Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Kia Sportage
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Kia Sportage hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 87% for the Kia Sportage.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Kia Sportage.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 6 in the Kia Sportage. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia Sportage misses.
Feature Showdown
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia Sportage gets a 12.3-inch display and 4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Kia Sportage. The Kia Sportage counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L uses a Petrol V6 Pentastar w/ ESS producing 210kW and 344Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic w/ paddle shifters to a 4WD layout.
The Kia Sportage responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 192Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L measures 5,204mm long on a 3,091mm wheelbase, 519mm longer than the Kia Sportage at 4,685mm (2,755mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Jeep Grand Cherokee L generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 487L in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 543L in the Kia Sportage, giving the Kia Sportage a 56L advantage. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L leads with a 2,813kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 1,163kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m diameter
Average
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,021/year for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and $1,767/year for the Kia Sportage. That is a $1,254 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sportage.
Estimated annual total: $3,021 (Jeep Grand Cherokee L) vs $1,767 (Kia Sportage). The Kia Sportage saves you roughly $1,254 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 100,000km (Jeep Grand Cherokee L) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage). The Kia Sportage has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Jeep Grand Cherokee L if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Jeep's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sportage takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Kia Sportage will save you roughly $1,254 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Sportage has a clear edge. The Kia Sportage adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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