2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Subaru Forester

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 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, with its exterior and interior design receiving high marks for quality and contemporary appeal. However, the limited interior color options and some inexpensive-looking plastic were noted as minor drawbacks.

The 2021 Subaru Forester, despite a redesign in 2019, retained a styling that appeared older due to its carryover design from the previous generation. Its boxy, upright shape appealed to many SUV shoppers, offering a clean and unpretentious look. The Forester Sport model added visual flair with orange striping and black alloy wheels. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Forester shared its underpinnings with other Subaru models, maintaining a rugged SUV image. The interior was practical, with materials designed for durability rather than aesthetics. The Sport trim added orange accents, while higher trims offered leather upholstery and additional comfort features.

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. It offered various driving modes through Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology. AWD was optional, enhancing traction with a low-speed Lock function. The Telluride demonstrated impressive off-road capabilities, handling challenging conditions with ease. Its suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride and commendable handling. The Telluride's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined for AWD models, with a real-world average of 20.5 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Subaru Forester came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The engine's boxer configuration offered a lower center of gravity. The Forester's towing capacity was 1,500 pounds, with Trailer Stability Assist as standard. While power was adequate, the engine lacked the desired thrust for highway maneuvers. The Forester's suspension was tuned for comfort, resulting in significant body roll and bounce. AWD was standard, with X-Mode enhancing off-road capabilities. The Forester's ground clearance was 8.7 inches, suitable for light off-road use.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a highly adjustable driver’s seat and heated, ventilated front seats. The Prestige package added luxurious leather upholstery and sound-absorbing glass. 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. The Telluride offered ample storage solutions, including smartphone-friendly bins and USB ports. The hands-free power liftgate provided easy access to 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 87 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Subaru Forester offered generous headroom and legroom, with excellent visibility due to its tall roofline. Cargo space was 35.4 cubic feet with rear seats up, expanding to 76.1 cubic feet with seats folded. While lacking a sliding second-row bench, the Forester offered a power liftgate on higher trims. The interior featured practical storage solutions, though the phone cubby was small, and wireless charging was unavailable. The Forester's controls were user-friendly, but the steering wheel had an overwhelming number of buttons.

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. Kia’s UVO Link offered connected services, including remote features and alerts. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls. The SX trim included a Harman Kardon sound system, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with comprehensive information.

The 2021 Subaru Forester featured the Starlink infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen and Harman Kardon audio. The system was easy to use, though slow to start. Additional screens displayed secondary information, but the setup was complex. The Forester lacked wireless charging and had limited phone storage.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. Highway Drive Assist offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The SX trim added advanced features like a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its headlights received a Poor rating.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard EyeSight technology included adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. The Forester also featured a driver-monitoring system, unique among mainstream brands. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking.