2020 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Kia Telluride marked a significant departure from Kia's previous reputation for producing merely adequate vehicles. It presented a design that appeared more expensive than its price tag suggested, although the prominent Kia badge on its grille was seen as a detractor from its upscale appearance. The Telluride's 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 luxurious feel with elements like matte wood and silver-painted buttons, although some materials were not as premium as they appeared. The SX trim, in particular, impressed with Nappa leather seats and a soft headliner, making it feel like a much more expensive vehicle.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was a sight for sore eyes after a long flight, offering a plush and roomy interior. The Platinum trim was the pinnacle of the Expedition lineup, featuring a luxurious cabin with leather-lined seats and a massage function for the front seats. However, the Expedition's cargo space was limited in the regular-length model, which struggled to accommodate luggage for six passengers. The Expedition's exterior boasted a bold presence with a chrome grille and 22-inch wheels, but its interior, while comfortable, included hard plastic elements that reminded passengers of its truck-based origins. The Expedition MAX version offered more cargo space, making it a better choice for those needing to transport more passengers and luggage.

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 sharp as some luxury competitors. The Telluride excelled in ride comfort, thanks to its acoustic insulation and double-paned glass, and offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with an optional towing package. Its fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for AWD models.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with the Platinum trim boosting these figures to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. The Expedition's towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and it offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology for easier trailer maneuvering. The Expedition's acceleration was impressive, even with a full load, but the ride quality suffered due to the Platinum's 22-inch wheels. The Expedition's adaptive damping suspension helped maintain road grip, and the FX4 Off-Road Package added off-road capabilities. The Expedition's fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg combined for 4WD models.

The 2020 Kia Telluride could seat seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim, with the SX trim offering heated and cooled second-row captain's chairs. The Telluride's interior 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 them folded. The Telluride's infotainment system featured analog controls and configurable menus, with a 10.3-inch screen available on higher trims.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large seats for all passengers and an independent rear suspension ensuring a smooth ride. The Expedition's cargo space was limited in the regular-length model, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 57.5 cubic feet with it folded. The Expedition MAX offered more space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 121.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Expedition's high cargo floor liftover height was a consideration when loading heavy items.

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 offered navigation with voice inputs and live traffic updates, although the lack of onboard WiFi was a drawback. The Telluride's SX trim featured a live blind-spot feed, Highway Driving Assist, and a Harman Kardon surround stereo.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured the Sync 3 infotainment system, which, while user-friendly, was aging with its 8-inch touchscreen. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Expedition's voice recognition system was enhanced for 2021, and the test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging. An available rear-seat entertainment system offered dual screens and streaming capabilities.

The 2020 Kia Telluride had not yet been crash-tested by the 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, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Safe Exit Assist and a driver's knee airbag were also standard.

The 2021 Ford Expedition earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, although its rollover-resistance rating was lower for RWD models. It came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a semi-autonomous parking assistance system.