2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Kia Telluride

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades inside and out. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to resemble other Lexus cars, and two new paint colors were introduced: Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl. The rear received a new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the cabin remained well-appointed with various interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels, among others. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, though the center stack's dated look was a drawback.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was offered in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with base pricing ranging from $32,190 to $42,490. The top-of-the-line SX trim, especially with the Prestige option package, transformed it into a luxury SUV at a mainstream price, adding premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display, and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The new Nightfall Edition package, available with EX and SX trims, gave the Telluride a popular blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert. The test vehicle, equipped with the Nightfall Edition, AWD, Prestige package, and other options, had a sticker price of $50,180. The Telluride's styling, both inside and out, was praised for its contemporary design and quality execution, with thoughtful details like a well-placed transmission shifter and ample storage space.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The three-row RX 350L had slightly lower outputs of 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor for a total of 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450hL had 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX's performance was adequate, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds for most models. Fuel economy varied, with the RX 350 achieving 23 mpg combined, the RX 350L and RX 350 AWD getting 22 mpg combined, and the RX 350L AWD at 21 mpg combined. The RX 450h AWD was the most fuel-efficient at 30 mpg combined, while the RX 450hL achieved 29 mpg combined. The F Sport models offered enhanced handling with adaptive variable suspension and other performance features.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Kia's Drive Mode Select technology offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. AWD was optional and included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, combined with eight inches of ground clearance for off-road capability. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth and compliant ride. The EX and SX trims featured a self-leveling rear suspension for proper ride and handling when loaded. The Telluride's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined for AWD models, with a tested average of 20.5 mpg. The SUV's handling was commendable, with brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology aiding in cornering.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was functional but not as stylish as its German competitors. The two-row model comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The cabin was spacious in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and decent visibility. However, the cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350L and 450hL also had less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on RX-L versions.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim's driver’s seat offered 14-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, with a forward view reminiscent of a Range Rover. The second-row captain’s chairs, included in the Prestige package, also featured heating and ventilation. The third-row seat was usable by adults, with easy access via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. The Telluride provided ample storage, with thoughtful features like smartphone bins, USB ports, and cupholders. 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, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for 2020. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. Despite this, the system remained difficult to navigate. However, standard Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate these issues. The RX also featured six USB ports, a standard 12-speaker audio system, and an available 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation. Kia’s UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, with additional plans offering features like Rear Occupant Alert and remote engine start. The Telluride allowed pairing of two smartphones via Bluetooth and offered wireless smartphone charging. 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.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. New for 2020 were daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also included a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured the Drive Wise collection of safety technologies, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. The EX and SX trims added Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The SX trim also included front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, though the standard headlights received a Poor rating.