2021 Kia Telluride vs 2020 Jeep Wrangler

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was instantly recognizable on the road with its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and boxy styling. Its industrial look was accentuated by exposed hinges and bolts, and the removable top and doors added to its rugged persona. Inside, the Wrangler maintained a retro aesthetic with circular climate vents and gauges, focusing on utility over luxury. The various trims, from the basic Sport to the off-road king Rubicon, offered different levels of comfort and capability, with the Rubicon standing out for its off-road prowess.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Telluride exuded a sense of contemporary design and quality both inside and out. The top-of-the-line SX trim, especially with the Prestige package, transformed it into a near-luxury SUV with premium stitched Nappa leather and a head-up display. The Nightfall Edition added a popular blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch wheels. The Telluride's interior was thoughtfully designed, with a focus on comfort and utility, making it a standout in its class.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine came with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was also available, delivering 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine, making 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque, provided excellent low-speed performance and fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined. However, the Wrangler's on-road experience was noisy and rough, with unique blind spots and a tendency to wander on the highway. Its off-road capabilities, including locking differentials and a disconnecting front sway bar, were where it truly shined.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a single powertrain: a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Kia’s Drive Mode Select offered various driving modes, and the optional AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for better traction. The Telluride handled well in various conditions, from muddy trails to snowy roads, and provided a smooth, comfortable ride with minimal head-toss. Its fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, and it averaged 20.5 mpg during testing.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, with its four-door configuration, was a sales success for Jeep. It featured removable doors, a fold-down windshield, and various roof options, including a retractable soft top and a three-piece hardtop. The Sky One-Touch roof offered a convenient retractable cloth option. With the rear bench lowered, the Wrangler Unlimited provided about 72 cubic feet of cargo space, less than many less-capable SUVs.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim's driver’s seat offered 14-way power adjustments, and the Prestige package added heating and ventilation to the front and second-row seats. The second-row captain’s chairs provided easy access to the third-row seat, which was suitable for adults. The Telluride offered ample storage solutions, including smartphone bins and USB ports. The smart hands-free power liftgate revealed 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded and 87 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler's Sport and Sport S trims came with a basic 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Rubicon and Sahara featured a 7-inch screen with Uconnect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An 8.4-inch Uconnect system with navigation, HD Radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was available on higher trims, along with an Alpine premium audio system.

The 2021 Kia Telluride offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio across all trims. The EX and SX trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and other upgrades. Kia’s UVO Link connected services provided various features, including remote engine start and climate control. 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 comprehensive information.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler came with standard safety features like airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera. Optional safety packages added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control, and full-speed forward-collision warning.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. The EX and SX trims added Highway Drive Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The SX trim also featured 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.