2020 Kia Telluride vs 2020 Honda Passport

The 2020 Kia Telluride was a standout in Kia's lineup, breaking away from the brand's reputation for budget-friendly adequacy. It presented a more upscale appearance than its price suggested, though the prominent Kia badge on its grille was seen as a relic of the past, detracting from its sophisticated design. The Telluride's exterior was a blend of boxy and fluid elements, reminiscent of high-end SUVs, with distinctive features like amber LED running lights and hockey stick-shaped taillights. Inside, the Telluride offered a luxurious feel with elements like matte wood and knurled metal knobs, though some materials revealed its more affordable nature. 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.

The 2020 Honda Passport followed Honda's tried-and-true design philosophy, offering a practical and rugged aesthetic. It was positioned between the CR-V and Pilot in terms of size and capability, with a more athletic look. The Passport came in four trims, with the Elite trim offering a host of features like a scratch-resistant grille, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance for off-road capability. Inside, the Passport was more sophisticated than rugged, with a cabin similar to the Pilot's, featuring comfortable seats and a mix of durable and soft-touch materials. The Elite trim added luxury touches like heated and ventilated seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a moonroof, while maintaining a spacious and practical interior layout.

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 steering and handling were not as refined as luxury SUVs. However, it provided a smooth ride with features like double-paned glass and acoustic insulation. The Telluride had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the optional towing package and offered a fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined for AWD models.

The 2020 Honda Passport featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available, and the Elite trim came with torque-vectoring AWD for enhanced stability. The Passport's fuel economy was slightly better than the Telluride's, with 20 mpg city, 25 highway, and 22 combined for FWD models. The Passport excelled in off-road conditions, with drive modes for Snow, Sand, and Mud, and could tow up to 5,000 pounds with the towing package. It provided a smooth and capable performance in various driving situations, including high elevations and challenging terrains.

The 2020 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim, with ample room in the second row and a tolerable third row for adults. It featured a spacious cargo area with 21 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubic feet with all seats folded. The interior was equipped with analog controls and a configurable infotainment system, with higher trims offering a 10.3-inch screen and a 7-inch instrument panel display. The Telluride's cabin was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like USB ports, cupholders, and climate controls for rear passengers.

The 2020 Honda Passport was a practical choice with its right-sized dimensions, offering comfortable seating for four adults without a third-row option. It provided excellent visibility and spacious seats, with three full LATCH connections for child seats. The Passport excelled in cargo space, offering 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and the most under-floor storage in its class. It featured a power liftgate and tri-zone automatic climate control, with thoughtful storage solutions for small items. The interior was easy to clean, with durable materials and a design focused on practicality and comfort.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia's UVO link, allowing remote access via an app. Upper trims offered advanced navigation with voice inputs and live traffic updates, though it lacked onboard WiFi. The Telluride featured innovative technology like a live blind-spot feed and Highway Driving Assist for semi-autonomous driving. It also included a quiet mode and an intercom system for rear passengers, with higher trims offering a premium Harman Kardon stereo system.

The 2020 Honda Passport's base model featured a 5.0-inch display, while higher trims offered an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with responsive controls and practical features like Bluetooth, USB ports, and a seven-speaker audio system. Higher trims added a 10-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Passport's dashboard design was borrowed from the Pilot, offering reliable functionality despite its dated appearance.

The 2020 Kia Telluride was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured Safe Exit Assist to prevent passengers from opening doors into traffic. While it hadn't been crash-tested at the time, it was expected to receive top safety ratings.

The 2020 Honda Passport prioritized safety, earning high scores from the IIHS and NHTSA, and was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, including collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection, providing a comprehensive safety package.