2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Lexus NX

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 SX trim, especially with the Prestige option package, transformed it into a luxury SUV at a mainstream price, adding features like 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, added gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert, giving the Telluride a popular blacked-out look. The 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 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in December 2021, came in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Depending on the model, available trim levels included base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base prices ranging from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding a $1,075 destination charge. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, was available in F Sport and Luxury trims. The NX featured a new design with a longer, wider, and taller body, offering more passenger and cargo space. The interior included NuLuxe simulated leather, with real leather and open-pore wood trim in the Luxury trim. The F Sport trim added sport-bolstered seats, a unique mesh-pattern grille, and 20-inch gloss black wheels. The new NX also featured a minimalist interior design, with many functions integrated into a 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to use quickly.

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 to the front wheels. AWD was optional and included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction. The Telluride's suspension tuning nearly eliminated the phenomenon known as "head-toss," providing a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a more compliant ride at higher speeds. The Telluride's AWD system and eight inches of ground clearance allowed it to handle challenging conditions, such as muddy trails and snowstorms. The EPA estimated fuel economy for the AWD Telluride at 21 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 20.5 mpg.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with FWD and optional AWD. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer driving character. Lexus estimated 25 mpg in combined driving for the NX 350, with observed fuel economy at 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with the SX trim offering a 14-way power-adjustable driver's seat with heating and ventilation. The second-row captain's chairs, also heated and ventilated, provided ample space and comfort, with easy access to the third-row seat. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate and various storage solutions, such as smartphone bins and USB ports, added to the Telluride's practicality.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room for passengers and cargo, with a new dashboard design creating a cozy feeling. The NX offered heated and ventilated front seats, with better bolstering in the F Sport trim. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX's panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat. The NX had 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the back seats folded.

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. Kia's UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, with additional plans available for a subscription. The Telluride's infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons, stereo knobs, 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 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 9.8-inch touchscreen standard and a 14-inch screen optional. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural voice commands. The NX also featured User Profiles, digital key capability, and a digital mirror. The 14-inch touchscreen collected fingerprints and dust, and there was no tuning knob.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) 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, 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, despite four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2022 Lexus NX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) collection of ADAS, including new features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had an Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.