41.2 / 40.4 / 37.4 in |
| Shoulder room | 59.2 / 58.0 in | 59.2 / 58.0 / 51.9 in | 61.6 / 61.2 / 55.3 in |
| Leg room | 41.3 / 38.2 in | 41.3 / 39.4 / 30.3 in | 41.4 / 43.0 / 32.1 in |
| Min cargo volume | 37.7 cu ft | 17.2 cu ft | 22.3 cu ft |
| Max cargo volume | 70.8 cu ft | 84.6 cu ft | 89.3 cu ft |
The Grand Cherokee’s shorter profile provides more maneuverability, but it has significantly less interior space than the Telluride. However, the Grand Cherokee L closes the gap quite a bit, rivaling the Telluride for both seating and storage.
Shoppers looking for even more interior space can also check out the Jeep Grand Waggoneer or Grand Waggoneer L, which offers an astounding 116.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Kia Telluride: Interior and Tech
The base-level 2026 Grand Cherokee comes with an 8.4-inch Uconnect® 5 center touchscreen, but most trims come with a larger 12.3-inch Uconnect® 5 system. Both come standard with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and SiriusXM®, as well as multiple USB ports. It also has a vast selection of available upgrades, including a 10.25-inch passenger touch screen display, head-up display, Amazon Fire TV dual-screen rear seat entertainment system, 19-speaker McIntosh® premium audio system, and wireless phone charging. It also has available Hands-Free Active Driving Assist.
All 2027 Telluride models come with a 12.3-inch center touchscreen with Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™, SiriusXM®, a dual wireless phone charger, and multiple USB ports. Available features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, head-up display, 14-speaker Meridian™ audio system, and Wi-Fi hotspot.
To sum it all up, the Telluride offers more standard tech and convenience features, but the Grand Cherokee has far more available amenities for shoppers who want a more luxurious experience.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Kia Telluride: Price
Lastly, let’s check out the current starting MSRP for each trim level.
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee starting price:
2027 Kia Telluride starting price:
Jeep Grand Cherokee FAQ
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee good for Kansas City winters?
Yes. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the better-equipped midsize SUVs for Kansas City winters, especially in 4x4 trims. Available Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive systems, paired with the Selec-Terrain Traction Management System's dedicated Snow mode, automatically adjust throttle response, transmission shifts, and braking for slick roads.
How many miles can a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe go on electric power alone?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offers an EPA-estimated 26 miles of all-electric range on a full charge, with a total combined gas-plus-electric range of more than 470 miles.
Which Grand Cherokee trim is best for Kansas City commuters?
For most KC commuters, the Laredo X 4x4 or Limited 4x4 hits the sweet spot. You get heated seats, heated steering wheel, remote start, blind-spot monitoring, and a proper 4x4 system for winter weather, without paying for the off-road hardware most KC drivers won't use.
Where can I service my Jeep Grand Cherokee near Kansas City?
Molle Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM is a factory-certified Jeep service center at 7820 E 171st St in Belton, MO, about 20 minutes south of downtown Kansas City via 71 Highway / I-49, and an easy drive from Lee's Summit, Raymore, Grandview, and Harrisonville.
New Jeep Grand Cherokee for Sale in Belton, MO
The Grand Cherokee offers far more off-road capability and high-end amenities, while the Telluride gives you a bit more space and better fuel economy with its available hybrid powertrain. But to find out which one is truly your dream SUV, we recommend taking one for a test drive to experience it for yourself.
At Molle Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we have an excellent selection of new Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L models for sale, as well as low APR car specials and Jeep lease deals to give you the most bang for your buck. Contact us online or call us today at 816-282-1567.