2020 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Kia Telluride marked a significant departure from Kia's previous reputation for producing merely adequate vehicles. It presented a design that appeared far 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 a big Chevy and a new Volvo, respectively. Its clean, minimalistic design was expected to age well, with special details like amber LED running lights and hockey stick-shaped taillights adding to its appeal. Inside, the Telluride's interior was likened to that of a Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, with high-quality materials and a solid feel, although some elements like the wood were not entirely genuine. The SX-trim with the Prestige Package offered luxurious features such as Nappa leather seats and a soft headliner, making it feel like a much more expensive vehicle.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's exterior design was noted for its similarity to other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features. The CR-V's styling was considered generic, with a limited color palette that leaned heavily towards neutral shades. The interior offered a modern look with angular seats and a choice of cloth or leather depending on the trim. While the CR-V's design was not its selling point, it was functional, providing ample passenger and cargo space. The CR-V's interior was practical, with features like wood panels and chrome accents available on higher trims, but it lacked the distinctive styling of some competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

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 inconsistent. The vehicle's steering and handling were not as agile as some luxury SUVs, but it provided a smooth ride with strong braking. 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 Honda CR-V featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.8 seconds. It came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provided smooth acceleration but lacked engagement. The CR-V offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Its suspension setup was typical for the class, providing decent handling and ride quality. The CR-V's performance was not its standout feature, but it was competitive within the compact crossover segment.

The 2020 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim, with generous space 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 interior featured analog controls and a configurable infotainment system, with higher trims offering larger screens and additional features like a head-up display.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, with 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with higher trims offering power and hands-free operation. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was designed to comfortably fit five passengers and their gear, with practical features like charging ports and a variety of storage options.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia's UVO link, with upper trims offering advanced navigation and voice input features. The SX trim included a live blind spot feed and Highway Driving Assist, while the Harman Kardon stereo provided excellent sound quality. However, the lack of onboard WiFi was noted as a shortcoming.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch screen, while other trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, and the Touring trim included a wireless phone charger. The CR-V's technology offerings were competitive, but the base trim was less equipped than higher trims.

The 2020 Kia Telluride was expected to receive top safety ratings, with a comprehensive suite of standard driver assists, including forward-collision alert, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included surround-view cameras and front parking sensors.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The Honda Sensing system, standard on all trims, included features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring, which was included on higher trims.