2021 Land Rover Range Rover 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 to elevate it to luxury SUV status. This package added features like premium Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display, and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition package, new for 2021, offered a blacked-out aesthetic with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert. 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 Telluride's styling was widely praised, with its exterior and interior design receiving high marks for quality and contemporary execution. However, the limited interior color options and some inexpensive-looking plastic were noted as minor drawbacks.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to a more upscale offering. Starting at $92,000, the Range Rover offered a wide range of powertrains, upgrades, and personalization options, with the long-wheelbase version reaching prices upwards of $250,000. The test vehicle, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, standard paint, wheels, and leather, along with options like a wood-and-leather steering wheel and heated and ventilated seats. Despite its age, the Range Rover's design remained timeless, with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield and roof pillars, large nameplate lettering, and clean styling. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance. However, the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was not as advanced or intuitive as newer models, requiring some adjustment for users.

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 to the front wheels. It featured Kia's Drive Mode Select technology, offering Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. Optional AWD included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, complemented by eight inches of ground clearance. The Telluride demonstrated impressive off-road capabilities, handling challenging conditions in Colorado and providing a smooth ride in Los Angeles suburbs. Its suspension tuning minimized head-toss, offering a firm and connected sensation at lower speeds and a more compliant ride at higher speeds. The Telluride's 20-inch wheels provided commendable grip, and its brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology enhanced handling. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving for the AWD model, with the test vehicle averaging 20.5 mpg.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including turbodiesel V6, supercharged V8, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. The HSE Westminster edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard 4WD with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control ensured off-road prowess. The Range Rover excelled in providing a smooth and quiet ride, with an adaptive air suspension filtering road harshness. However, its steering was relatively slow, and the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity contributed to side-to-side wallow. The EPA estimated 20 mpg in combined driving for the test model, with an observed average of 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with the SX trim offering a 14-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The Prestige package added premium leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The test vehicle featured sliding second-row captain's chairs with heating and ventilation, and a third-row seat accessible via a button or pass-through. The Telluride provided ample storage, with smartphone-friendly bins and trays, and a "smart" hands-free power liftgate. Cargo space measured 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension offered a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in a slouched seating position. Despite this, the back seat featured quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments and a small refrigerated center-console bin. Cargo space was also restricted, with 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

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 Lite connected services plan was free for five years, offering features like Rear Occupant Alert and remote engine start. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured fully digital instrumentation and infotainment, with three displays offering numerous features and functions. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system required some adjustment, as it was not entirely intuitive. The Range Rover included a comprehensive head-up display, but it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The SUV also offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app as a digital owner's manual.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Highway Drive Assist, standard on EX and SX trims, provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aid. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though its standard headlights received a Poor rating. The NHTSA awarded it an overall 5-star rating, with four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond. Overall, the safety features were effective and accurate.