2020 Kia Telluride vs 2019 GMC Acadia

The 2019 GMC Acadia was a handsome SUV with a shorter wheelbase that provided an athletic stance and an upright grille that gave it an upscale appearance. Despite not being marketed as a luxury SUV, it was as nice as, if not nicer than, the more expensive Buick Envision. The Acadia had broader appeal than other GM vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Envision. Although considered a midsize SUV, it felt closer in size to compact competitors like the Nissan Rogue.

The Acadia came in several trims: SL, SLE-1, SLE-2, SLT-1, SLT-2, and Denali. The base SL trim featured 17-inch wheels, 7-passenger seating, remote keyless entry, 3-zone climate control, and heated power side mirrors. Higher trims added features like LED headlights, Sirius XM, power liftgate, fog lights, and premium audio systems. The SLT-1 AWD trim with the Black Edition appearance package added 20-inch wheels, a black grille, and black roof rails, giving it a more menacing look. The Denali trim added luxury features like a hands-free power tailgate, HID headlights, and leather-appointed seating.

The 2020 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, was a transformative vehicle for Kia, appearing more expensive than it was. The Telluride had an upscale footprint, blending the boxy presence of a big Chevy with the fluid curves of a new Volvo. Its upright, rectilinear themes and wide-spaced vertical headlights gave it a clean, minimal design that would age well. Special details like amber LED running lights and large "TELLURIDE" badges added to its appeal.

Inside, the Telluride's interior resembled a Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class with features like twin grab handles, wide air vents, an ultra-wide touchscreen, and matte wood accents. The SX-trim test vehicle with the Prestige Package added Nappa leather seats and a soft headliner. The fit, quality, and colors were tasteful and classy, making the Telluride's interior an inviting place. The SX trim also featured a larger 7-inch screen for the instrument panel and a color head-up display.

The 2019 GMC Acadia offered two engines: an inline 4-cylinder and a V6. The V6 was not available in the base SL or SLE-1 trims but was optional in the SLE-2 and SLE-1 with FWD. The SLT-1 AWD, SLT-2, and Denali trims came standard with the V6. The base 4-cylinder engine produced 193 horsepower, while the 3.6-liter V6 engine made 310 hp, delivering fantastic acceleration. Power was sent through a 6-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels or available AWD. The AWD system featured GMC's Active Twin Clutch system, allowing drivers to switch between FWD, AWD, Sport mode, and All-Terrain mode. The V6 Acadia could tow up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped. Fuel economy for the base SL with the 4-cylinder engine and FWD was 21 mpg city, 26 highway, and 23 combined. The SLT-1 AWD with the V6 returned 17/25/20 mpg, and in a week of combined driving, it averaged 19.8 mpg.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came with a single engine: a 3.8-liter V6 making 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission routed power to the front wheels or all four wheels (AWD was a $2,000 option). The transmission's response was sometimes delayed and inconsistent, and the shifting felt rougher than in other competitors. However, the power was enough to get the Telluride moving quickly. Braking was strong, but the steering was slow, and there was noticeable body lean. The Telluride offered a creamy ride with double-paned glass and acoustic insulation that muffled wind noise. Off-roaders would appreciate the axle-lock feature and snow mode. Towing capacity was 5,000 pounds with the $795 Towing package. Fuel economy was EPA-estimated at 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined, with FWD models netting 20/26/23 mpg.

The 2019 GMC Acadia provided a solid amount of space for the driver and front passenger, with deep trays for small items and functional in-door bins. The SL, SLE-1, and SLE-2 featured 7-passenger seating with a middle bench seat, while the SLT-1 AWD had captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to 6. The second-row seats were comfortable and provided decent head- and legroom, but the third-row seats were not very roomy and suitable only for kids. Cargo space was 12.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 79 cubic feet with both rows folded. This was small for the midsize SUV class.

The 2020 Kia Telluride could seat seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim. The base LX and third-tier EX seated eight, while the second-tier S offered eight as an option. The S and top SX seated seven with reclining captain's chairs in the second row. The SX trim added heating and cooling for the second-row seats, manual side-window shades, and a third climate zone. All trims had air vents, USB ports, and cupholders for passengers in the second and third rows. The second-row seats folded flat, and the third row was tolerable for a 6-foot adult. Cargo capacity was 21 cubic feet with all seats raised and 87 cubic feet with them all flat. The Telluride's cabin featured analog gauges, buttons, knobs, and a regular PRNDL shifter, complemented by two displays. The EX and SX models had a 10.3-inch screen, and the SX had a larger 7-inch screen for the instrument panel.

The 2019 GMC Acadia's base SL trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC’s IntelliLink infotainment system, which included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. The SLT-1 trim upgraded to an 8-inch screen, and the Denali added standard navigation. The SLT-1 and SLT-2 trims added a 4.2-inch color information display within the gauge cluster, while the Denali had an 8-inch display, turning it into a semi-digital instrument panel. The Acadia was also available with a color head-up display.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia's UVO link, which could remotely locate and unlock the car via an app. A proximity key was standard. Upper trims with navigation had fast and accurate voice inputs, live traffic and weather updates, and a quiet mode that sent the stereo's music to the front. The SX trim featured a live feed of the blind spot on the instrument cluster, Highway Driving Assist, and an intercom for the third row. The SX also had bright LED headlights, dual moonroofs, and a Harman Kardon surround stereo. The standard 6-speaker stereo was not ample for a car this size.

The 2019 GMC Acadia came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and traction control. The Driver Alert Package 1, standard on the SLT-1 and optional on the SLE-2, added a blind-spot warning system, lane-change alert, and rear park assist. The SLT-2 trim added the Driver Alert Package 2, which included low-speed forward automatic braking, lane-departure warning, pedestrian detection, forward-collision alert, adaptive headlights, and high beams, as well as rear cross-traffic alert and front and rear parking sensors.

The 2020 Kia Telluride had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing, but it was expected to receive top scores. It came standard with forward-collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and automatic braking, lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, and adaptive cruise control. Safe Exit Assist used the blind-spot system to prevent passengers from opening the rear doors when it was unsafe. Surround-view cameras and front parking sensors were optional. A driver's knee airbag was standard, but the front passenger did not get one.