2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that managed to balance innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a sleek two-box design with a long hood and short front overhang, complemented by a massive trapezoidal grille and distinctive Quad Lamp LED headlights. The interior was a testament to luxury, with a minimalist dashboard, real wood and metal accents, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display. The GV80's design was both elegant and functional, offering a sophisticated driving experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Telluride was praised for its impeccable styling and quality execution. Its exterior design was well-proportioned and free from criticism, while the interior boasted contemporary design elements and high-quality materials. The Telluride's transmission shifter was strategically placed to maximize storage space, and the interior offered a sense of luxury with features like premium leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. Despite some minor flaws, such as limited interior color options, the Telluride's look and feel were highly regarded.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower. The V6 models came with standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. The GV80 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and advanced suspension systems, providing a smooth and controlled ride. The 3.5T model, with its active noise cancellation and electronic limited-slip differential, offered a more refined driving experience. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was equipped with a single 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive with a low-speed Lock function for enhanced traction. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss and provided a comfortable ride, even on uneven surfaces. With a fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined for AWD models, the Telluride offered a balance of performance and efficiency. Its handling was commendable, thanks to features like Torque Vectoring Cornering Control.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, with a rotary gear selector, multimedia controller, and capacitive touch buttons. The second row offered ample space and comfort, with power-adjustable seats and window shades. The third row, available only on specific models, increased passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was designed for both functionality and elegance, providing a premium experience for occupants.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 14-way power adjustment and a high driving position. The interior featured heated and ventilated front seats, sliding second-row captain’s chairs, and a third-row seat accessible via a button or pass-through. The Telluride provided ample storage solutions, including smartphone holders and grocery bag hooks. Its "smart" hands-free power liftgate and generous cargo space made it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch HD screen with user-configurable displays, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered cloud-connected services, a digital key function for Android users, and a head-up display on select models. The GV80's audio system ranged from a standard 12-speaker setup to a premium 21-speaker Lexicon system, providing an immersive audio experience.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and additional connected services. The Telluride offered features like Rear Occupant Alert, remote engine start, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Its infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. The Prestige package added a head-up display with comprehensive information.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of advanced safety features. These included blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80 also featured adaptive cruise control with machine learning and Highway Driving Assist for semi-autonomous driving. While it had not yet been rated by safety organizations, Genesis aimed for top safety ratings.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with eight advanced safety technologies, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and forward-collision warning. Higher trims featured Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its standard headlights received a Poor rating.