2021 Kia Telluride vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a combination that had defined the brand since its inception. Originating from the rugged Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with stout 4x4 underpinnings, appealing to wealthy British landowners. By 2012, the current-generation Range Rover was introduced, offering multiple variations such as HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, with options for heated rear seats and a 19-speaker Meridian audio system.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Telluride was celebrated for its stylish design and practicality. Available in four trims—LX, S, EX, and SX—the Telluride offered a luxurious experience at a mainstream price, especially with the SX trim's Prestige package. This package transformed the Telluride with premium Nappa leather, a head-up display, and heated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition added a blacked-out aesthetic with gloss black wheels. The Telluride's interior was praised for its contemporary design, with thoughtful features like a solid transmission shifter and a spacious cabin. However, interior color options were limited to black or gray unless opting for the SX trim.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SV Autobiography Dynamic trim's V8 was tuned to 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, offering impressive off-road capabilities with the Terrain Response System.

The 2021 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, was equipped with a single powertrain: a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Kia's Drive Mode Select offered various driving modes, including Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. Optional all-wheel drive included a low-speed Lock function for enhanced traction, complemented by eight inches of ground clearance. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride over uneven surfaces. With a self-leveling rear suspension on EX and SX trims, the Telluride maintained proper ride and handling even when loaded with passengers or cargo.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: SWB and LWB, both with standard seating for five. The LWB version provided more cargo space, with 77.5 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. The SWB model offered 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The Range Rover's interior featured a hands-free power liftgate with a two-piece configuration, making it easier to load large items. The center-console compartment was convenient, and both front and rear doors had decently sized storage compartments.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with the SX trim offering a 14-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs, part of the Prestige package, also featured heating and ventilation. The Telluride's third-row seat was accessible via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat, and robust grab handles aided in exiting. The Telluride provided ample storage, with smartphone-friendly bins and USB ports throughout the cabin. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when the key fob was nearby, revealing 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 87 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, and stereo functions, while the lower screen controlled climate settings and Terrain Response modes. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu, though it required a learning curve. A fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display were also available.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX and SX trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and additional upgrades. Kia's UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, offering features like Rear Occupant Alert and remote engine start. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with comprehensive information, including blind-spot notifications.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features such as low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some were optional rather than standard.

The 2021 Kia Telluride boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection. Highway Drive Assist, standard on EX and SX trims, combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though its standard headlights received a Poor rating. The NHTSA awarded the Telluride an overall 5-star rating, despite four-star frontal-impact results.