410 West St S Grinnell, IA 50112
Deciding between the Jeep Wagoneer vs Kia Telluride can be challenging. Our straightforward comparison will guide you through each vehicle’s performance, technology, comfort, and cost, helping you discern which SUV checks all your boxes.
The Jeep Wagoneer outperforms the Kia Telluride in power and towing capacity, thanks to its 5.7-liter V-8 engine, but the Telluride leads in fuel economy with a 22 MPG combined EPA rating.
The Wagoneer offers more cargo space and passenger room, providing a comfortable ride with plenty of storage, while also offering high-end luxury amenities and features not available on the Telluride.
While the Kia Telluride boasts higher safety ratings and a better reliability score from J.D. Power, it also comes at a more affordable price point compared to the Jeep Wagoneer, which presents a higher starting price and additional ownership costs in Iowa.
We put the Wagoneer and Telluride head-to-head, evaluating their performance, fuel economy, and standard features. The aim is to give you a comprehensive understanding of each vehicle’s strengths, aiding in your purchase decision.
At the heart of the Jeep Wagoneer lies a 5.7-liter V-8 engine that pumps out a robust 392 horsepower and 404 pound-feet of torque. This power allows the Wagoneer to tow weighty objects with ease, boasting a maximum towing capacity of 8,790 pounds. In comparison, the Kia Telluride is powered by a smaller 3.8-liter V-6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This difference in power impacts its towing capacity, with the Telluride being able to tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Despite the Jeep Wagoneer’s edge in raw power and towing capacity, the Kia Telluride holds its own with a respectable performance in its class. Its fuel economy is also worth noting, as it leads the Wagoneer in this aspect, which we’ll discuss in the next section.
Despite the Jeep Wagoneer’s superior power, the Kia Telluride takes the cake when it comes to fuel efficiency. The Telluride boasts an EPA rating of 22 miles per gallon combined, outperforming the Wagoneer’s EPA rating of 20 miles per gallon. However, the Wagoneer shines in terms of highway range, offering an impressive 636 miles compared to the Telluride’s 489 miles.
What catches the eye are the steps the Jeep Wagoneer has taken to boost its fuel efficiency. It employs cylinder deactivation and electronically controlled grille shutters, features not found on the Kia Telluride. These features aim to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel economy, demonstrating the Wagoneer’s commitment to efficiency.
When it comes to cars, the standard features of the Jeep Wagoneer and the Kia Telluride come packed with advanced safety technologies. Features such as standard adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert come standard on both models, ensuring a safer driving experience.
In terms of infotainment, the Wagoneer features a Uconnect 5 system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Telluride boasts a 10.25-inch touchscreen with a UVO link system. Both SUVs offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, highlighting their commitment to modern connectivity and user-friendly interfaces.
Both the Jeep Wagoneer and the Kia Telluride offer generous interior space, contributing to a comfortable ride for all passengers. However, the Wagoneer, with its larger overall dimensions, typically offers more room.
Let’s explore the interior space, cargo capacity, and luxury amenities that these two SUVs offer in more detail.
When it comes to cargo capacity, the Jeep Wagoneer shines, offering 27.4 cubic feet of space behind the third row, compared to the Kia Telluride’s 21 cubic feet. This additional space could come in handy for families planning a road trip or individuals needing to haul large items.
The Wagoneer continues to impress when the third row is folded, showcasing 70.8 cubic feet of space, significantly more than the Telluride’s 46 cubic feet. With all rear seats folded, the Wagoneer further extends its lead, boasting a whopping 116.7 cubic feet, considerably surpassing the Telluride’s 87 cubic feet. This ample cargo space makes the Wagoneer a strong contender for those seeking a spacious SUV.
Interior comfort is not solely about cargo space; passenger comfort is equally important. Here, the Jeep Wagoneer takes the lead with a generous front shoulder room of 66.1 inches. This spaciousness extends to legroom, with the Wagoneer offering 40.9 inches of front legroom, 42.7 inches in the second row, and 36.6 inches for the third-row occupants. Additionally, the rear seat provides ample shoulder room for a comfortable ride.
These dimensions suggest that the Wagoneer’s larger size offers more space for passengers, ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone inside. This makes it an ideal choice for larger families or those who frequently travel with multiple passengers.
Both the Jeep Wagoneer and the Kia Telluride offer an array of luxury amenities. The Wagoneer enhances ride comfort with a standard air suspension system not available on the Telluride. Additionally, first and second-row occupants in the Wagoneer experience extra comfort from heated seats, while the driver benefits from ventilated front seats and a TechnoLeather steering wheel.
The Kia Telluride, on the other hand, showcases its luxury touches on the SX Prestige trim, which boasts soft leather seating, a faux suede headliner, and authentic interior trimmings. Moreover, it offers heated and ventilated seats for both the front and second rows, along with a heated steering wheel. The SX trim even adds upscale features like a Harman/Kardon stereo, dual sunroofs, and second-row captain’s chairs.
