2020 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Volvo XC40

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 luxurious than its price tag suggested, although the prominent Kia badge somewhat detracted from its upscale appearance. The Telluride's exterior design was a blend of boxy and fluid elements, reminiscent of both a large Chevy and a modern Volvo. Its clean, minimalistic design was expected to age gracefully, with special features like amber LED running lights and distinctive taillights adding to its appeal. Inside, the Telluride's cabin was surprisingly upscale, with elements that mimicked a Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Despite some cost-cutting measures, such as faux wood and hard plastics, the interior remained inviting and well-crafted, with a solid feel to the doors and a luxurious ambiance that belied its actual cost.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC40 embraced a more traditional SUV styling, with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch. It fit seamlessly into the Volvo lineup, featuring signature design elements like "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The XC40 Recharge variant distinguished itself with a blanked-off grille and unique alloy wheels, while maintaining a subtle appearance that appealed to those not wanting to flaunt their electric vehicle choice. The interior of the XC40 was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The design was coherent, with every element blending harmoniously, offering a luxury feel that was often absent in this segment.

The 2020 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. While the Telluride offered a strong braking system and a smooth ride, its steering and handling were less agile compared to luxury SUVs. The vehicle's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, matching that of the Honda Pilot, and its fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined for AWD models.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with the T4 producing 187 horsepower and the T5 delivering 248 horsepower. The Recharge model featured dual electric motors, providing 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, with a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. The XC40 emphasized comfort and quietness over performance, with excellent ride quality and the capability for one-pedal driving. The Recharge model also offered a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

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 available with all seats up and 87 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The Telluride featured analog controls and a user-friendly infotainment system, with upper trims offering larger screens and additional features.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not particularly spacious, offered clever storage solutions to maximize utility. The interior included a removable trash bin, a bag hook in the glovebox, and large door bins due to the relocation of the audio system's speakers. The XC40's cargo space was smaller compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, but it remained competitive within its segment. The interior design was cohesive, with a focus on premium materials and functionality.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia's UVO link, which allowed for remote vehicle access via an app. Upper trims featured advanced navigation with voice inputs and live traffic updates. The Telluride also offered innovative features like a blind-spot camera feed and Highway Driving Assist, which provided limited autonomous driving capabilities. The SX trim included premium features such as LED headlights, dual moonroofs, and a Harman Kardon surround sound system.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS, featuring Google Assistant and Google Maps integration. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for future enhancements. The Recharge model lacked a start button, relying on the key fob for activation. The XC40 also offered conventional connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the Google features were built-in, providing a seamless user experience.

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 equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Telluride also featured Safe Exit Assist, which prevented passengers from opening doors into oncoming traffic.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for its gasoline models. The XC40 Recharge was expected to perform well in crash tests due to its safety cage and redesigned crash structure. The XC40 included a wide range of standard safety features, with additional options available for enhanced driver assistance. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, capable of future updates for advanced driver aids.