2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Base pricing ranged from $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The Telluride S trim offered significant value, but many opted for the top-tier SX trim, which could be equipped with a Prestige package, transforming it into a luxury SUV with features like premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition package, new for 2021, 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, and other options, had a sticker price of $50,180, including a $1,170 destination charge.

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language well while maintaining its individual character. It featured an expressive face with LED headlights and a big Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear boasted bold, large taillights. The Q5 PHEV, with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, looked even better, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 was classy and modern, packed with technology yet maintaining an uncluttered appearance. Buttons, switches, and knobs were smartly grouped, and the material selection was high-quality, with real wood, metal, and honed surfaces. The 10.1-inch touchscreen floated at the top of the center stack, and the second row was nicely appointed with standard leather seating surfaces.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a single powertrain: a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. Optional AWD included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, combined with eight inches of ground clearance, making the AWD Telluride capable of handling challenging terrains. During testing in various conditions, including a wintry mix in Colorado and mountain routes near Malibu, the Telluride demonstrated impressive ride and handling, nearly eliminating the phenomenon known as “head-toss.” The suspension tuning, featuring a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension with self-leveling rear suspension on EX and SX trims, provided a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a more compliant ride at higher speeds. The Telluride averaged 20.5 mpg on the testing loop, close to the EPA’s 21 mpg combined rating for AWD models.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 362 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque. The PHEV’s 14.1-kWh battery added 114 horsepower and 96 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds and a combined fuel economy of 65 MPGe. In gasoline-only mode, it was rated at 27 mpg combined. The battery could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The Q5 PHEV used a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD and offered various driving modes, including battery-only and hybrid modes. The Q5’s handling was good, with a slightly stiff, sporty setting that balanced comfort with road feel, minimal body roll, and powerful, predictable braking.

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, and both front seats had heating and ventilation. The Prestige package added supple leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The test SUV featured sliding second-row captain’s chairs with heating and ventilation, side-window sunshades, and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was usable by adults, with easy access via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. The Telluride provided ample storage, including a smartphone bin, door trays, and second-row USB ports and cupholders. The “smart” hands-free power liftgate revealed 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rows folded. Buttons in the cargo area allowed for easy folding of the second-row seats.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging, with the battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second row had 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably and a third for shorter rides. The front seats were super-comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustment, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim. The front row featured cupholders, cubbies, and a center-console storage bin, reflecting the Q5’s uncluttered design and smart layout.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and other upgrades. Kia’s UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, offering features like 911 Connect, Rear Occupant Alert, remote engine start, and more. The infotainment system allowed pairing of two smartphones via Bluetooth and included wireless smartphone charging on upper trims. The 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system was standard on the SX trim, though the sound quality was merely good. Driver Talk and Quiet Mode were standard on EX and SX trims, and the Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a center-console touchpad. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered three customizable views. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, which optimized fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was standard on all Q5 models, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers was available on Premium Plus models and standard on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included and worked seamlessly.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-monitoring system, and automatic emergency braking. EX and SX trims added Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. Additional safety features included Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Assist, 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.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline-only model received top “good” ratings in all categories except headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks, electronic stability control, an anti-theft alarm, LED daytime running lights, LATCH connectors, a rearview camera, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert, Parking System Plus, adaptive cruise control, park steering assist, traffic-sign recognition, and a top-view camera system.