2020 Kia Telluride vs 2019 Toyota 4Runner

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner had a rugged and aggressive design, reflecting its true off-road capabilities. Its stubby front and rear ends provided steep approach and departure angles, while large tires and flared fenders were necessary for trail performance. The 4Runner's style was a product of necessity, not just aesthetics. Trim levels ranged from the base SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro, each offering unique features like 17-inch alloy wheels, under-body skid plates, and a power up/down rear window. Inside, the 4Runner's interior was dated but functional, with an 8-way power driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The SR5 Premium trim added heated side mirrors, heated front seats, and SofTex upholstery, while the TRD Off-Road trims included specialized off-road gear.

The 2020 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, was a game-changer for Kia, offering a design that appeared more expensive than its price tag suggested. Its exterior blended the boxy presence of a big Chevy with the fluid curves of a new Volvo, featuring upright, rectilinear themes and special details like amber LED running lights and large "TELLURIDE" badges. Inside, the Telluride's cabin was reminiscent of a Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, with twin grab handles, wide air vents, and an ultra-wide touchscreen. The SX trim with the Prestige Package added Nappa leather seats and a soft headliner, making the interior feel luxurious. Despite some lower-quality materials, the Telluride's fit, quality, and colors were tasteful and classy, with ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This setup, though dated, was reliable and capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner's V6 had characteristics similar to a V8, providing a truck-like driving experience with plenty of road noise and a planted feel. The TRD Off-Road and Premium trims included advanced off-road features like a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select system, and crawl control, making the 4Runner a standout in off-road capability. However, its fuel economy was poor, with 4WD models returning just 17 mpg city, 20 highway, and 18 combined.

The 2020 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain offered FWD or optional AWD for an additional $2,000. While the transmission's response was sometimes delayed, the Telluride could move quickly when needed. Braking was strong, but the steering and handling were less agile compared to luxury SUVs. The Telluride's ride was smooth, aided by double-paned glass and acoustic insulation. It had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the optional Towing package and achieved fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious interior with plenty of head- and legroom for front and second-row passengers. Its fully enclosed cabin provided significant advantages over competitors like the Jeep Wrangler, including nearly 90 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The 4Runner's interior was simple, with a 6.1-inch touchscreen and large knobs that were easy to operate while wearing gloves. Despite its dated design, the 4Runner was ready for outdoor activities and provided ample space for daily use.

The 2020 Kia Telluride could seat seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim. The base LX and EX trims seated eight, while the S and SX trims offered 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. The Telluride's cabin was spacious, with ample room for second-row passengers and a tolerable third row for adults. Cargo capacity was 21 cubic feet with all seats raised and 87 cubic feet with them flat. The interior featured analog gauges, buttons, knobs, and a regular PRNDL shifter, complemented by two displays: a 3.5-inch for the instrument panel and an 8-inch screen for the dash. The EX and SX models had a larger 10.3-inch screen and a 7-inch instrument panel display.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner lacked modern infotainment features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its basic system was straightforward, with small fonts and familiar controls. The SR5 Premium trim included the upgraded Entune system with navigation and Siri Eyes Free, but without CarPlay, navigation was only available through the built-in system.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia's UVO link, which allowed remote access via an app. Upper trims with navigation had fast and accurate voice inputs and live traffic and weather updates. The Telluride's SX trim featured a live feed of blind spots on the instrument cluster, Highway Driving Assist, a quiet mode, 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 less impressive for a vehicle of this size.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner came with basic safety features like airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera. It lacked modern driver-assistance features, which were standard on even entry-level vehicles. The 4Runner received 4 out of 5 stars overall in NHTSA crash tests but only 3 out of 5 in the rollover test.

The 2020 Kia Telluride had a comprehensive suite of active driver assists, including forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, and adaptive cruise control. Safe Exit Assist and a driver's knee airbag were also standard. Surround-view cameras and front parking sensors were optional.