2021 Kia Telluride vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a unique blend of style, sitting comfortably between the sleek Evoque and the robust Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a distinct profile, setting it apart from the traditional upright Range Rover design. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs and optional air suspension provided off-road capability. Inside, the Velar offered a luxurious experience with high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Telluride was lauded for its impeccable styling and quality execution, both inside and out. The Telluride's design was free from criticism, with a contemporary interior that featured premium materials, especially in the SX trim with the Prestige package. The SUV offered a commanding view over its squared-off hood, reminiscent of driving a Range Rover. The interior was thoughtfully designed for comfort and utility, with features like heated and ventilated seats, acoustic sound-absorbing glass, and ample storage solutions for modern families.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in its SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, marked a shift towards performance with the introduction of a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, delivering 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar's performance was not class-leading, with competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S offering quicker acceleration. The Velar's off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, although its single-speed transfer case limited its off-road prowess compared to other models.

The 2021 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not a performance SUV, the Telluride offered a smooth and composed ride, with Kia's Drive Mode Select technology providing various driving modes. The optional AWD system with a low-speed Lock function enhanced its traction capabilities. The Telluride excelled in ride comfort, minimizing head-toss and providing a firm yet compliant ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension system.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, being larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize ones. However, this did not translate to more interior space, with competitors offering more legroom and headroom. The Velar's cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The interior design, while stylish, resulted in a cramped and claustrophobic feel, with limited visibility due to the tall hood and chopped roof.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, offering a spacious and well-thought-out interior. The Telluride's driver’s seat provided 14-way power adjustments, and the second-row captain’s chairs offered heating and ventilation. The third-row seat was accessible and usable for adults, with a smart hands-free power liftgate providing easy access to the cargo area. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with all seats folded, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, offering a range of connectivity options including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system boasted high-quality graphics, it was criticized for its slow response times. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display, although the capacitive steering-wheel controls were prone to reflecting sunlight.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system, with EX and SX trims featuring a 10.25-inch screen and navigation. Kia’s UVO Link connected services offered a range of features, including remote engine start and climate control, although a WiFi hotspot was not available. The Telluride's system was praised for its intuitive operation, with features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode enhancing the driving experience. The Prestige package added a head-up display, providing valuable information to the driver.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring available as options. However, the Velar's driver-assist tech offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors.

The 2021 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features as part of its standard Drive Wise collection. This included lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Telluride's Highway Drive Assist provided a semi-autonomous driving experience, and additional features like Safe Exit Assist and a Blind-Spot View Monitor enhanced safety. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, although its standard headlights received a Poor rating.