2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Genesis GV70

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). Its 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 SX trim with the Prestige package, which elevated it to a luxury SUV status with features like premium Nappa leather and a head-up display. The Nightfall Edition package, new for 2021, added a blacked-out aesthetic with unique design elements. The Telluride's styling was widely praised, with its exterior and interior design receiving high marks, though some glossy hard plastic and limited interior color options were noted as minor drawbacks.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 inherited some styling cues from other Genesis models but maintained a unique appearance. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that gave it a sleek, fastback look. The Sport Prestige models added distinctive styling elements, including 21-inch wheels and dark chrome trim. Inside, the GV70 had an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing, with a minimalistic design and a rotary gear selector. The interior offered a variety of color options, and the material quality was luxurious, especially in the Sport Prestige trim. However, base models had leatherette seats instead of real leather.

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 Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology with modes like Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. AWD was optional and included a low-speed Lock function for better traction. The Telluride excelled in challenging conditions, such as snowy and muddy terrains, and its suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride. The Telluride's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a real-world average of 20.5 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbo-four with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV70 included a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. However, the GV70 felt heavy and lacked the sharpness of some competitors. It was more comfortable on highways, but the ride was firm, even in Comfort mode, and the exhaust sound was not particularly pleasant.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 14-way power adjustments and a high seating position. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the Prestige package added luxurious leather upholstery. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated and ventilated, with sunshades and climate controls for rear passengers. The third-row seat was usable for adults, and the Telluride offered ample storage solutions. The smart hands-free power liftgate provided easy access to the cargo area, which offered 21 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 had mid-pack interior space for its segment, with adequate legroom and good rear-seat visibility. It offered 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige trim were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions. Rear-seat passengers had their own climate controls, but the storage options were limited compared to some competitors.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX and SX trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and other upgrades. Kia’s UVO Link connected services offered various features, including remote engine start and climate control. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system had a tile-based layout and a glass rotary controller with pinch-and-zoom functionality. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 included a digital-key feature and a fingerprint scanner for starting the car. Genesis Connected Services provided advanced features like radar-based rear-seat monitors and remote camera activation. The tech offerings were comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included a suite of standard safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, 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 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 its headlights received a Poor rating.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came with standard safety features like lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot assist. It also included Highway Driving Assist with lane-centering and adaptive cruise control. The GV70 had eight airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality. The GV70’s safety systems were effective, but crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available.