2021 Kia Telluride vs 2020 Subaru Outback

Subaru aimed for incremental improvements with the 2020 Outback, maintaining its winning formula of utility, safety, and performance. The sixth-generation Outback featured a new Global Platform chassis, increasing structural rigidity by 70%. The base 2.5-liter engine, though appearing similar to the 2019 model, had 90% new parts and offered 182 horsepower. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Externally, changes were subtle, mainly noticeable in the head- and taillights, while the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and the innovative DriverFocus system.

The 2020 Outback was available in seven trim levels, starting with the 2.5i at an MSRP of $26,645, which included features like LED headlights, keyless entry, and automatic climate control. Higher trims added more luxury and tech features, such as the Premium trim with an 11.6-inch touchscreen and the Limited trim with leather upholstery and a Harman Kardon stereo. The new Onyx Edition XT, priced at $34,895, offered the turbo engine and off-road capabilities. The top-tier Touring XT trim, with a starting price of $39,695, included all the bells and whistles, making it a strong contender in the market.

Kia offered the 2021 Telluride in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with base pricing ranging from $32,190 to $42,490. The Telluride SX, especially with the Prestige package, transformed into a luxury SUV with features like Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The new Nightfall Edition package added a blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch wheels and a unique grille insert.

The Telluride's design was widely praised for its contemporary styling and quality execution, both inside and out. The transmission shifter, placed to the left of the center console, preserved storage space and provided a solid, smooth operation. However, interior color options were limited to black or gray unless opting for the SX trim. Despite some glossy hard plastic, the Telluride's interior was a model of modern design and quality.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an upgraded 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over the 2019 model. This engine offered 26 mpg city and 33 highway, a 1 mpg improvement in both categories. For those needing more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the XT trims produced 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, enabling the Outback to reach 60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, reducing the typical CVT drawbacks.

Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system was a standout feature, providing consistent power delivery and reducing wear on components. The Outback's 8.7 inches of ground clearance allowed it to handle various terrains, though it wasn't designed for extreme off-roading. The upgraded X-Mode on the Onyx XT, combined with hill-descent control, enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with a single powertrain: 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 offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. Optional AWD included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction and 8 inches of ground clearance, making the Telluride capable of handling challenging conditions.

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, ensuring proper ride and handling when loaded. The Telluride's 20-inch wheels and brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology contributed to its commendable grip and handling. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving for the AWD Telluride, with our testing averaging 20.5 mpg.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered the functional benefits of a station wagon, with 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The increased width between the rear wheels contributed to a 1-cu-ft increase in passenger volume and a 2.4-cu-ft increase in overall volume. The Outback's design provided excellent visibility, though the rear quarters had a significant blind spot. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a 14-way power-adjustable driver's seat and an 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The Prestige package added premium leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain's chairs, with heating and ventilation, provided comfort and convenience, while the third-row seat was accessible and usable for adults. The Telluride offered ample storage, with thoughtful features like smartphone storage pouches and grocery bag hooks.

The Telluride's "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. Folding the third-row seats down increased the cargo space to 46 cubic feet, and the maximum cargo capacity was 87 cubic feet. The Telluride's design and features made it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually impressive but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The screen's resolution was also lacking, making the camera feed less clear. Despite these issues, the system had potential with its large, easy-to-understand interface.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX and SX trims had a 10.25-inch screen with a navigation system. Kia's UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, offering features like Rear Occupant Alert and remote engine start. The Telluride's infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system and a head-up display with the Prestige package.

The 2020 Subaru Outback had a strong safety suite, including standard AWD and Subaru's EyeSight system. However, the optical system could be obstructed by weather conditions, causing it to turn off. The DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was unreliable and often triggered false alerts, making it more of a distraction.

The 2021 Kia Telluride's Drive Wise collection included eight standard safety technologies, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and forward-collision warning. The EX and SX trims featured Highway Drive Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aid. The Telluride also had Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim 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 its standard headlights received a Poor rating.