2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse
Overview | |
MSRP$29,800 | MSRP$32,190 |
Listings252 | Listings323 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews9.3 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2021 Chevrolet Traverse Reviews SummaryLike a geological core sample, you can chart the evolution of the American family car by looking at the Chevrolet lineup. Go back a few decades and you have tail-finned and wood-paneled station wagons, then Lumina APV “Dustbuster” minivans. Today, you have the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The Traverse is a three-row crossover of the type that has largely eliminated the minivan from showrooms. As the new default choice for larger families, the three-row crossover has spawned a competitive market segment, encompassing the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas. So buyers aren’t exactly lacking in choices here. The current-generation Traverse dates back to the 2018 model year, so it’s not the newest vehicle in the segment, but still fairly fresh. Chevy had some updates planned for the 2021 model year—including minor styling changes and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity—but they’ve been pushed to 2022. However, these changes don’t appear significant enough to justify waiting around for the 2022 Traverse, which is scheduled to reach dealerships later this year. For 2021, the Traverse is available in L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country trim levels, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Our test car was an AWD Traverse RS model. | |
2021 Kia Telluride Reviews SummaryKia’s West Point, Georgia assembly plant can’t build enough Tellurides to satisfy customer demand, earning the SUV an appropriate nickname. Within Kia, this SUV is affectionately known as the "Selluride." Given its popularity, it’s not surprising that the 2021 Kia Telluride sees few changes. A new Nightfall Edition option package debuts, the key fob gets a new remote engine starting button, the trailering harness switches to a seven-pin design, and more versions of the SUV have LED headlights. Wolf Gray is a new paint color, available only with the Nightfall Edition package. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.6L 310 hp V6 | Engine3.8L 291 hp V6 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity8 |
Horsepower310 hp @ 6800 rpm | Horsepower291 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City18 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway26 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.6L 310 hp V6 | Engine Name3.8L 291 hp V6 |
Torque266 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm | Torque262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm |
Horsepower310 hp @ 6800 rpm | Horsepower291 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City18 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway26 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity8 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space23.0 cu ft | Cargo Space21.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight4362 lbs | Curb Weight4112 lbs |
Height70.7 in | Height68.9 in |
Length204.3 in | Length196.9 in |
Width78.6 in | Width78.3 in |
Wheelbase120.9 in | Wheelbase114.2 in |
Maximum Payload1798 lbs | Maximum Payload1664 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $29,800 | $32,190 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 6.7 out of 10Read full review | 9.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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Summary | Like a geological core sample, you can chart the evolution of the American family car by looking at the Chevrolet lineup. Go back a few decades and you have tail-finned and wood-paneled station wagons, then Lumina APV “Dustbuster” minivans. Today, you have the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The Traverse is a three-row crossover of the type that has largely eliminated the minivan from showrooms. As the new default choice for larger families, the three-row crossover has spawned a competitive market segment, encompassing the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas. So buyers aren’t exactly lacking in choices here. The current-generation Traverse dates back to the 2018 model year, so it’s not the newest vehicle in the segment, but still fairly fresh. Chevy had some updates planned for the 2021 model year—including minor styling changes and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity—but they’ve been pushed to 2022. However, these changes don’t appear significant enough to justify waiting around for the 2022 Traverse, which is scheduled to reach dealerships later this year. For 2021, the Traverse is available in L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country trim levels, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Our test car was an AWD Traverse RS model. | Kia’s West Point, Georgia assembly plant can’t build enough Tellurides to satisfy customer demand, earning the SUV an appropriate nickname. Within Kia, this SUV is affectionately known as the "Selluride." Given its popularity, it’s not surprising that the 2021 Kia Telluride sees few changes. A new Nightfall Edition option package debuts, the key fob gets a new remote engine starting button, the trailering harness switches to a seven-pin design, and more versions of the SUV have LED headlights. Wolf Gray is a new paint color, available only with the Nightfall Edition package. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.6L 310 hp V6 | 3.8L 291 hp V6 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
Horsepower | 310 hp @ 6800 rpm | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City | 18 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 26 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.6L 310 hp V6 | 3.8L 291 hp V6 |
Torque | 266 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm |
Horsepower | 310 hp @ 6800 rpm | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 18 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 26 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 23.0 cu ft | 21.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4362 lbs | 4112 lbs |
Height | 70.7 in | 68.9 in |
Length | 204.3 in | 196.9 in |
Width | 78.6 in | 78.3 in |
Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 114.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 1798 lbs | 1664 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | |
According to CarGurus experts, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is rated 7 out of 10 for look and feel, while the 2021 Kia Telluride scores 9 out of 10.
