2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs debuted for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim included perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving it a more luxurious feel.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with base prices ranging from $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The top-of-the-line SX trim, especially with the Prestige option package, transformed the Telluride into a luxury SUV at a mainstream price. The Prestige package added premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition package, available with EX and SX trims, added gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert, giving the Telluride a popular blacked-out look. The test vehicle, equipped with the Nightfall Edition, AWD, Prestige package, Towing package, and other accessories, had a sticker price of $50,180, including a $1,170 destination charge. The Telluride's styling, both inside and out, was praised for its contemporary design and quality execution, with thoughtful details like a solid and smooth transmission shifter and a well-designed interior.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. The transmission offered Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. During testing, the Odyssey averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive (AWD), putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it featured a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering, a firm but comfortable ride, and well-managed body motions. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during heavy use, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured 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 offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. AWD was optional, with a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction and eight inches of ground clearance. The Telluride's ride and handling were praised for eliminating head-toss, thanks to its suspension tuning. The EX and SX trims included a self-leveling rear suspension for proper ride and handling when loaded. The Telluride's handling was firm and connected at slower speeds, becoming more compliant at higher speeds. It featured brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology for improved handling. The AWD Telluride had an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, with an average of 20.5 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, standard in all but the base LX trim, was comfortable with inboard adjustable armrests. The Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim's driver's seat offered 14-way power adjustment, including lumbar and thigh support, with heating and ventilation. The Prestige package added Nappa leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain's chairs, with heating and ventilation, provided ample comfort, while the third-row seat was suitable for adults. The Telluride offered thoughtful storage solutions, including smartphone bins and USB ports. 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 the second row folded. Buttons in the cargo area allowed for easy folding of the second-row seats.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, WiFi capability, CabinWatch interior camera, and CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink offered Security, Remote, and Concierge subscription plans, with various features like automatic collision notification, remote engine start, and personal assistant access. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, wireless headphones, and streaming apps, though it lacked a touchscreen.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX trims had a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and other upgrades. Kia's UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, with additional Care, Plus, and Ultimate plans available. These plans included features like Rear Occupant Alert, remote engine start, and Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility. The Telluride allowed for pairing of two smartphones to Bluetooth simultaneously and offered wireless smartphone charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and stereo knobs. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, though the sound quality was not exceptional. Driver Talk and Quiet Mode were useful features for communicating with rear passengers and limiting stereo volume. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including a new radar unit and standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist. Honda Sensing added low-speed follow capability to adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning was available from EX trim. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included eight standard safety technologies, such as blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, driver-monitoring system, and automatic emergency braking. EX and SX trims featured Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. Additional safety features included Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim offered front parking sensors, surround-view camera system, and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact results.