2020 Kia Telluride vs 2021 BMW X7

The 2020 Kia Telluride was a standout in Kia's lineup, breaking away from the brand's reputation for merely adequate vehicles. It presented a design that appeared more expensive than its price tag suggested, although the Kia badge 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 features like vertical headlights and a silver mesh grille. Its clean and minimal design was expected to age well, with special details like amber LED running lights and distinctive taillights adding to its appeal. Inside, the Telluride's interior was surprisingly luxurious, with features that could be mistaken for those in a Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. The use of materials like matte wood and silver-painted buttons contributed to a classy feel, although some elements like the wood were not entirely genuine. The SX-trim with the Prestige Package offered Nappa leather seats and a soft headliner, making it feel like a much more expensive vehicle.

The 2021 BMW X7 was a vehicle that exuded prestige and sophistication, often seen as superior to its competitors in terms of interior quality and technological sophistication. It was available in three versions, with the xDrive40i being the entry-level model. The X7's design was characterized by its massive grille, which was fitting for its size, and traditional BMW styling cues that gave it a glamorous presence. Inside, the X7 shared many features with the X5, offering high-quality materials and intuitive technology. The interior was equipped with premium features like extended leather upholstery and an Alcantara suede headliner, making it a luxurious space for passengers. The X7's design and features positioned it as a top contender in the luxury SUV market, appealing to those seeking a vehicle with both style and substance.

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 felt rough compared to competitors. Despite this, the Telluride provided strong braking and a firm pedal feel, although its steering and handling were less agile than luxury SUVs. The ride was smooth, aided by double-paned glass and acoustic insulation. The Telluride's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds with the optional Towing package, and its fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined for AWD models.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive AWD system. The X7 incorporated eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which aimed to improve fuel economy and responsiveness. However, the 2021 model's fuel economy ratings were slightly lower than the previous year, at 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering ample power for its size. Despite its performance capabilities, the X7's handling was affected by its weight, with noticeable body motions even with the optional Dynamic Handling Package. The X7 excelled in providing a smooth and serene ride, with features like Active Comfort Drive and Integral Active Steering enhancing its driving experience.

The 2020 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim level. The interior was spacious, with ample room in the second row and a tolerable third row for adults. The Telluride's cargo capacity was 21 cubic feet with all seats up and 87 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The interior featured analog gauges, buttons, and a regular shifter, complemented by two displays for the instrument panel and infotainment system. Higher trims offered a 10.3-inch screen and a 7-inch instrument panel display, enhancing the vehicle's functionality and user experience.

The 2021 BMW X7 provided a luxurious interior with features like heated and ventilated seats, a five-zone climate control system, and premium Merino leather upholstery. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, and the second-row captain's chairs offered a similar level of comfort. The third row was surprisingly accommodating for adults, with power-adjustable seats allowing for easy access. The X7's cargo space was 48.6 cubic feet with the third row folded and 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down, offering ample storage for a luxury SUV.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia's UVO link, which allowed for remote vehicle access via an app. Upper trims featured navigation with voice inputs and live traffic updates, although the lack of onboard WiFi was a notable omission. The Telluride's SX trim offered advanced features like a blind-spot camera display, Highway Driving Assist, and a Harman Kardon surround stereo, enhancing the vehicle's technological appeal.

The 2021 BMW X7 was equipped with Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and an iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both featuring 12.3-inch displays. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and Connected Package Pro, offering a comprehensive suite of features. The X7 also had wireless smartphone charging, natural voice recognition, and gesture control, although the latter was inconsistent. The head-up display was a useful addition, although it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

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. Safe Exit Assist was a unique feature that prevented passengers from opening the rear doors if an approaching vehicle was detected. While the Telluride had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time, it was expected to receive top safety scores.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with a range of safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. These packages included advanced systems like evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and semi-automated parking assist. The X7's safety technology was generally impressive, although there were some instances where the lane-maintenance system was less effective.