2022 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Kia Telluride

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 trim was noted for its value, but many opted for the SX trim, which could be enhanced with a Prestige package, transforming it into a luxury SUV 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, both inside and out, with a contemporary design and quality execution, though it was noted that interior color options were limited to black or gray unless one opted for the SX trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sportage featured a design that was somewhat polarizing, with its tiger-nose grille not as well-received as on other Kia models. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with a stylish and symmetrical rear and a planted stance. Inside, the Sportage adopted Germanic design cues, with a black dashboard accented by metallic touches and available in black, gray, or beige. The interior was noted for its upscale feel, with easy-to-use buttons and knobs for controlling various functions. The Sportage's transmission shifter was praised for its solid operation, contributing to a sense of quality.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology, offering Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. Optional all-wheel drive included a low-speed Lock function for enhanced traction, and the Telluride's eight inches of ground clearance made it capable in challenging conditions. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride and handling, with self-leveling rear suspension on EX and SX trims. It achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, with test results showing 20.5 mpg.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, while the SX Turbo variant boasted a more powerful 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with optional all-wheel drive featuring a locking center differential. The Sportage SX Turbo provided quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm. Its suspension setup offered a smooth and compliant ride, with some body roll and lateral rocking. The Sportage was fun to drive, though not as refined as some competitors.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 14-way power adjustment and a heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The Prestige package added luxurious leather upholstery and sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, with easy access to the third-row seat. The Telluride provided ample storage solutions and a smart hands-free power liftgate. Cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller, offered a roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim featured perforated leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and amenities like air conditioning vents and a USB port. Interior storage was ample, but cargo space was limited to 60.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The Sportage also featured a smart liftgate, which could be turned off if not needed.

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, though a WiFi hotspot was not available. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with wireless smartphone charging on upper trims. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, though sound quality was only average. Driver Talk and Quiet Mode were useful features for managing passenger interactions.

The 2022 Kia Sportage was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SX Turbo trim added wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was straightforward, though the UVO Link system was less advanced compared to competitors. The lack of a WiFi hotspot and wired smartphone mirroring were noted drawbacks.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. Highway Drive Assist was available on EX and SX trims, offering semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though its standard headlights were rated Poor. It received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some lower scores in frontal-impact tests.

The 2022 Kia Sportage included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights as standard. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control. The Sportage received favorable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for a Top Safety Pick.