2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Its base pricing ranged from $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The Telluride S was noted for its value, but many opted for the SX trim with the Prestige package, which added 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 praised for its contemporary design and quality execution, with only minor criticisms regarding interior color options and some plastic materials.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition underwent several updates, including exterior styling revisions and enhanced infotainment technology. It was offered in various trims, including a new Timberline trim for off-road enthusiasts. Prices ranged from just over $55,000 to nearly $84,000, including destination charges. The Expedition's interior featured a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The Limited Stealth Edition, our test model, included leather seats and advanced tech, though it was noted for its F-150-grade plastic trim. The Expedition's exterior updates and interior enhancements aimed to improve its appeal and functionality.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured 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, including Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart, with optional all-wheel drive for enhanced traction. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss and provided a firm yet compliant ride. It achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, with our testing averaging 20.5 mpg.

The 2022 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with higher output available on certain trims. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and optional 4WD. The Expedition's fuel economy ranged from 17 to 19 mpg in combined driving, with our test vehicle achieving 16.2 mpg. The Expedition excelled in highway driving, offering a comfortable and spacious cabin, though its sport-tuned suspension contributed to a sometimes harsh ride.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a 14-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats. The Prestige package added premium leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The Telluride's second-row captain's chairs offered heating and ventilation, while the third-row seat was accessible and suitable for adults. Cargo space measured 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2022 Ford Expedition provided ample space and comfort, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs offered generous legroom and climate controls, while the third-row seat featured power recline and USB ports. Cargo space measured 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 104.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The Expedition Max offered even more cargo capacity.

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 additional upgrades. Kia's UVO Link connected services offered various features, including remote engine start and climate control. The Telluride's infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice-recognition system had room for improvement.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured Ford's Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with touchscreen displays ranging from 12 to 15.5 inches. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional features like SiriusXM radio and wireless charging available on higher trims. The Sync 4A system offered advanced voice recognition and an adaptive user interface. The Expedition also offered a dual-touchscreen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

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 provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its headlights received a Poor rating.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered Ford Co-Pilot360 safety features, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Expedition also offered BlueCruise hands-free driving technology. The adaptive cruise control was praised for its smoothness, though the lane-centering assist had some issues with accuracy and reliability.