2020 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

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 exterior design was a blend of boxy and fluid elements, reminiscent of high-end SUVs, with distinctive features like vertical headlights 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 interior was spacious and well-appointed, with features like Nappa leather seats and a soft headliner in higher trims, making it feel like a much more expensive vehicle.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to become a symbol of luxury and status. The Range Rover's design was timeless, with hallmark features like blacked-out pillars and large nameplate lettering. Despite its age, the SUV maintained a modern appearance, drawing on its heritage much like a classic sports car. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its high-contrast Ivory interior and mid-century modern ambiance. However, the infotainment system, while comprehensive, was not as intuitive as newer models, requiring some acclimatization. The Range Rover's cabin was a blend of opulence and practicality, although some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the placement of touch-sensitive controls.

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 generally sufficient, the transmission's response was sometimes delayed, and the shifting could be rough. The SUV's steering and handling were not as refined as luxury competitors, but it provided a comfortable ride with effective noise 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 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Range Rover's 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case, ensured its off-road prowess, although the test vehicle was not pushed to its limits. The SUV provided a smooth and quiet ride, with an adaptive air suspension that absorbed road imperfections. However, its steering was slow and the vehicle exhibited noticeable body roll. The Range Rover's fuel economy was rated at 20 mpg combined, with the test vehicle averaging 18.5 mpg.

The 2020 Kia Telluride could accommodate 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. Cargo capacity was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Telluride featured analog controls and a user-friendly infotainment system, with higher trims offering larger screens and additional features like a head-up display.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension included a kneel mode for easier entry and exit, although the second-row seating was less comfortable due to a lack of thigh support and adjustability. The SUV offered quad-zone climate control and a high-quality sound system, but storage space was limited, with only 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with them folded. The Range Rover's interior was luxurious, but some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the placement of touch-sensitive controls.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia's UVO link, which allowed remote access to the vehicle. Upper trims featured advanced navigation with voice inputs and a live blind-spot feed on the instrument cluster. The Telluride also offered Highway Driving Assist and a Harman Kardon surround sound system in higher trims, although it lacked onboard WiFi and rear-seat entertainment options.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. While the system offered extensive customization, it was not entirely intuitive and could be distracting while driving. The Range Rover included a head-up display, although it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The SUV also offered an Activity Key wristband for keyless access and an iGuide smartphone app for assistance with the infotainment system.

The 2020 Kia Telluride was equipped with a comprehensive suite of active driver assists, including forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured Safe Exit Assist to prevent passengers from opening doors into traffic. While crash-test ratings were not available at the time, top scores were anticipated.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Additional driver aids were available through optional packages, including adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The HSE Westminster Edition included several of these advanced features, although the adaptive cruise control was noted to be slow to respond.