2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with both front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. 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 SX trim with the Prestige package, which added luxury features like premium Nappa leather and a head-up display. The Nightfall Edition package, new for 2021, offered a blacked-out look 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.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a Heritage Edition trim to celebrate its 65th anniversary. The standard Land Cruiser, however, was delivered for review, featuring Magnetic Gray paint and Terra leather upholstery. Its exterior design was described as basic and lacking character, with oversized headlights and chrome accents. Inside, the Land Cruiser mixed Toyota parts-bin switchgear with high-quality materials, offering a plush yet dated appearance. The presence of a traditional hand-operated parking brake and a CD player added to its old-school charm, making it feel like a trip back in time.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a choice of driving modes, including Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. The optional AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for improved traction, and the Telluride's eight inches of ground clearance allowed it to handle challenging conditions. The suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride, while the self-leveling rear suspension ensured proper handling when loaded. The Telluride achieved an average fuel economy of 20.5 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's 21 mpg estimate.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Its full-time four-wheel-drive system included a two-speed transfer case and a Torsen limited-slip differential. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser handled well on various terrains, though its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 14.7 mpg. On pavement, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though it required more steering effort when parking.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 14-way power adjustments and a commanding view. The Prestige package added premium leather upholstery and acoustic glass for a quieter cabin. The second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, with sunshades and separate climate controls. The third-row seat was accessible and usable for adults, though not as spacious as some competitors. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with seats folded. A smart hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious but dated, with premium leather upholstery and heated front seats. The second-row bench seat was roomy and comfortable, with a four-zone climate control system and numerous air vents. The third-row seat accommodated adults if the second row was adjusted, though leg support was limited. The Land Cruiser provided 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 82.8 cubic feet with seats folded. The split clamshell-style liftgate offered a convenient seating area for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX and SX trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and additional upgrades. Kia’s UVO Link connected services offered various features, including remote engine start and climate control, though a WiFi hotspot was not available. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode enhanced the driving experience, while the Prestige package added a head-up display.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was more basic, with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system lacking swipe or scroll functionality. It used Toyota Entune technology, which was straightforward but not particularly advanced. The Land Cruiser did not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, though it included Siri Eyes Free and a three-month SiriusXM subscription. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was dated, with DVD playback and HDMI connections. A 14-speaker JBL audio system provided good sound quality, though it was not as high-end as some competitors.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Highway Drive Assist, available on EX and SX trims, offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though its standard headlights received a Poor rating. The NHTSA awarded it a 5-star overall rating, with some lower scores in frontal-impact tests.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it lacked more advanced driving assistance systems, such as stop-and-go adaptive cruise control. The Land Cruiser's crash-test ratings were unavailable, but its robust construction and 10 airbags provided a sense of security.