2020 Kia Telluride vs 2020 Lexus GX

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 design that appeared more luxurious than its price suggested, although the prominent Kia badge on its grille was seen as a detractor from its upscale appearance. The Telluride's exterior design 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 cabin that could easily be mistaken for a luxury vehicle, with high-quality materials and a solid build. The SX trim, in particular, impressed with Nappa leather seats and a soft headliner, making it feel like a much more expensive vehicle than its actual cost of $46,930 when fully loaded.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus GX retained a more traditional design, reflecting its decade-old roots. The updated hourglass grille was a notable change, but the overall design remained consistent with its rugged, off-road-capable platform shared with the Toyota 4Runner. The GX's interior was a throwback to early 2010s Lexus styling, with a chunky center console and large buttons, which some found appealing for its simplicity and functionality. The GX was available in three trims, with the Luxury trim offering premium features like a heated steering wheel and self-leveling air suspension. Despite its age, the GX's design and features catered to those who valued capability and durability over modern aesthetics.

The 2020 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. While the Telluride's power was sufficient for its size, the transmission's response was sometimes delayed, and the shifting felt rough compared to competitors. The Telluride excelled in ride comfort, with strong braking and a quiet cabin, thanks to double-paned glass and acoustic insulation. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the optional Towing package and had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2020 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission to a standard 4-wheel drive system. While its power figures might not impress compared to modern engines, the V8 provided a satisfying swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's steering was light yet direct, and its self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth ride. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with various 4WD modes and features like Downhill Assist Control. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an average of 16.3 mpg observed during testing.

The 2020 Kia Telluride offered flexible seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim. The interior was spacious, with ample room in the second row and a tolerable third row for adults. Cargo capacity was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Telluride's dashboard featured analog controls and a user-friendly infotainment system, with upper trims boasting a 10.3-inch screen and a 7-inch instrument panel display.

The 2020 Lexus GX provided a more traditional SUV experience, with available second-row captain's chairs and power-folding third-row seats in the Luxury trim. While the third row was less accessible for adults, the GX offered a unique side-opening rear hatch and a separately opening rear window. Cargo space was limited, with 64.7 cubic feet available with all seats folded. The GX's interior was functional, with large buttons and a straightforward layout, but it lacked the modern conveniences of newer SUVs.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia's UVO link, allowing remote access via an app. Upper trims featured advanced navigation with voice inputs and live traffic updates. The SX trim offered a live blind-spot feed, Highway Driving Assist, and a Harman Kardon surround stereo. However, the Telluride lacked onboard WiFi and a rear-seat entertainment option.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, with a simpler touchscreen interface and large buttons for easy operation. However, it did not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which could be a drawback for some buyers. Despite this, the system's simplicity was appreciated by those who preferred a more straightforward user experience.

The 2020 Kia Telluride was equipped with a comprehensive suite of active driver assists, including forward-collision alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured Safe Exit Assist and optional surround-view cameras. While crash-test ratings were not available at the time, top scores were anticipated.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera were also available. The GX offered excellent visibility, thanks to its high seating position and large windows.