2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

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 provided significant value, but many opted for the top-of-the-line 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, offered 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 Kia Telluride's styling was a major selling point, with its exterior design receiving high praise. The interior, aside from some glossy hard plastic on the lower parts, was a model of contemporary design and quality execution. 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 this, the Telluride's overall look and feel were impressive.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out in a crowd with its distinctive design. Its front end, while less dramatic than the 2021 Sienna minivan, featured wide headlights, a long hood, and an assertive trapezoidal grille. The side profile had a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and the taillights at the back looked like they came off a Lexus model. The 2021 Highlander appeared longer and lower than its predecessor without sacrificing size. For 2021, Toyota introduced the XSE trim level, which added a more aggressive front end, 20-inch wheels with black accents, and a unique front fascia and lower spoiler. However, the XSE's suspension tuning and appearance package did not make it a performance-oriented SUV.

Our test vehicle, in Limited trim, featured chrome roof rails and accents, giving it an upscale appearance. The interior of the Limited trim shone with near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, dark brown trim, and wood details. The Highlander thrived when leaning toward luxury, with a comfortable and quiet cabin. While sportiness and performance were nice-to-haves, the 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in comfort and convenience, making it a strong contender for family-focused buyers.

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. The Telluride demonstrated impressive off-road capabilities, successfully navigating muddy trails and snowstorms during testing.

In a Los Angeles suburb and on mountain routes near Malibu, the Telluride's ride and handling impressed, nearly eliminating the phenomenon known as "head-toss." The suspension tuning, featuring a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear design, along with a self-leveling rear suspension on EX and SX trims, ensured a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds while becoming more compliant at higher velocities. The Telluride's 20-inch wheels and tires provided commendable grip, and brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology contributed to its composed handling. The AWD Telluride achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving, with our testing loop averaging 20.5 mpg.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. The Highlander Hybrid was also available as a separate model. The powertrain provided smooth and predictable operation, making it suitable for merging onto highways and everyday driving. While not a performance-oriented SUV, the Highlander measured up well against competitors like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Honda Pilot.

The Highlander's soft and comfortable suspension contributed to its lumbering behavior through corners, typical of three-row crossovers. The XSE trim added higher-rated springs, retuned shock absorbers, power steering, and a rear stabilizer bar, enhancing driving excitement without transforming the Highlander into a track beast. The Highlander offered a balanced blend of comfort and performance, making it a reliable choice for family-focused buyers.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim's driver’s seat offered 14-way power adjustments, including lumbar support and a thigh support extension. Both front seats featured heating and ventilation, with the front passenger seat offering 8-way power adjustment. The Prestige package added supple leather upholstery, acoustic sound-absorbing glass, and heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was usable by adults, though not as accommodating as the Volkswagen Atlas. The Telluride provided ample storage, including a smartphone bin, door trays, and second-row USB ports and cupholders. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate revealed 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded and 87 cubic feet with the second-row seats down.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander prioritized comfort and convenience. A set of shelves ahead of the front seats provided ample storage for cell phones, with a pass-through for charging cords. Second-row passengers enjoyed plenty of legroom, with seats that moved forward and backward to balance space between rows. However, the rear-seat climate control air vents were positioned on the ceiling, blowing straight down on passengers' heads. The Highlander offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.3 cubic feet with both rows down. While not as spacious as some competitors, the Highlander provided adequate cargo capacity for most needs.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard 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 upgraded to 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, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen available on the Limited trim and standard on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 12.3-inch screen was bright and crisp, though it limited certain apps to an 8-inch rectangle. The JBL audio system provided good sound quality, but not overly impressive.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a comprehensive suite of 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. The EX and SX trims added 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-star frontal-impact ratings for the driver and front passenger.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander upgraded to Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support, road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. The Highlander earned a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.