2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

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 offered significant value, but many opted for the top-tier SX trim, which could be enhanced 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, provided 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, 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 and interior design receiving high praise. 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 some glossy hard plastic on the lower parts of the interior, the overall design and quality execution were commendable.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was recommended for families due to its practical features. The sliding side doors made it easy to load toddlers into rear-facing child safety seats, and the third-row seat was comfortable for adults, making it ideal for carpooling or family trips. The Odyssey offered ample cargo space, with the ability to fold the third-row seat and remove the second-row seats, providing as much cargo space as a Chevrolet Suburban. However, minivans like the Odyssey were less popular due to their image, despite their convenience.

The 2022 Odyssey had a sense of style, with its kinked sliding doors and dramatic hockey-stick character lines. The Elite trim level, which we tested, featured dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels. The lineup included the base LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims, with prices ranging from $33,040 to $48,770, excluding the destination charge. Our Odyssey Elite had no options, bringing its window sticker to $49,995. Starting with the EX-L trim, Odysseys had leather upholstery, and all versions exuded quality in terms of materials, fit, and finish. The interior design was open and spacious, with a low console between the front seats and plenty of storage space. The center stack's switchgear was initially haphazard but easy to use once familiar.

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 technology 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 demonstrated impressive off-road capabilities during its media introduction in western Colorado, handling a wintry mix of snow and rain with ease.

In our Los Angeles suburb and mountain testing, the Telluride's ride and handling were noteworthy, nearly eliminating the "head-toss" phenomenon. The suspension tuning, including a self-leveling rear suspension on EX and SX trims, provided a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a compliant ride at higher speeds. The Telluride exhibited greater body roll in curves and corners but maintained commendable grip with its 20-inch wheels and tires. The brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology contributed to its composed handling. The AWD Telluride achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, with our testing loop averaging 20.5 mpg.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with pushbutton controls. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer AWD or an electrified powertrain. The EPA estimated its fuel economy at 22 mpg in combined driving, while hybrid competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica offered better fuel efficiency.

During our Southern California test drive, the Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg. However, repeated use of the brakes on downhill grades led to pedal vibration and an audible grumble, a common issue with the Odyssey. Despite this, the Odyssey was quick, responsive, and composed, making it enjoyable to drive. However, its brakes needed improvement to handle the demands of carrying a full load of passengers.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim's driver’s seat offered 14-way power adjustment, including lumbar support and a thigh support extension. Both front seats had heating and ventilation, and the Prestige package added premium leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain’s chairs, also heated and ventilated, provided comfort and convenience, with side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was accessible via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat or through a pass-through between the captain’s chairs.

The Telluride offered ample storage, with smartphone-friendly bins and trays, airline-style USB ports, and grocery bag hooks. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when the key fob was nearby, revealing 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats. Folding the third-row seats increased cargo space to 46 cubic feet, and the maximum cargo capacity was 87 cubic feet, with buttons in the cargo area to fold the second-row seats.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. The Elite trim featured quality leather, supportive front seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Odyssey's storage space was impressive, with numerous compartments and a center console tray. The second-row seats offered plenty of legroom and could be configured for different needs, including the Magic Slide feature for easier access to the third-row seat.

The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, with good leg support and foot room. The Odyssey offered 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, with a well in the floor to prevent items from rolling out. Folding the third-row seat provided 88.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and removing the second-row seats increased the cargo volume to 144.9 cubic feet. However, the second-row seats were heavy and difficult to reinstall.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard 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 navigation and other upgrades. Kia’s UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, offering features like 911 Connect and Rear Occupant Alert. Additional plans provided remote engine start, climate control, and more. The Telluride could pair two smartphones via Bluetooth and offered wireless smartphone charging on upper trims. The 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 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto starting with the EX trim. The Touring trim added navigation and HondaLink connected services, including WiFi hotspot access. The Touring and Elite trims also featured CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, a rear-seat camera system, and an in-vehicle public address system. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch display, wireless headphones, and various media inputs. The Elite trim added an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad. However, the Odyssey's infotainment system was outdated compared to rivals, with a small screen and limited voice-recognition capabilities.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included a comprehensive suite of safety features as part of its standard Drive Wise collection. This included blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-monitoring system, and automatic emergency braking. The EX and SX trims added Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. 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 standard headlights received a Poor rating.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the EX trim. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, with occasional false warnings and abrupt responses. The Odyssey earned a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.