2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that grew on you with its understated elegance. It wasn't flashy, but its design choices were practical and purposeful. The dished hood improved forward visibility, making it easier to navigate challenging terrains. The fenders, slightly bulging from the sides, provided space for wheel travel and indicated the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with its black perforated leather seating and functional dashboard, though it leaned towards a more traditional and somewhat plain design.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Telluride was praised for its impeccable styling and modern design. Available in four trims, it offered a luxurious experience, especially in the SX trim with the Prestige package. This package transformed the Telluride into a near-luxury SUV with premium Nappa leather and a head-up display. The Nightfall Edition added a trendy blacked-out look. Inside, the Telluride impressed with its contemporary design, quality materials, and thoughtful features like a well-placed transmission shifter that maximized storage space. The interior was mostly free of flaws, save for some hard plastic and limited color options.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was renowned for its robust performance, powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, making it capable of tackling both urban and off-road environments. The Land Cruiser's suspension system, with its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control, ensured a smooth ride over various terrains. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene driving experience, though its fuel economy was modest at 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway.

The 2021 Kia Telluride, while technically a crossover, offered a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD, which included a low-speed Lock function for enhanced traction. The Telluride excelled in ride comfort, minimizing head-toss with its well-tuned suspension. It provided a firm yet compliant ride, with commendable grip from its 20-inch wheels. The Telluride's fuel economy was more favorable, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined for AWD models.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was designed for both urban and rugged environments. It featured skid plates, tow hooks, and a roof rack, making it ready for adventure. The standard model offered three rows of seating, accommodating up to eight passengers, while the Heritage Edition had two rows. The interior boasted four-zone climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box. The Land Cruiser's split tailgate was a charming feature, ideal for picnics and easy loading. It could tow up to 8,100 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a focus on family-friendly features. The SX trim offered a 14-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated and ventilated, with sunshades for added comfort. The third-row seat was accessible and usable for adults, with easy entry and exit. The Telluride provided ample storage solutions, including smartphone holders and USB ports. Its smart hands-free power liftgate and generous cargo space, up to 87 cubic feet, made it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Premium Audio, including 14 JBL speakers and integrated navigation. While it offered a Qi-compatible charging station, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were standard in many competitors. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera was a useful feature for navigating tight spaces and unfamiliar terrain.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX and SX trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and Kia's UVO Link connected services. The Telluride offered innovative features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, enhancing communication and comfort. The Prestige package added a head-up display, providing valuable information to the driver.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like pre-collision detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also included the Star Safety System and 10 airbags, ensuring comprehensive safety. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2021 Kia Telluride boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and forward-collision warning. The EX and SX trims offered Highway Drive Assist, a semi-autonomous driving aid. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a 5-star rating from NHTSA, though its headlights received a Poor rating.