2021 Kia Telluride vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo elements. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint with a blue hue contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, emphasizing the vehicle's sophisticated design. The interior boasted luxurious materials, including leather, aluminum, and optional wool fabric seats, with a focus on comfort and craftsmanship.

The 2021 Kia Telluride, available in four trim levels, offered a stylish and contemporary design both inside and out. The top-of-the-line SX trim, especially with the Prestige package, transformed the Telluride into a luxury SUV with premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition package added a popular blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert. The interior featured high-quality materials, though some glossy hard plastic was present. The transmission shifter was strategically placed to preserve storage space, and the overall design exuded a sense of quality and modernity.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune upgrade boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque but had limited electric range and added weight, resulting in a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured 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 technology offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. The optional AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction and 8 inches of ground clearance, making it capable in various conditions. The Telluride excelled in ride and handling, nearly eliminating head-toss and providing a firm yet compliant ride. The suspension tuning ensured proper ride and handling, even when loaded. The Telluride's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with an observed average of 20.5 mpg during testing.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous versions, though it placed all climate controls within the touchscreen, which could be inconvenient. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable only for small children. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded, and sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a distinctive leather upholstery pattern. The second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, with side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was usable by adults, though not as spacious as in some competitors. The Telluride offered ample storage solutions, including smartphone bins, USB ports, and grocery bag hooks. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate provided easy access to the cargo area, which offered 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Bowers & Wilkins stereo system was phenomenal, with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could display the map between analog-style dials but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX and SX trims had a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and other upgrades. Kia’s UVO Link connected services offered various plans, including remote engine start, climate control operation, and vehicle alerts. The 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, though the sound quality was not exceptional. The Prestige package added a head-up display with comprehensive information.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety scores from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced safety systems.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, 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 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 overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star frontal-impact ratings for the driver and front passenger.