Compare the2022 Jeep CherokeeVS 2022 Kia Seltos

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The Jeep Cherokee has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Seltos doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The Cherokee has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Seltos doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Cherokee has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. Only the Seltos EX/Nightfall/SX offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Cherokee has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Only the Seltos EX/Nightfall/SX has a rear cross-path warning system.

Both the Cherokee and the Seltos have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Jeep Cherokee is safer than the Kia Seltos:

	Cherokee	Seltos
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	166	405
Chest Compression	.5 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	37%	41%
Neck Compression	26 lbs.	171 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Jeep Cherokee is safer than the Kia Seltos:

	Cherokee	Seltos
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	64	109
Chest Movement	.7 inches	1.2 inches
Abdominal Force	133 lbs.	170 lbs.
Hip Force	363 lbs.	428 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	53 G’s	70 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	203	225

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

The Cherokee’s 5 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Seltos runs out after 100,000 miles.

Jeep pays for scheduled maintenance on the Cherokee for 3 years and unlimited miles. Jeep will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance (up to 3 oil changes). Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Seltos.

There are over 3 times as many Jeep dealers as there are Kia dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Cherokee’s warranty.

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Cherokee has a standard 160-amp alternator (180-amp - Cherokee optional). The Seltos’ standard 120-amp alternator and largest (Nightfall/SX) 130-amp alternator aren’t as powerful.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Cherokee has a standard 700-amp battery. The Seltos’ 640-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Cherokee’s reliability 22 points higher than the Seltos.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cherokee third among compact suvs in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The Seltos isn’t in the top three in its category.

Engine

The Cherokee’s optional 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 124 more horsepower (270 vs. 146) and 163 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 132) than the Seltos’ standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Cherokee’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 95 more horsepower (270 vs. 175) and 100 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 195) than the Seltos Nightfall/SX’s standard 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder. The Cherokee’s standard 3.2 DOHC V6 produces 96 more horsepower (271 vs. 175) and 44 lbs.-ft. more torque (239 vs. 195) than the Seltos Nightfall/SX’s standard 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Jeep Cherokee turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the Kia Seltos:

	Cherokee	Seltos 4 cyl.	Seltos Nightfall/SX
Zero to 30 MPH	2.4 sec	3.2 sec	2.7 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6.6 sec	8.3 sec	7.4 sec
Zero to 80 MPH	11.4 sec	14.3 sec	13.1 sec
Passing 45 to 65 MPH	3.5 sec	4.2 sec	3.9 sec
Quarter Mile	15.2 sec	16.5 sec	15.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	90.3 MPH	85.5 MPH	86.9 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

Both the Cherokee and the Seltos have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stop lights and heavy traffic. All Cherokees have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

The Cherokee has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Seltos (15.9 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Cherokee has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Seltos doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Cherokee’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Seltos:

	Cherokee	Seltos	Seltos Nightfall/SX
Front Rotors	13 inches	11 inches	12 inches
Rear Rotors	10.95 inches	10.3 inches	11.2 inches
Opt Rear Rotors	12.6 inches

The Cherokee stops shorter than the Seltos:

	Cherokee	Seltos
60 to 0 MPH	121 feet	122 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Cherokee has larger standard tires than the Seltos (225/60R17 vs. 215/55R17). The Cherokee 4x4 X/Trailhawk’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Seltos (245/65R17 vs. 235/45R18).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Cherokee Limited offers optional 19-inch wheels. The Seltos’ largest wheels are only 18-inches.

The Cherokee has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Seltos doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Cherokee X/Trailhawk has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the Seltos; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Jeep Cherokee has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Seltos 4x2 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Cherokee has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Cherokee flat and controlled during cornering. The Seltos 4x2 suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Cherokee has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Seltos doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

The Cherokee’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Seltos doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Cherokee’s wheelbase is 3 inches longer than on the Seltos (106.5 inches vs. 103.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Cherokee is 1.2 inches wider in the front and .9 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Seltos.

The Cherokee Latitude LUX 4x4 handles at .80 G’s, while the Seltos S pulls only .77 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Cherokee Latitude LUX 4x4 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.7 seconds quicker than the Seltos S (27.1 seconds @ .62 average G’s vs. 28.8 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Cherokee has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Seltos (7.9 vs. 7.3 inches), allowing the Cherokee to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Cherokee Trailhawk’s minimum ground clearance is 1.4 inches higher than on the Seltos (8.7 vs. 7.3 inches).

Chassis

The front grille of the Cherokee (except Trailhawk) uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Seltos doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Cherokee Limited 4x4 is quieter than the Seltos SX:

	Cherokee	Seltos
Full-Throttle	77 dB	83 dB
70 MPH Cruising	69 dB	71 dB

Passenger Space

The Cherokee has 4.5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Seltos (103.5 vs. 99).

The Cherokee has .3 inches more front hip room, 2.1 inches more front shoulder room, .1 inches more rear headroom, 2.3 inches more rear legroom and .4 inches more rear shoulder room than the Seltos.

Cargo Capacity

The Cherokee has a larger cargo volume than the Seltos with its rear seat up (27.6 vs. 26.6 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox keeps your small valuables safer in the Cherokee. The Seltos doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Cherokee (except X) offers an optional power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button or, optionally on the Cherokee Limited/Trailhawk, by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The Seltos doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The Cherokee has a 2000 lbs. towing capacity. The Seltos has no towing capacity.

The Cherokee 4WD with optional equipment can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Cherokee can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Seltos can’t be towed flat on the ground.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Cherokee uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Seltos doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The Cherokee uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Seltos uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

A maintenance reminder system is standard on the Cherokee to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for oil changes based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Kia doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the Seltos.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Cherokee (except X/Latitude), the optional memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, outside mirror angle and radio stations. The Seltos doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Cherokee’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Seltos has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The Cherokee’s front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Seltos’ standard power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically.

The Cherokee’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Seltos’ passenger power window and power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Cherokee’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Seltos’ manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Cherokee Limited offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Seltos doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Cherokee’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Kia only offers heated mirrors on the Seltos S/EX/Nightfall/SX.

The Cherokee has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the Seltos, and aren’t available on the Seltos LX. The Cherokee Overland also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Seltos.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Cherokee Limited/Trailhawk keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Seltos doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Cherokee Latitude Lux/Limited/Trailhawk’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Seltos doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Cherokee Latitude Lux/Limited/Trailhawk’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Seltos doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the Cherokee and the Seltos offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Cherokee has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Seltos S/EX/Nightfall/SX doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

The Cherokee Latitude Lux/Limited/Trailhawk has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Seltos doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Cherokee’s optional ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Seltos doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

The Jeep Cherokee outsold the Kia Seltos by almost two to one during the 2021 model year.

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