2022 Chevrolet Traverse 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). 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, added gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a blacked-out look. 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 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 these minor flaws, the Telluride's look and feel were highly regarded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, priced from $33,700 (plus a $1,195 destination charge) for the base LS trim, offered a range of trims up to the High Country, which cost $53,400 plus destination. AWD was optional on every Traverse, though its 7.5 inches of ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities. For 2022, the Traverse received a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, front bumper, grille designs, aluminum wheels, and updated color choices. Appearance packages like Redline Edition, Midnight Edition, and Sport Edition added blacked-out trim.

Our test vehicle, an RS trim, featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. The Traverse's styling was appealing, with crisply tailored lines and tasteful details. The RS trim, equipped with AWD and a Dual SkyScape Sunroof, had an MSRP of $48,895, including the destination charge. The interior of the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with red and light gray contrast stitching, black carpets, a black headliner, and gloss black trim. However, the use of hard plastic on the upper door panels was a drawback. The interior design was simple and logically laid out, with matte-finish black switchgear and easy-to-use stereo and climate controls.

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 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's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a more compliant ride at higher speeds. The Telluride's handling was commendable, with brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology aiding in cornering. The EPA rated the AWD Telluride at 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 20.5 mpg.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse's tow rating was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, with Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road driving modes available. The V6 engine provided adequate power, though it could whine under acceleration. The Traverse AWD had an EPA rating of 20 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle returned 20.9 mpg. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, though it could scrape the front air dam on larger road surface anomalies. On the highway, the Traverse was comfortable but had more road and wind noise than preferred. In the mountains, the Traverse felt athletic, with good performance from the V6 drivetrain, Active Return Assist steering, and extended-life Duralife brakes. However, the RS trim's all-season tires and the vehicle's tendency to feel disconnected from the road at higher speeds were drawbacks.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim's driver's seat offered 14-way power adjustment, including lumbar and thigh support, and both front seats had heating and ventilation. The Prestige package added supple leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain's chairs, with heating and ventilation, provided comfort and convenience, with easy access to the third-row seat. The Telluride offered ample storage, including smartphone bins and USB ports. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate and generous cargo space, with a maximum of 87 cubic feet, added to its practicality.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS trim, featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row captain's chairs and Smart Slide function made accessing the third-row seat easier. The Traverse's all-black cabin was comfortable, though the second-row captain's chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat was adequate for adults, though not as comfortable as in some rivals. The Traverse offered abundant storage, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space was generous, with 23 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX had a 10.25-inch screen with navigation. Kia's UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, with additional plans available for a subscription. The Telluride's 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 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the LS and LT Cloth trims, while other versions had an 8-inch high-definition display. The Premier and High Country trims included an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. Both infotainment systems offered Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen system was available with navigation, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and more in-vehicle apps. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, though it was not impressive. The Traverse's voice recognition system was excellent, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera were useful features.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, driver-monitoring system, and automatic emergency braking. The EX and SX trims included Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The SX trim also featured 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 had four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. The Safety Package, optional for the LS trim, added rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RS, Premier, and High Country trims included adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and rear pedestrian alert. The Traverse had top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, though it rated "Acceptable" in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not published 2022 Traverse crash-test ratings at the time of writing.