2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Kia Telluride

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). Its base pricing ranged from $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The Telluride S was considered a great value, but many opted for the top-tier SX trim, which could be enhanced with a Prestige package, adding luxury features like premium Nappa leather and a head-up display. The Nightfall Edition package, new for 2021, offered a blacked-out aesthetic with unique design elements. The Telluride's styling was widely praised for its contemporary design and quality execution, both inside and out. However, the interior color options were limited to black or gray unless one chose the SX trim.

The 2021 BMW X7 was often seen on the roads of metropolitan Los Angeles, standing out among its competitors. It was considered to have superior interior quality compared to the Cadillac Escalade and more prestige than the Infiniti QX80 or Lincoln Navigator. The X7 was available in three versions: the xDrive40i starting at $74,900, the M50i at $99,800, and the Alpina BX7 at $141,300. The test vehicle, an xDrive40i, was equipped with premium features like 22-inch aluminum wheels and a leather-wrapped dashboard, with a total price of $91,745. The X7's styling was bold, with a massive grille that suited its large SUV frame, and it exuded traditional BMW cues with a touch of glamor. Inside, it shared many design elements with the X5, offering high-tech features and quality materials.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology, offering modes like Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. The optional AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for enhanced traction, and the Telluride had eight inches of ground clearance. During testing, the Telluride demonstrated impressive handling, minimizing head-toss and providing a smooth ride. The suspension tuning, with a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear design, contributed to its balanced performance. The Telluride achieved an average fuel economy of 20.5 mpg in testing, close to the EPA's 21 mpg estimate for AWD models.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive AWD system. The eBoost mild-hybrid technology added a 48-volt starter/generator and battery, enhancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. Despite this, the X7's fuel economy ratings dropped to 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, showcasing its power. However, the ride was sometimes marred by excessive body motions, even with the optional Dynamic Handling Package. The X7 excelled in comfort and smoothness, with features like Active Comfort Drive and Integral Active Steering enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with the SX trim offering a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated and ventilated front seats. The Prestige package added luxurious leather upholstery and acoustic glass for a quieter cabin. The second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, with sunshades and climate control for rear passengers. The third-row seat was accessible and usable for adults, with a button for easy access. The Telluride offered ample storage, including smartphone-friendly bins and USB ports. The smart hands-free power liftgate revealed 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 87 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 BMW X7, equipped with packages like the Cold Weather and Luxury Seating, offered a decadent interior with heated and ventilated seats and premium leather upholstery. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, though access could be challenging due to long rear doors. The X7 featured a four-zone climate control system, with an optional five-zone system for third-row occupants. The third-row seat was surprisingly accommodating for adults. The power clamshell tailgate revealed limited cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 90.4 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX and SX trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and additional upgrades. Kia’s UVO Link connected services offered features like Rear Occupant Alert and remote engine start. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode enhanced the driving experience, while the Prestige package added a head-up display.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and an iDrive 7.0 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and enhanced SiriusXM 360L. The Connected Package Pro offered real-time traffic data and a WiFi hotspot. The iDrive system was user-friendly, though it could be distracting while driving. The X7 also had a head-up display, though visibility was limited with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and forward-collision warning. The EX and SX trims featured Highway Drive Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aid. The SX trim added front parking sensors and a surround-view camera system. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its headlights received a Poor rating.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with numerous safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional and Parking Assistance packages. These included evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and semi-automated parking assist. The X7’s safety systems were generally impressive, though some features, like lane-maintenance technology, had occasional issues. The Parking Assistance Package added a surround-view camera and drive recorder system.