2020 Kia Telluride vs 2019 BMW X5

The 2019 BMW X5 was designed with a focus on delivering a sedan-like driving experience, despite its size and weight. BMW prioritized on-road performance over off-road capabilities, recognizing that most SUV owners preferred a smooth ride on pavement. The X5 offered a five-passenger layout, expandable to seven, though the third row was notably cramped. It came with two turbocharged engine options: a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder and a 4.4-liter V8, both paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model started at $60,700 and included a comprehensive safety suite and various luxury features. Additional packages allowed for further customization, enhancing comfort, sportiness, or off-road capabilities. My test vehicle, an xDrive40i, was equipped with several optional features, bringing the total cost to $73,980.

The 2020 Kia Telluride marked a significant departure from Kia's previous reputation for budget-friendly vehicles. It boasted a design that appeared more expensive than its price suggested, with styling cues borrowed from luxury SUVs. The Telluride's exterior featured a boxy yet elegant design, while the interior offered a premium feel reminiscent of a Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. The SX-trim test vehicle, priced at $46,930, included Nappa leather seats, a soft headliner, and a range of upscale features. The Telluride's cabin was spacious, with ample room for passengers and cargo. It could seat seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim, and offered a comfortable ride with a focus on passenger comfort and convenience.

The 2019 BMW X5 excelled in performance, with its turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The 8-speed ZF automatic transmission provided smooth and efficient gear changes, contributing to an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined. The xDrive50i variant offered even more power, with a 4.4-liter V8 producing 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 4 seconds. The X5's ride quality was enhanced by its Cluster Architecture platform, featuring a combination of steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber for improved strength and performance. The optional air suspension allowed for adjustable ride height and improved bump absorption, making the X5 a comfortable and sporty ride.

The 2020 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission routed power to either the front wheels or all four wheels, with AWD available as a $2,000 option. While the Telluride's power delivery was sufficient, the transmission's response was sometimes delayed and inconsistent. The Telluride's ride was smooth, aided by double-paned glass and acoustic insulation, but its handling was less agile compared to luxury SUVs with adaptive dampers. The Telluride offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the optional Towing package and achieved an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined.

Inside the 2019 BMW X5, the design featured aggressive angles and dual 12.3-inch screens for the updated iDrive infotainment interface. While the design was modern, some materials felt less premium compared to competitors. The seats were somewhat uncomfortable, with limited adjustability and ventilation, making the $1,600 Luxury Seating package a worthwhile consideration. The X5 offered ample space for passengers and cargo, with 33.9 cubic feet of trunk space expandable to 72.3 cubic feet. The split rear tailgate and air suspension made loading cargo easier, and the X5 could tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2020 Kia Telluride offered a spacious cabin with seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim. The second row provided generous legroom, and the third row was surprisingly accommodating for adults. Cargo capacity was 21 cubic feet with all seats raised and 87 cubic feet with them folded flat. The interior featured analog gauges, buttons, and knobs with a damped precision, complemented by two displays: a 3.5-inch instrument panel and an 8-inch dash screen. Higher trims offered a 10.3-inch screen and a 7-inch instrument panel display, enhancing the infotainment experience.

The 2019 BMW X5's technology offerings were somewhat disappointing. Gesture control was unreliable, and the customizable screens and voice controls were less intuitive than competitors. The updated iDrive interface required a learning curve, and the steering wheel controls were counterintuitive. The Driving Assistance Plus package, offering limited hands-off driving, was not very effective at high speeds, leading to safety concerns. However, the Extended Traffic Jam Assistant worked well in stop-and-go traffic. Optional features included Parking Assistant Plus, a night-vision system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Harman Kardon stereo provided excellent sound quality, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system available for audiophiles.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia's UVO link, allowing remote access via an app. Upper trims with navigation offered fast and accurate voice inputs, though live traffic and weather updates were less frequent than competitors. The SX trim featured a live blind-spot feed on the instrument cluster, Highway Driving Assist, and a quiet mode for the stereo. The Telluride lacked a rear-seat entertainment option but offered bright LED headlights, dual moonroofs, and a Harman Kardon surround stereo with impressive sound quality.

The 2019 BMW X5 featured a new brake-by-wire setup, providing a nearly natural feel with some feedback during braking. The M Sport brakes offered a stopping distance of 119 feet from 60 mph. The X5 received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA, with 5-star ratings in side crash tests. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+, awarding top scores in all tests.

The 2020 Kia Telluride had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top scores. It came standard with a comprehensive suite of active driver assists, including forward-collision alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Safe Exit Assist prevented passengers from opening doors when it was unsafe, and optional features included surround-view cameras and front parking sensors.