The Traverse boasts a clean and handsome design, with styling details that differentiate trim levels. It offers a generic SUV exterior with various appearance packages available for customization. The interior features restrained styling and offers optional Dual SkyScape two-panel sunroof for a spacious and airy feel.
The Telluride stands out with its terrific exterior and interior design. It offers a comfortable and contemporary interior with thoughtful details, such as a well-designed transmission shifter and ample storage options. The exterior styling is praised for its proportions and lines, providing a premium feel.
According to CarGurus experts, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is rated 7 out of 10 for performance, while the 2021 Kia Telluride scores 9 out of 10.
Equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, the Traverse delivers 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. It offers a comfortable highway ride and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, it may lack the agility of some competitors on twisty roads.
The Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, providing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It offers a smooth and composed ride, with advanced technology like Torque Vectoring Cornering Control for improved handling. The AWD system and ground clearance make it capable of handling various terrains.
According to CarGurus experts, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is rated 8 out of 10 for form and function, while the 2021 Kia Telluride scores 10 out of 10.
The Traverse offers seating for seven or eight, with ample cargo space of 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. It provides practical features such as a power liftgate and optional rearview camera mirror. However, it may be less generous in interior storage options compared to some competitors.
The Telluride excels in comfort and utility, offering a spacious and well-equipped interior. It provides versatile seating options, ample storage, and thoughtful features like rear occupant alert and a smart hands-free power liftgate. The third-row seats are accommodating for adults, and the cargo space is versatile and easily configurable.
According to CarGurus experts, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is rated 7 out of 10 for technology, while the 2021 Kia Telluride scores 9 out of 10.
The Traverse comes with standard infotainment features such as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bluetooth. It offers an optional 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. The available rearview camera mirror and HD surround-view camera system enhance safety and convenience.
The Telluride offers advanced infotainment features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It provides a user-friendly 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen display, along with Kia’s UVO Link connected services plan. The SUV also offers a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system and driver-assist technologies like Highway Drive Assist.
According to CarGurus experts, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is rated 6 out of 10 for safety, while the 2021 Kia Telluride scores 9 out of 10.
The Traverse received top ratings in crash tests and offers standard driver-assist tech. However, some safety features are optional extras, and it received mixed ratings for headlight performance.
The Telluride comes with a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies, including advanced driver-assist systems and additional features like Highway Drive Assist and Rear Occupant Alert. It has earned top safety ratings in crash tests, making it a strong contender in terms of safety.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is 6.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Kia Telluride scores 9.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Kia Telluride emerges as the top choice in this comparison, offering a compelling combination of safety, technology, and cost-effectiveness, making it the best midsize three-row SUV in its segment.
Choose the 2021 Kia Telluride if:
- You value a well-equipped and comfortable interior with thoughtful features for families.
- You seek a midsize SUV with advanced safety technologies and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist systems.
- You are looking for a cost-effective choice that offers a compelling overall package, performance, and utility.
Choose the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse if:
- You prioritize a spacious and versatile interior with ample cargo space.
- You are looking for a midsize SUV with a comfortable highway ride and towing capability.
- You prefer a vehicle with a range of appearance packages for customization.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is 6.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Kia Telluride scores 9.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Kia Telluride emerges as the top choice in this comparison, offering a compelling combination of safety, technology, and cost-effectiveness, making it the best midsize three-row SUV in its segment.
Choose the 2021 Kia Telluride if:
Shop Now- You value a well-equipped and comfortable interior with thoughtful features for families.
- You seek a midsize SUV with advanced safety technologies and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist systems.
- You are looking for a cost-effective choice that offers a compelling overall package, performance, and utility.
Choose the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a spacious and versatile interior with ample cargo space.
- You are looking for a midsize SUV with a comfortable highway ride and towing capability.
- You prefer a vehicle with a range of appearance packages for customization.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
