2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 GMC Terrain

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 was noted for its value, but many opted for the top-tier 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 Telluride's styling was a major selling point, with its exterior design receiving high praise. Inside, the interior was lauded for its contemporary design and quality execution, despite some glossy hard plastic on the lower parts. The transmission shifter was strategically placed to preserve storage space and provided a solid, smooth operation. However, the interior color options were limited to black or gray unless you opted for the SX trim. Overall, the Telluride's look and feel were highly regarded, with only minor criticisms.

GMC updated the Terrain’s front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim for the 2022 model year. The new AT4 trim level featured a bolder grille design, black 17-inch alloy wheels with sport-terrain tires, and AT4 badges. The AT4 was marketed as a “small off-road SUV,” equipped with a steel skid plate under the front end to protect vital mechanical components. Our test vehicle came with extra-cost Ebony Twilight metallic paint, the blacked-out AT4 treatment, and a black leather interior. It was loaded with the Tech Package, Infotainment Package II, GMC Pro Safety Plus Package, a Skyscape panoramic sunroof, and a three-year subscription to OnStar services, bringing the MSRP to $41,810, including a $1,395 destination charge.

The Terrain’s SLE and SLT trim levels were more affordable and came with standard FWD, with AWD as an option. The Terrain Denali added a layer of luxury. However, the Terrain’s entry-level status was evident in the quality of materials and execution of details. The optional head-up display projected data onto a clear plastic panel rather than the windshield. The pushbutton transmission controls were not intuitive and the storage tray on the center console was too narrow for a smartphone. Despite the caramel-colored contrast piping and stitching in the AT4, the cabin did not reflect the craftsmanship GMC claimed.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was technically a crossover, offered 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 provided options between 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.

During testing in a Los Angeles suburb and the mountains near Malibu, the Telluride demonstrated excellent ride and handling, nearly eliminating the phenomenon known as “head-toss.” The suspension tuning, featuring a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension design, along with a self-leveling rear suspension in the EX and SX trims, ensured proper ride and handling when loaded. The Telluride’s tuning produced a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds, softening up at higher velocities to glide over the road. The 20-inch wheels and tires provided commendable grip, and the brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology contributed to its calm, cool, and collected manner on twisty roads. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving for the AWD Telluride, and we averaged 20.5 mpg on our testing loop.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The previously available turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which offered better acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, was no longer available. The 1.5-liter engine could handle a trailer weighing up to 1,500 pounds. The torque was available between 2,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm, requiring drivers to learn how to ride the torque swell for satisfaction. The nine-speed automatic transmission kept the Terrain in the torque band once rolling.

The Terrain AT4 could switch between FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control system available. Torque steer was an issue in FWD mode but disappeared in AWD. The AT4 model had 7.9 inches of ground clearance, less than some competitors. The Terrain AT4 delivered a good ride and decent handling on pavement, with thick tire sidewalls absorbing bumps. However, it exhibited more body motion on undulating surfaces and was remarkably smooth on highways and city streets. Off-road, the Terrain AT4 struggled with ground clearance, scraping the front end on terrain and even water drainage channels. The sport-terrain tires lacked grip on curves, and the Terrain’s overall driving experience was dull, with numb steering and brakes and a lack of power. The EPA rated the Terrain AT4 at 26 mpg, and we saw 26.2 mpg on our evaluation loop.

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’s leather upholstery was distinctive, and acoustic sound-absorbing glass helped quiet the cabin. The test SUV had sliding second-row captain’s chairs with heating and ventilation, side-window sunshades, and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was usable for adults, with easy access via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat.

Kia provided ample storage solutions, including a bin for smartphones, trays between door armrests, and airline-style USB ports and plastic grocery bag hooks in the second-row seating area. The “smart” hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when sensing the key fob nearby, revealing 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats. Folding the third-row seats down increased cargo space to 46 cubic feet, and the maximum cargo space was 87 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 GMC Terrain’s interior was roomy for a compact crossover, with numerous comfort-enhancing features and storage solutions. The AT4 trim included power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air-conditioning vents. The eight-way power driver’s seat allowed for a comfortable driving position, and the perforated leather upholstery with caramel-color contrast stitching and piping looked upscale. The back seat offered proper support, legroom, and foot room, with a rear USB charging port.

GMC carved out storage slots and spots throughout the Terrain’s interior, including a small shelf in the dashboard, narrow shelves in the door panels, and on the sides of the center console. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, with a large storage bin underneath the trunk floor. Folding the rear seat down created 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space, and the front passenger’s seat could be folded down for long items.

Every 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 trims featured a 10.25-inch screen with a navigation system and other upgrades. Kia’s UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, including a 911 Connect feature. Additional Care, Plus, and Ultimate plans were available, free for the first year and requiring a subscription afterward. These plans offered features like Rear Occupant Alert, remote engine start, and climate-control operation, but a WiFi hotspot was not available.

The Telluride’s infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons, stereo knobs, and intuitive touchscreen operation. The voice-recognition system was mostly successful in responding to standard test prompts. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, though the sound quality was merely good. Driver Talk and Quiet Mode were standard with EX and SX trims, allowing the driver to communicate with rear passengers and limit stereo volume to the front speakers, respectively. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems: a 7-inch touchscreen with SLE trim and an 8-inch touchscreen with SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Both systems included Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services through OnStar, including a WiFi hotspot. The larger screen offered connected navigation and a Bose premium sound system.

Our test vehicle had the larger screen and the Infotainment Package II, which included connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and the Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was excellent, accurately responding to test prompts. The head-up display, part of the Tech Package, projected data onto a clear plastic panel. The Tech Package also included front and rear park assist sensors and a surround-view camera system. The Terrain’s Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine starting system were also useful features.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with the Drive Wise collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-monitoring system, and automatic emergency braking. EX and SX trims included Highway Drive Assist, pairing adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. Additional safety features included Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Assist, front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor.

The 2021 Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though this may not continue for 2021 due to Poor-rated headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Telluride an overall 5-star rating, with four-star frontal-impact results for the driver and front passenger.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, 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 GMC Pro Safety Plus Package, available with SLE, SLT, and AT4 trims, added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, rear parking sensors, and a Safety Alert Seat.

Our Terrain AT4 had all these safety features, which worked effectively and subtly. However, a lane-centering function was not available. The IIHS awarded the 2022 Terrain mostly “Good” crash-test scores, with a “Marginal” rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain’s crashworthiness at the time of this review.