2020 Kia Telluride vs 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser

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 sophisticated exterior that belied its price, with a design that borrowed elements from luxury SUVs while maintaining its unique identity. The Telluride's boxy yet fluid silhouette, combined with upscale details like LED running lights and distinctive "TELLURIDE" badges, gave it a premium appearance. Inside, the Telluride offered a cabin reminiscent of a high-end vehicle, with features like Nappa leather seats and a wide touchscreen. Despite some cost-cutting measures, such as faux wood and hard plastics, the interior was well-crafted and inviting, making it feel more expensive than its actual price of $46,930 for a fully loaded model.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser, on the other hand, had a more understated design that revealed its strengths over time. Its exterior featured practical elements like a dished hood for better visibility and bulging fenders for wheel travel, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Heritage Edition added retro flair with blackened trim and bronze wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with its leather-trimmed seating and functional dash, though it leaned towards a more utilitarian aesthetic. The interior was spacious, with a three-row configuration in the standard model and a two-row setup in the Heritage Edition. Despite its somewhat plain design, the Land Cruiser's interior was comfortable and well-executed, offering a serene driving experience.

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 delivery was sufficient for its size, the transmission's response was sometimes delayed, and the shifting could be rough. The steering was slow, and there was noticeable body lean, but the ride was smooth and quiet, thanks to double-paned glass and acoustic insulation. The Telluride had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the optional towing package and achieved an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, making it highly capable off-road. The Land Cruiser's suspension and chassis geometry, including a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, provided excellent off-road performance with an approach angle of 32 degrees and a fording depth of 27.55 inches. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a comfortable and controlled ride, with body roll minimized. It had a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 13 mpg city, 17 highway, and 14 combined.

The 2020 Kia Telluride offered flexible seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim. The interior was spacious, with generous legroom in the second row and a tolerable third row for adults. Cargo capacity was 21 cubic feet with all seats up and 87 cubic feet with them folded flat. The Telluride featured analog controls with a damped precision, complemented by a 3.5-inch instrument panel display and an 8-inch dash screen, with larger screens available on higher trims.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was designed for both commuting and overlanding. It featured a three-row configuration in the standard model, with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The Land Cruiser offered four-zone automatic climate control and numerous cupholders. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, and the vehicle could tow up to 8,100 pounds. The split tailgate design added a touch of retro charm and practicality for loading and unloading.

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. The Telluride featured a blind-spot camera, Highway Driving Assist, and an intercom system for rear passengers. The SX trim included LED headlights, dual moonroofs, and a Harman Kardon surround stereo.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a Qi-compatible charging station and Toyota Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation. The sound system included 14 JBL speakers, but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 9-inch touchscreen was functional but smaller than some competitors. The Land Cruiser's Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera provided selectable views for off-road and daily use.

The 2020 Kia Telluride had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top scores. It came standard with a suite of active driver assists, including forward-collision alert, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Safe Exit Assist and a driver's knee airbag were also standard, with optional surround-view cameras and front parking sensors.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but its rigid body structure and weight provided inherent safety. It featured Toyota Safety Sense P, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Land Cruiser also had 10 airbags, Trailer Sway Control, and Safety Connect with emergency assistance and collision notification.