2020 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Kia Telluride represented a significant departure from Kia's previous reputation for producing adequate but unremarkable vehicles. This model appeared far more expensive than its actual price, 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 SUVs. Its clean, minimal design featured special details like amber LED running lights and large "TELLURIDE" badges, giving it a distinctive and luxurious look. Inside, the Telluride's interior was surprisingly upscale, with features like twin grab handles, wide air vents, and a large touchscreen. While some materials were not entirely premium, the overall fit, quality, and design were impressive, making it feel like a much more expensive vehicle.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner had not seen a major redesign in 12 years, yet its two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches maintained a timeless and utilitarian appeal. The 4Runner's design was more about function than form, with a rugged and durable appearance. The Trail Special Edition, in particular, featured dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels and a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket, enhancing its adventurous look. Inside, the 4Runner's interior was straightforward and practical, with hard plastic surfaces that were easy to clean. The dashboard was old-school, with large knobs and buttons, and the vehicle required a traditional key to start. Despite its age, the 4Runner's design and features made it a reliable and durable choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain could drive either the front wheels or all four wheels, with AWD available as a $2,000 option. While the Telluride's acceleration was generally adequate, the transmission's response could be delayed and inconsistent, and the shifting felt rougher compared to competitors. However, the Telluride's braking was strong, and the ride quality was smooth, aided by double-paned glass and acoustic insulation. The Telluride also offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the optional Towing package and had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine generating 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4Runner's performance was more suited to off-road adventures, with features like A-Trac, a standard off-road traction control system, and optional upgrades like a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with steering and braking that required more effort. The 4Runner's fuel economy was lower, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined and 19 mpg highway, and our test vehicle averaged 16.8 mpg.

The 2020 Kia Telluride could seat seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim level. The second-row seats were particularly spacious and comfortable, with options for heating and cooling, manual side-window shades, and a third climate zone. The third row was also surprisingly accommodating for adults. Cargo capacity was 21 cubic feet with all seats raised and 87 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The Telluride's interior featured analog gauges, buttons, knobs, and a regular PRNDL shifter, complemented by two displays: a 3.5-inch for the instrument panel and an 8-inch screen for the dash, with a larger 10.3-inch screen available on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, which could be challenging for shorter passengers to climb aboard. However, once inside, the 4Runner offered comfortable seating with good support and ample legroom in the back. The Trail Special Edition featured a sliding cargo deck that could hold up to 440 pounds, though it took up some cargo space. Cargo capacity was up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The 4Runner's interior storage was decent, and the back bumper served as a convenient place to sit for various activities.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia's UVO link, which allowed remote access to the vehicle via an app. Upper trims with navigation offered fast and accurate voice inputs and online search capabilities. The Telluride also featured a proximity key, live traffic and weather updates, and a quiet mode for the stereo. The SX trim included a live feed of blind spots, Highway Driving Assist, and an intercom for the third row. The Telluride's infotainment system was user-friendly, with configurable menus and logical orientation.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition, being lower on the trim ladder, did not come with much advanced technology. However, it did include a windshield wiper de-icer system and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and five USB ports. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, point-of-interest search, voice recognition, and a subscription to Destination Assist concierge services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical shortcut buttons and knobs that were easy to operate even while wearing gloves.

As of the writing, the 2020 Kia Telluride had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top scores. The Telluride came standard with a comprehensive suite of active driver assists, including forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, adaptive cruise control, and Safe Exit Assist. Optional features included surround-view cameras and front parking sensors. A driver's knee airbag was standard, though the front passenger did not have one.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it did not offer a blind-spot warning system or rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating for roof crush strength from the IIHS. However, its protection for the driver in a small overlap frontal-impact collision was rated as Marginal, and the front passenger protection in a frontal-impact crash received a three-star rating.