2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Honda Passport

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, and other options, had a sticker price of $50,180, including a $1,170 destination charge.

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, featuring two rows of seats instead of three. The styling similarities between the two were evident both inside and out. The Passport's dash layout was visually identical to the Pilot's, including the awkward "button shifter" design. Despite this, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials. Trim levels included Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. The entry-level Sport featured 20-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, push-button start, tri-zone climate control, and a seven-speaker audio system. The EX-L added leather upholstery, a power moonroof, a power rear liftgate, and more. The Touring trim included front-and-rear parking sensors, a hands-free liftgate, and a WiFi hotspot. The top-tier Elite trim offered heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging.

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 the SUV's eight inches of ground clearance. 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 "head-toss" phenomenon. The suspension tuning, featuring a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear design, provided a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds, while softening up at higher velocities. The Telluride's AWD model achieved an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, with our testing loop averaging 20.5 mpg.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport offered standard FWD and optional AWD. The V6 provided strong acceleration, and the automatic transmission managed power well, though the engine's stop-start system could be abrupt. The Passport's ride balanced comfort and refined handling, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and AWD models featuring Intelligent Traction Management with Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes. FWD Passports could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while AWD models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim's driver's seat offered 14-way power adjustment, including lumbar support and a thigh support extension. Both front seats featured heating and ventilation, with the Prestige package adding supple leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain's chairs, also heated and ventilated, provided ample comfort, with side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was accessible via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat, or through a pass-through between the captain's chairs. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate added convenience, automatically opening when the key fob was nearby.

The 2021 Honda Passport provided a generous 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet of under-floor storage added to its utility. The EX-L trim featured a power liftgate, while the Touring and Elite trims included a hands-free power liftgate. The upright seating position offered excellent visibility and a commanding view of the road. The center console included a deep bin and an open cargo tray below the shifter and cupholders. Both front and rear seats had deep in-door pockets for storage. The rear seats provided ample headroom and legroom, with the ability to recline and slide for added comfort.

Every 2021 Kia Telluride came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX trims had a 10.25-inch screen with a navigation system. Kia's UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, offering features like 911 Connect. Additional plans included remote engine start, climate control operation, and more. The infotainment system allowed pairing of two smartphones via Bluetooth and included wireless smartphone charging in upper trims. The 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system was standard in the SX trim. Features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode enhanced convenience, while the Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

For 2021, the Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard, included with the new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, the system had dated graphics, a confusing menu layout, and a volume dial that felt like an afterthought. Despite these drawbacks, the inclusion of smartphone connectivity features was a significant improvement.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with eight advanced safety technologies, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. EX and SX trims featured Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. Additional safety features included Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim added 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 both the driver and front passenger.

The 2021 Honda Passport was equipped with advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Passport received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, though it earned "Acceptable" ratings for headlights, child-seat anchor ease of use, and front crash prevention tech.