2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

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 was noted for its value, but many opted for the SX trim with the Prestige package, which added luxury features like premium Nappa leather and a head-up display. The Nightfall Edition package, new for 2021, offered a blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch wheels. The test vehicle, equipped with the Nightfall Edition, AWD, and other packages, had a sticker price of $50,180. The Telluride's styling was praised for its contemporary design and quality, with only minor criticisms regarding interior color options and some plastic materials.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, a hallmark of Land Rover's luxury SUVs. Its design referenced the larger Range Rover's profile, scaled into a sporty package with a long wheelbase and short overhangs. The Velar's exterior featured a sloping roof and flush door handles, contributing to its streamlined appearance. Special details included taillight lenses with depth illusions and air ducts reminiscent of Bugatti's NACA ducts. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. The test car, a base Velar S trim, featured the Black Exterior Pack and 20-inch black wheels, enhancing its sharp appearance. Inside, the Velar's cabin was slick, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The infotainment system included three screens with sophisticated graphics, and upper trims offered additional luxury features.

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 with five driving modes. AWD was optional, providing a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, offering a firm and connected ride at lower speeds and a more compliant feel at higher speeds. It achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving, with a test average of 20.5 mpg.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's optional air suspension provided a plush ride and up to 10 inches of clearance. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, offered 340 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, or 395 hp and 405 lb-ft in the R-Dynamic HSE. This powertrain improved performance and reduced emissions, though a V8 option was no longer available.

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 glass for a quieter cabin. The test SUV featured sliding second-row captain's chairs with heating and ventilation, and a third-row seat accessible via a button or pass-through. The Telluride offered ample storage, including smartphone-friendly bins and USB ports. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 87 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 49 cubic feet with seats folded. The Velar's design sacrifices practicality for style, with a confusing parking brake control and a bulky shifter. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, and the Velar featured a heated windshield, navigation with traffic detours, and a 360-degree camera system. The instrument panel offered customizable displays, though driving assist features were less detailed than 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 Lite connected services plan was free for five years, offering features like Rear Occupant Alert and remote engine start. 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 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable home screen. It featured a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and a heated windshield. The navigation system offered traffic detours and off-road measurements. The 360-degree cameras provided a 3D view, and the instrument panel displayed full-width maps. Standard features included LED headlights, 14-way power heated front seats, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo. The adaptive cruise control with steering assist was optional.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included eight standard safety technologies, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. Highway Drive Assist, standard on EX and SX trims, combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. Additional features included Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim offered 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 rating from the NHTSA, with some concerns about headlight performance.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European NCAP, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.