2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Its base pricing ranged from $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The Telluride S was noted for its value, but many opted for the SX trim, which could be enhanced with a Prestige package, adding luxury features like 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, both inside and out, with only minor criticisms regarding interior color options and some plastic materials.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave was a large, American-made SUV that harkened back to Buick's glory days. It was offered in Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir trims, with prices ranging from just over $41,000 to just under $55,000, including destination charges. The Enclave's design was impressive, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a luxurious two-tone interior with leather and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine. The Enclave's simplicity was marred by a fussy electronic transmission shifter, but it was generally easy to adapt to.

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 various driving modes, and optional all-wheel drive with a low-speed Lock function for enhanced traction. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride, and its self-leveling rear suspension ensured proper handling when loaded. The Telluride's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a real-world average of 20.5 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, aided by the V6's low torque peak. The Avenir Technology Package added a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, enhancing ride quality across various driving conditions. The Enclave's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a real-world average of 21.2 mpg during testing, allowing for a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a 14-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated, ventilated front seats. The Prestige package added premium leather upholstery and acoustic glass for a quieter cabin. The Telluride's 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, and the smart hands-free power liftgate provided easy access to 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 87 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable, massaging front seats with heating and ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was comfortable and accessible, with commendable cargo space of 23.6 cubic feet behind it, expandable to 97.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The Enclave's cabin was quiet, thanks to Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX and SX trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and other upgrades. Kia's UVO Link connected services offered various features, including remote engine start and climate control, though a WiFi hotspot was not available. The Telluride's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system in the SX trim. Features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. It offered a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and USB ports in all rows. However, the Enclave's 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors', and it lacked smart home assistant integration. The 10-speaker Bose sound system was adequate but not exceptional. The rear camera mirror was a useful feature, providing a live video view of what's behind the Enclave.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. Highway Drive Assist offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though its standard headlights received a Poor rating. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available from the Essence trim. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave lacked advanced features like lane-centering assistance and self-parking. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star frontal-impact rating, and high marks from the IIHS, except for a Marginal headlight performance rating.