Safety and reliability are key considerations when purchasing a new vehicle. Next, we’ll compare the safety ratings and reliability scores for the Jeep Wagoneer and the Kia Telluride.
The goal of this analysis is to determine which SUV has the upper hand in safety and reliability.
The Kia Telluride has been recognized for its safety, earning the following accolades:
Top Safety Pick from the IIHS
5-star safety rating from the NHTSA
Overall safety rating of ‘Good’ from the IIHS in several types of crash tests, including driver-side small overlap, passenger-side small overlap, moderate overlap front, and side crash tests
Adequate illumination on the straightaway and curves, with good visibility on the left side and fair visibility on the right side under low beam conditions
On the other hand, the Jeep Wagoneer has not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. This does not necessarily reflect poorly on the vehicle’s safety but does leave potential buyers without official safety ratings to consider.
In terms of reliability, the Kia Telluride has been awarded an 85/100 for quality and reliability by J.D. Power. This score is based on Consumer Reports’ latest subscriber survey that compiles owner experiences and reported issues. This high score reflects positively on the Telluride’s build quality, as corroborated by consumer reviews.
The Jeep Wagoneer, on the other hand, has been rated with a slightly lower score of 82/100 for quality and reliability by J.D. Power. It’s important to note that some owners have raised concerns over the Wagoneer’s reliability due to early production issues. However, no updated reliability scores were available at the time of comparison.
To conclude our comparison, we’ll examine the pricing and overall value of the Jeep Wagoneer and the Kia Telluride for those residing in Iowa. In this section, we’ll delve into the starting prices of the base models, explore the available trim levels, and discuss the overall ownership costs associated with both SUVs.
In terms of pricing, there’s a noticeable difference between the two SUVs. The 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer’s base model starts at a significantly higher price point of $92,495, compared to the 2023 Kia Telluride’s base model, which starts at a much more budget-friendly price of $37,255.
This gap in pricing could influence the decision-making process for many potential buyers, especially those shopping on a budget. However, it’s important to remember that the price of a vehicle is not solely determined by the initial purchase price. Other factors such as maintenance costs, insurance rates, and vehicle depreciation also play a significant role in the total cost of ownership, which we will discuss next.
Both the Jeep Wagoneer and Kia Telluride offer different trim levels and optional features. The 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offers the following trim levels:
Series I: $92,495
Series II: $98,995
Series III: $105,995
Series III Obsidian: $110,990
These variations allow potential buyers to customize their Wagoneer to their liking, with each upgrade adding in more luxury and functionality.
On the other hand, the 2023 Kia Telluride offers the following trims and prices:
LX: $37,255
S: $41,255
EX: $45,255
SX: $49,255
SX Prestige X-Pro: $54,350
While there are fewer configurations compared to the Wagoneer, the Telluride’s trims are simpler and more straightforward, making the buying process easier for value-conscious buyers.
When considering the total cost of ownership, there are several factors to consider. For the Kia Telluride, the estimated total cost of ownership over a five-year period ranges from approximately $51,429 to $66,028, depending on the trim and drivetrain. This includes:
Insurance costs
Estimated maintenance and repair costs
Depreciation
Financing costs
Taxes and fees
On the other hand, the Jeep Wagoneer’s total cost of ownership would be higher, considering its higher initial price, potentially higher insurance rates, and maintenance costs. However, no specific data was available for the Wagoneer at the time of comparison. It’s important to consider these factors, as they can significantly affect the overall value of the vehicle.
In summary, both the Jeep Wagoneer and the Kia Telluride present compelling options for those in the market for a reliable and comfortable SUV. The Wagoneer, with its superior power and spacious interior, is ideal for those seeking a robust and roomy SUV. On the other hand, the Telluride, with its excellent fuel economy, high safety ratings, and more affordable price point, is a great choice for value-conscious buyers.
Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual needs and preferences. Whether it’s the rugged power of the Wagoneer or the fuel efficiency and value of the Telluride, rest assured that both SUVs offer a comfortable and reliable ride that’s sure to satisfy any driver on the roads of Iowa.
Yes, the Kia Telluride is considered to have luxury-level comfort and technology at a bargain price. The infotainment system features a 12.3-inch touchscreen and onboard Wi-Fi.
The Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are very similar vehicles, but the Grand Wagoneer is positioned as the more luxurious and premium model. Therefore, it offers a higher level of standard features and available options.
Yes, the Wagoneer is a good SUV as it offers ample space for adults and boasts best-in-class passenger volume and second-row legroom.
No, the 2023 Chevy Suburban is longer than the Grand Wagoneer by 11 inches, making the vehicles comparable in size. The Grand Wagoneer is wider at 83.6 inches from side to side, while the Suburban is only 81.1 inches wide.
The Kia Telluride has a better fuel economy than the Jeep Wagoneer, with an EPA rating of 22 miles per gallon combined compared to the Wagoneer's 20 miles per gallon.