2021 Kia Telluride vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Audi Q7 offered multiple variations, including the 45 TFSI with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the 55 TFSI with a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. A performance-tuned Audi SQ7 with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 was also new for 2020. The Q7 55 TFSI, starting at $60,800, was available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. The test vehicle, upgraded to Prestige, featured Navarra Blue metallic paint, a Cold Weather Package, and a Towing Package, totaling $74,290. Design updates included new front and rear styling, wheels, and lighting elements, enhancing the Q7's appearance to align with the flagship Q8 model. The test vehicle's 20-inch turbine-style wheels with 285/45 Pirelli Scorpion Verde run-flat all-season tires added a practical touch.

Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit panel offered various themes and configurations, while two touch-sensing screens on the center console handled infotainment functions. The cabin, featuring Okapi Brown leather with Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash natural wood inlays and a black cloth headliner, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe. The Prestige trim's multi-color ambient lighting added a soothing ambiance at night.

Kia sold the 2021 Telluride in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with base pricing from $32,190 to $42,490. The top-of-the-line SX trim, available with a Prestige package, transformed it into a luxury SUV with premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The new Nightfall Edition package, available with EX and SX trims, added gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a blacked-out look. The test vehicle, equipped with AWD, the Prestige package, the Towing package, and other options, had a sticker price of $50,180.

The 2021 Telluride's styling was impressive, with no exterior flaws and a well-executed interior design. The transmission shifter, placed to the left side of the center console, preserved storage space and felt solid and smooth in operation. However, interior color options were limited to black or gray unless you opted for the SX trim. Despite some glossy hard plastic on the lower interior parts, the Telluride's look and feel were commendable.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI featured a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The engine included a 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system, enhancing fuel efficiency. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive, the Q7 offered several driving modes through Audi Drive Select. The SUV accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, had a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds, and an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined. During testing, it averaged 21 mpg on a road trip and 18.1 mpg on a local loop.

The Prestige trim's adaptive air suspension, adjustable through Audi Drive Select, provided a comfortable ride on various terrains. The Q7 excelled on pavement, offering speedy acceleration and agile handling. The mild-hybrid technology operated seamlessly, maintaining climate control even during extended engine stop/start periods. The cabin remained quiet, thanks to dual-pane acoustic side window glass, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Telluride, technically a crossover, came with a single powertrain: a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Kia’s Drive Mode Select offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. AWD, with a low-speed Lock function, was optional, providing better traction and off-road capability.

During testing in various conditions, the Telluride demonstrated excellent ride and handling, minimizing head-toss. The suspension tuning, including a self-leveling rear suspension on EX and SX trims, ensured a firm and connected sensation at lower speeds and a compliant ride at higher speeds. The Telluride handled curves and corners well, thanks to brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology. The EPA rated the AWD Telluride at 21 mpg combined, and it averaged 20.5 mpg during testing.

The 2020 Audi Q7, with three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers. The third-row seat, suitable only for young children, required sliding the second-row seats forward and offered limited cargo space when in use. With the third-row seat folded, cargo capacity increased to 35.7 cubic feet, and with both rows folded, it reached 69.6 cubic feet. The Prestige trim's front seats were comfortable for long trips, and the second-row seats provided ample legroom and thigh support. However, interior storage was limited, with the center console and dashboard screen taking up most of the space.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim's driver’s seat offered 14-way power adjustment, and both front seats had heating and ventilation. The Prestige package added heating and ventilation to the second-row captain’s chairs, along with side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was usable by adults, with easy access provided by a tilting and sliding second-row seat. The Telluride offered ample storage, including smartphone bins, USB ports, and cupholders. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded and 87 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced MMI Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch touchscreen with an 8.6-inch touchscreen. The system included natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation with Google Earth imagery, and Audi Connect subscription services. The user interface was generally intuitive, though dry fingertips sometimes made virtual buttons unresponsive. The Prestige trim added a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, which Audi replaced with a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system for 2021.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX and SX trims had a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and other upgrades. Kia’s UVO Link connected services offered various plans, including remote engine start, climate control operation, and vehicle alerts. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2020 Audi Q7's HD Matrix LED headlights provided excellent illumination, though the IIHS rated them "poor" due to excessive glare. The Q7 included numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, with upgrades available in the Executive Package or Prestige trim. Features included Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign-recognition technology and Active Lane Assist were problematic. The Q7 received the highest IIHS ratings, except for the "poor" headlight assessment.

The 2021 Kia Telluride's standard Drive Wise collection included eight safety technologies, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Highway Drive Assist, standard on EX and SX trims, offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. The SX trim added front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact results.