2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Honda CR-V

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. This 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, new for 2021, provided a blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert. Our 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 2021 Telluride's styling was a major selling point, with its exterior and interior design receiving high praise. The transmission shifter, placed to the left side of the center console, preserved storage space and felt solid and smooth in operation. However, the interior color options were limited to black or gray unless you opted for the SX trim. Despite some glossy hard plastic on the lower parts of the interior, the overall design and quality execution were commendable.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, had a more generic appearance, similar to many other compact crossovers. While there were a few distinguishing details like the grille opening and some chromed plastic features, the CR-V was not typically chosen for its exterior looks. Honda offered the CR-V in eight colors, but many were shades of gray, black, or white, with only a few vibrant options like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic, which were limited to higher trims. The largest Honda dealer nearby had a limited selection of these vibrant colors, making them harder to find.

Inside, the CR-V offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. Higher trims featured wood panels and more chrome for a more upscale appearance. The front and rear seats had a modern look with sharp details. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson had an advantage in terms of interior styling, especially at mid-tier trims.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was equipped with 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. AWD was optional and included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, combined with the SUV’s eight inches of ground clearance, making it capable of handling various terrains.

During testing, the Telluride demonstrated impressive ride and handling, nearly eliminating the phenomenon known as “head-toss.” This was achieved through suspension tuning, which provided a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a more compliant ride at higher speeds. The Telluride’s MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension design, along with a self-leveling rear suspension on EX and SX trims, ensured proper ride and handling when loaded with people, cargo, or a trailer. The Telluride’s 20-inch wheels and tires provided commendable grip, and brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology contributed to its calm and collected performance on twisty roads. The AWD Telluride had an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, and our testing loop averaged 20.5 mpg.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, with its 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, offered smooth and steady acceleration, taking about 7.8 seconds to reach 60 mph. While not the fastest in its class, it was competitive. All CR-V trims featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which held engine revs at a constant level as the vehicle gained speed. This drivetrain was less engaging compared to competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, which offered conventional eight-speed automatic transmissions with sport modes.

The CR-V came standard with FWD, with AWD available as an extra-cost option. The Subaru Forester, however, offered AWD as standard. The CR-V’s unitized body structure and MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided decent handling and ride quality, consistent with other vehicles in its class.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim’s driver’s seat offered 14-way power adjustments, including lumbar and thigh support, and both front seats had heating and ventilation. The Prestige package’s leather upholstery featured a distinctive pattern, and acoustic sound-absorbing glass helped reduce noise. The second-row captain’s chairs, with heating and ventilation, provided comfort and convenience, including side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was usable for adults, with easy access via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat.

The Telluride offered ample storage, with smartphone bins, door trays, and second-row features like USB ports, grocery bag hooks, and cupholders. The “smart” hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when the key fob was nearby, revealing 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats. Folding the third-row seats down increased cargo space to 46 cubic feet, and the maximum cargo volume was 87 cubic feet, with buttons in the cargo area to fold the second-row seats.

The 2021 Honda CR-V aimed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, slightly more than the Toyota RAV4. With the rear seats folded, the CR-V provided 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Depending on the trim, the tailgate could be manually operated, power-operated, or hands-free. The Touring trim featured roof rails as standard, while other trims did not.

Every 2021 Kia Telluride came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX trims featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation. Kia’s UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, offering features like Rear Occupant Alert and remote engine start. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, though the sound quality was only good, not exceptional. 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 Honda CR-V’s base LX trim had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Special Edition and EX trims had a 180-watt audio system with six speakers, while the EX-L added two more speakers. The Touring trim had a 300-watt system with a subwoofer and satellite navigation. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports in the front and second rows, and the Touring trim included a wireless phone charger.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with eight advanced safety technologies, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. EX and SX trims featured Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The SX trim also included 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 stars for frontal-impact tests.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. However, it did not achieve the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower scores in headlight evaluation and the updated side crash test. The CR-V’s LATCH child safety seat anchoring system received an “Acceptable” rating. Honda’s Sensing system, standard on all trims, included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. The blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert was standard on the EX trim and higher.