2020 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Kia Telluride was a standout in Kia's lineup, breaking away from the brand's reputation for budget-friendly vehicles. It exuded a sense of luxury that belied its price tag, with a design that borrowed elements from high-end SUVs while maintaining its unique identity. The exterior was a blend of boxy and fluid lines, reminiscent of a big Chevy and a new Volvo, respectively. The Telluride's clean, minimal design was complemented by special details like amber LED running lights and large "TELLURIDE" badges, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Telluride's interior was surprisingly luxurious, with features like Nappa leather seats and a soft headliner in the SX-trim. The fit and finish were impressive, and the cabin was spacious and inviting, making it feel like a much more expensive vehicle.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser had a more traditional and rugged appearance, with a design that harkened back to its storied past. The Heritage Edition, in particular, celebrated the SUV's 65th anniversary with unique styling elements like bronze BBS wheels and old-school badges. The standard Land Cruiser, however, had a more subdued look, with a basic two-box shape and a plethora of chrome accents. Inside, the Land Cruiser offered a mix of high-quality materials and dated design elements, such as a hand-operated parking brake and a CD player. The interior was plush and comfortable, with premium leather upholstery and a commanding view of the road. Despite its dated appearance, the Land Cruiser's interior was swanky and offered a sense of nostalgia for those who appreciated its classic design.

The 2020 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured an 8-speed automatic transmission, with the option for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. While the Telluride's power delivery was sometimes delayed, it was sufficient to move the SUV's substantial weight quickly. The ride was smooth, thanks to double-paned glass and acoustic insulation, but the steering and handling were less precise than some luxury competitors. The Telluride 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 Land Cruiser, on the other hand, was equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Its 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system provided impressive off-road capabilities. The Land Cruiser's engine was quiet, and its off-road prowess was enhanced by features like a Torsen limited-slip differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. On-road, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight affected its handling. The SUV had a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds and an average fuel economy of 14.7 mpg, slightly better than its EPA rating.

The 2020 Kia Telluride offered seating for 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's interior featured analog controls and a user-friendly infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with premium leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. The SUV offered a commanding view of the road and a roomy second-row bench seat. The third row could accommodate adults if the second row was adjusted, but leg support was lacking. Cargo space was limited, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row and 82.8 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Land Cruiser's split clamshell-style liftgate provided easy access to the cargo area.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia's UVO link, allowing for remote access via an app. Upper trims featured advanced navigation with voice inputs and a Harman Kardon surround stereo. The Telluride also offered innovative features like a live blind-spot feed and Highway Driving Assist, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was more dated, with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was straightforward but limited in functionality. The Land Cruiser included a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system and a 14-speaker JBL audio system, though these features felt outdated compared to competitors.

The 2020 Kia Telluride was equipped with a comprehensive suite of active driver assists, including forward-collision alert, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While crash-test ratings were not available at the time, the Telluride was expected to receive top scores from safety organizations.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) as standard, offering forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The SUV also included blind-spot monitoring and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked more advanced driving assistance systems, which limited its competitiveness in the luxury SUV market.