2021 Kia Telluride vs 2020 GMC Acadia

The 2020 GMC Acadia was positioned as a premium brand, intended to be nicer than Chevys but not as luxurious as Cadillacs. Built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, the Acadia shared powertrains and assembly origins in Spring Hill, Tennessee. The 2020 Acadia came in various trims, including the luxurious Denali, which featured all-wheel drive, Satin Steel Metallic paint, and a Technology Package, bringing the price to $52,385. Design changes were most noticeable in the front, with squared-off headlights and a boxier grille. Inside, the cabin saw minor updates, such as new electronic transmission shift switches and real open-pore wood trim for Denali models. Despite these changes, the interior still featured a mix of soft surfaces and hard plastic panels, with logical control layouts but limited premium touches beyond leather upholstery and wood trim.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with base pricing ranging from $32,190 to $42,490. The top-of-the-line SX trim, especially with the Prestige package, transformed the Telluride into a luxury SUV at a mainstream price, adding features like premium stitched Nappa leather and a head-up display. The new Nightfall Edition package gave the Telluride a blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch wheels and a unique grille insert. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Nightfall Edition, AWD, Prestige package, and other options, had a sticker price of $50,180. The Telluride's styling was praised for its contemporary design and quality execution, both inside and out. The transmission shifter was notably well-placed, preserving storage space and providing a solid, smooth operation. The only minor flaws were the limited interior color options and some inexpensive-looking plastic.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options. Lower trims had a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The SLT trim featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 230 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The AT4 and Denali trims came with a 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine, which was also available in other trims. All engines were paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, and the Acadia was available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), except for the AT4, which had a standard dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 engine and nine-speed automatic combination provided smooth, refined power and a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The test vehicle's powertrain included automatic engine stop/start and cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. The Acadia's ride and handling were finely tuned, offering a balanced driving experience, though it lacked memorable driving character.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured 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 to the front wheels. Kia's Drive Mode Select technology offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. AWD was optional, with a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction and eight inches of ground clearance. The Telluride demonstrated impressive off-road capabilities during media testing in wintry conditions. In suburban and mountain testing, the Telluride's ride and handling were praised for nearly eliminating "head-toss" and providing a firm, connected sensation at slower speeds while becoming more compliant at higher speeds. The self-leveling rear suspension in EX and SX trims ensured proper ride and handling when loaded. The Telluride's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with an observed average of 20.5 mpg.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered seating for five, six, or seven passengers, depending on the trim and configuration. The Denali trim featured standard second-row captain's chairs, with a bench seat available as a no-cost option. The front seats were wide and supportive, with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated and provided similar comfort levels. The third-row seat was roomier than expected, though the distance to the back of the SUV was limited. Interior storage space improved with new electronic transmission controls and a reconfigured center console. Cargo volume was 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 79 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim's driver’s seat offered 14-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, with a power-adjustable thigh support extension. The front passenger seat had 8-way power adjustment. The Prestige package added premium leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, with side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was usable by adults, with easy access via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. The Telluride provided ample storage, including smartphone bins, USB ports, and grocery bag hooks. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when the key fob was nearby, revealing 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2020 GMC Acadia included essential infotainment features like Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GMC Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen had a higher resolution, simplified user experience, and improved voice recognition. The test vehicle had navigation and a Bose premium sound system, with voice-recognition technology that performed well. Additional technology upgrades included new USB-C ports, a more powerful wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX had a 10.25-inch screen with navigation. Kia's UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, with additional plans available for a subscription. The Telluride offered remote engine start, climate control operation, a car finder function, and more. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. The SX trim had a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, though the sound quality was not exceptional. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came with standard safety features like a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and GMC Connected Services with automatic collision notification and SOS emergency calling. Standard ADAS included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. Forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking were available on SLT and AT4 trims, while enhanced automatic emergency braking was exclusive to the Denali. The Acadia received 5-star ratings in most NHTSA crash tests and high marks from the IIHS, though it lacked complete data for headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included eight standard safety technologies, such as blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-monitoring system, and automatic emergency braking. EX and SX trims had Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. Additional safety features included Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim had 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 for the driver and front passenger.