2022 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was a nod to traditional SUV styling, with its tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and prominent grille. While its exterior design was considered generic, it was clean and handsome, appealing to buyers seeking a classic SUV look. The Traverse differentiated its trim levels through styling details, such as blacked-out trim on the RS model and chrome accents on the High Country model. The interior mirrored the exterior's restrained styling, with an optional Dual SkyScape sunroof as a standout feature. Despite its blue-collar roots, the Traverse shared a platform with more premium models like the Buick Enclave and Cadillac XT6, offering a car-like unibody construction.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Telluride boasted a muscular design with balanced proportions, making it a standout in the midsize SUV segment. Kia made minimal changes to its successful design, only updating the grille pattern and adding new badges. The Telluride's interior was upscale and organized, with thoughtful details like overhead air vents and USB ports in the front seatbacks. The SX Prestige package elevated the interior with Nappa leather and a simulated suede headliner, creating a luxurious feel. The Telluride's design successfully balanced form and function, offering a comfortable and practical space for passengers.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the V6 didn't feel particularly strong off the line, it provided ample power for highway merging and overtaking. The Traverse excelled in highway road manners, offering a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, though it lacked agility on twisty roads. Its AWD system required manual activation and could split torque between wheels, but this capability wasn't noticeable during driving. The Traverse had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, average for its segment.

The 2022 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride's AWD system included a Lock mode for even power distribution, and it offered a smooth ride with good handling. The brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and various driving modes enhanced its driving experience. The Telluride achieved 21.1 mpg in combined driving during testing, matching its EPA estimate. It also had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, making it suitable for light towing needs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven or eight, with above-average headroom and legroom in all rows. It excelled in cargo space, providing 23.0 cubic feet with all seats up, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats down. However, interior storage options were limited. The Traverse's power liftgate and split-folding third row added convenience, but its practicality was more suited to cargo than passenger comfort.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale interior and thoughtful design elements. It offered comfortable seating for adults in all three rows, though the third row was less preferred. The Telluride provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with it folded, and 87 cubic feet in total. Its folding seats and flat load floor made it versatile for carrying cargo. The Telluride's interior design and features, such as heated and ventilated seats and a Smart Power Liftgate, added to its appeal.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an 8-inch screen available on higher trims. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with options for navigation and a Bose audio system. The Traverse's analog controls for audio and climate were user-friendly, and its rearview camera mirror improved visibility. USB ports were standard in all rows, but wireless phone charging was limited to higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Telluride featured a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, though it required a wire for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia Connect offered connected services, including emergency assistance and remote features. The Telluride included USB ports in all rows and a wireless charging pad in most trims. Its Quiet Mode and Driver Talk functions catered to family needs, while the Harman Kardon sound system and head-up display enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top "Good" scores from the IIHS in crash tests and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, its headlight ratings varied by trim, and it offered fewer standard driver-assist features than competitors. Adaptive cruise control and other safety technologies were optional, limiting its appeal in terms of safety.

The 2022 Kia Telluride prioritized safety with standard Kia Drive Wise technologies, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Its Highway Driving Assist and Smart Cruise Control-Curve systems added convenience, though the latter could be irritating. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS, though its headlights prevented it from achieving the highest award.