2020 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2020 Kia Telluride marked a significant departure from Kia's previous reputation for producing adequate but unremarkable vehicles. This model appeared far more expensive than its price tag suggested, though the Kia badge somewhat detracted from its upscale appearance. The Telluride's design was a blend of boxy and fluid elements, reminiscent of both Chevy and Volvo, with upright, rectilinear themes and wide-spaced vertical headlights. The interior was equally impressive, with features that mimicked those found in luxury vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Despite some cost-cutting measures, such as faux wood and hard plastic sections, the Telluride's cabin was inviting and well-crafted, with high-quality fit and finish.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave aimed to recapture the brand's former glory with a large, shiny, and impressive design. The Enclave was the largest of Buick's SUVs and featured a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels in the Avenir trim. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist design with organic forms and polished accents. The seats were wrapped in soft, perforated leather, and the cabin was designed to be quiet and serene, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning efforts. However, some materials, like the wood trim, were not genuine, and the electronic transmission shifter was somewhat fussy.

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 (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. While the engine provided sufficient power, the transmission's response was sometimes delayed and inconsistent. The Telluride's 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 an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It also offered FWD and AWD options. The Enclave's V6 engine provided strong acceleration, and the nine-speed automatic delivered smooth shifts. The Avenir Technology Package added a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, enhancing the ride quality. The Enclave's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, and it had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2020 Kia Telluride could seat seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim. The second-row captain's chairs in the S and SX trims added comfort, with heating and cooling options. The Telluride's cabin was spacious, with ample room 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 the seats folded flat. The interior featured analog gauges, buttons, and knobs with a damped precision, complemented by two displays: a 3.5-inch instrument panel and an 8-inch dash screen, with a 10.3-inch screen available on higher trims.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering roomy seating for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massaging functions, heated and ventilated seats, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was spacious and easy to access. Cargo space measured 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. The interior included a stylish center console with ample storage and a triple-zone climate control system.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia's UVO link, which allowed remote access via an app. Upper trims featured navigation with voice inputs, live traffic and weather updates, and a 10.3-inch touchscreen. The SX trim offered a live feed of blind spots on the instrument cluster, Highway Driving Assist, and a Harman Kardon surround stereo. However, the Telluride lacked onboard WiFi and a rear-seat entertainment option.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times, voice recognition, and a simple user interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included a premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Enclave's 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors', and it lacked smart home digital assistant integration. The Avenir trim featured a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of the rear.

The 2020 Kia Telluride had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing, but it was expected to receive top scores. It came standard with a suite of active driver assists, including forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, 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 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on the Essence trim and above, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist, was standard on Premium and Avenir trims. Adaptive cruise control was only available on the Avenir with the optional Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection rated four stars. The IIHS gave it high marks, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.