Jeep Cherokee vs. Kia Sportage
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Jeep Cherokee and Kia Sportage contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Jeep Cherokee and the Kia Sportage.
When we compare the Jeep Cherokee's and the Kia Sportage's specifications and ratings, the Jeep Cherokee has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and reliability. The Kia Sportage has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, fuel efficiency, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Jeep Cherokee's and the Kia Sportage's specifications and ratings, the Kia Sportage is a better car than the Jeep Cherokee.
Pricing: A used 2023 Jeep Cherokee ranges from $27,796 to $41,835 while a used 2024 Kia Sportage is priced between $28,546 to $38,671. For a new model, the Jeep Cherokee's price is between $33,501 and $44,825, with the Kia Sportage priced between $29,294 and $39,594.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Jeep Cherokee loses 43.2 percent of its value and the Kia Sportage loses 42.2 percent of its value. This means the Kia Sportage retains 0.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Jeep Cherokee.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Jeep Cherokee is 7.8 out of 10 while the Kia Sportage's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Jeep Cherokee being ranked 14 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Kia Sportage being ranked 9 out of 19. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Jeep Cherokee is ranked 38 and the Kia Sportage is ranked 27.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Jeep Cherokee is 7.7 out of 10. For the Kia Sportage the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Jeep Cherokee a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sportage.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Jeep Cherokee’s base engine makes 180 horsepower, and the Kia Sportage base engine makes 187 horsepower. The Cherokee is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 458 miles. The Sportage is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 472 miles. This gives the Kia Sportage the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Jeep Cherokee. Both models use regular unleaded.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Kia Sportage has higher safety ratings than the Jeep Cherokee, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Kia Sportage has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$33,501 - $44,825
Starting MSRP:
$37,695
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$27,723
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,610 - $37,695
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$29,294 - $39,594
Starting MSRP:
$27,190
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$27,871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,860 - $30,300
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$34,114
Price Range:
$27,796 - $41,835
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,802
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,898 - $34,114
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
399
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
34,879
# Good or Great Deals:
144
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$33,304
Price Range:
$28,546 - $38,671
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$33,244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,649 - $36,546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,459
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
6,655
# Good or Great Deals:
271
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$16,921
Depreciation %:
44.9%
Resale Value $:
$20,774
Residual Value %:
55.1%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
44.9%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
44.9% - 44.9%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$11,717
Depreciation %:
43.1%
Resale Value $:
$15,473
Residual Value %:
56.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
42%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29.1% - 47.3%
Jeep Cherokee Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Kia Sportage Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Jeep Cherokee
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
8.9 - 12.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
21.6%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Sportage
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
8.7%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.5 - 16.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 18.3
Jeep Cherokee Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 18Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 59Ranking
51 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 67Ranking
55 out of / 67Kia Sportage Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 20Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 59Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
46 out of / 67Summary Review
The Jeep Cherokee has come a long way since its introduction in 1974. The current generation, introduced in 2014, was given an exterior update in 2019, along with some added engine options. The Cherokee is best known for its fuel economy, off-road capability, and family friendly design. New models cost an average of $32,172 and 3-year-old models average $22,989.
Summary Review
The Kia Sportage is a compact sport utility vehicle and a mainstay of Kia’s model line, going through several generations prior to the current Sportage, which debuted in 2017. The Sportage is known for its sharp looks, feature-packed interior, and low cost of entry, with new models costing an average of $28,105 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,380.
Pros and Cons
- Suspension capable for both on-road and off-road use
- Excellent infotainment touchscreen and user interface
- Smart interior design and comfort
- Base engines feel underpowered
- Wind and road noise at highway speeds
- Cargo capacity is limited compared to rivals
Pros and Cons
- Smooth ride quality with a quiet interior
- Spacious seating front and rear
- Smart instrumentation and control layout
- Smaller cargo capacity than many rivals
- Acceleration can be sluggish
- Fuel economy adequate at best
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Jeep Cherokee Trim Levels
Altitude Lux, Trailhawk
Kia Sportage Trim Levels
SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, X-Pro, X-Pro Prestige, EX, LX
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
171 foot-lbs @ 4600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.046 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 29 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
332 / 458 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 33 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
358 / 472 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
25.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
54.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
128.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
39.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3875 lbs
Width:
73.2 inches
Height:
66.2 inches
Length:
183.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3396 lbs
Width:
73.4 inches
Height:
65.4 inches
Length:
183.5 inches
Wheelbase:
108.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Blue
Hydro Blue Pearl Coat
Gray
Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat / Sting-Gray Clear Coat
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black / Fusion Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Gravity Gray / Steel Gray
White
Glacial White Pearl / Snow White Pearl
Silver
Everlasting Silver
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Black
