2020 Kia Telluride vs 2020 Dodge Durango

The 2020 Kia Telluride marked a significant departure from Kia's previous reputation for producing adequate yet unremarkable vehicles. It presented a design that appeared more luxurious than its price suggested, although the prominent Kia badge on its grille was seen as a drawback by some, including Kia's chief U.S. designer. The Telluride's exterior was a blend of boxy and fluid design elements, reminiscent of high-end SUVs, with distinctive features like amber LED running lights and large "TELLURIDE" badges. Inside, the Telluride offered a sophisticated ambiance with elements that mimicked luxury brands, such as Mercedes-Benz, although some materials like the wood trim were not genuine. The interior was spacious and well-appointed, with features like Nappa leather seats and a soft headliner in higher trims, making it feel more expensive than its actual cost.

In contrast, the 2020 Dodge Durango retained its styling from a 2014 update, based on a platform dating back to 2011. Its design was straightforward and shared similarities with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it felt somewhat dated compared to its sibling. The Durango's cabin was in need of a refresh, which was anticipated for the 2021 model year. Despite its age, the Durango offered a range of trims, each with distinct features, from the basic SXT to the performance-oriented SRT. The interior provided ample space, with options for second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat, though the third row was best suited for children. The Durango's cargo space was competitive, and its towing capacity was impressive, ranging from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds depending on the configuration.

The 2020 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter being a $2,000 upgrade. While the Telluride's power was sufficient for its size, the transmission's response was sometimes delayed, and the shifting could be rough. The Telluride excelled in ride comfort, thanks to its acoustic insulation and double-paned glass, though its steering and handling were not as agile as some luxury SUVs. It had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the optional Towing package and offered decent fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined for AWD models.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, while the SRT trim boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. The Durango's performance was impressive, particularly in the SRT trim, which offered strong acceleration and car-like handling. The SRT also featured a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, enhancing its driving dynamics. The Durango's towing capacity was a standout feature, ranging from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds.

The 2020 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim. The interior was spacious, with generous second-row legroom and a third row that could accommodate adults for short trips. Cargo capacity was 21 cubic feet with all seats up and 87 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Telluride's interior featured analog controls with a precise feel, complemented by digital displays. Higher trims offered a 10.3-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch instrument panel display, enhancing the vehicle's tech appeal.

The 2020 Dodge Durango provided 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The Durango's cabin was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a second row that could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs. The third row was more suitable for children. The Durango's interior featured multiple storage options and a center console with cupholders in the second row of the SRT trim.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia's UVO link, which allowed remote access to the vehicle via an app. Upper trims featured navigation with voice inputs and live traffic updates, though the lack of onboard WiFi was a notable omission. The Telluride's SX trim offered advanced features like a blind-spot camera display and Highway Driving Assist, which provided limited autonomous driving capabilities. The Harman Kardon surround stereo in the SX trim delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured Dodge's Uconnect infotainment system, available with a 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen. Uconnect was praised for its user-friendly interface and straightforward navigation. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with navigation and SiriusXM Travel Link available on higher trims. The Durango's R/T, Citadel, and SRT trims offered an Alpine premium audio system, with an optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon system for enhanced audio performance.

The 2020 Kia Telluride was equipped with a comprehensive suite of active driver-assistance features, including forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Safe Exit Assist was a unique feature that prevented passengers from opening the rear doors if an approaching vehicle was detected. While crash-test ratings were not available at the time, the Telluride was expected to receive high marks.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and trailer sway control. However, advanced driver-assistance features were optional, available through the Technology Group package. The Durango received a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a Moderate score in the IIHS's driver's side small-front overlap test, with Good ratings in other crash tests.