2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

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 equipped 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, was available with EX and SX trims, adding 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 design receiving high praise. Inside, the interior was noted for its contemporary design and quality execution, despite some glossy hard plastic on the lower parts. The transmission shifter was strategically placed to preserve storage space and provided a solid, smooth operation. However, the interior color options were limited to black or gray unless you opted for the SX trim. Overall, the Telluride's look and feel were highly regarded, with only minor criticisms.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder took design cues from Nissan's new era of SUV design, featuring a new take on the V-motion grille, LED headlights, and slim LED daytime running lights. The Pathfinder was available in 14 paint jobs and color combinations, with a black roof option. The side panels and hood gave the SUV a beefier look, more in line with the Kia Telluride than the Toyota Highlander. The design changes aimed to position the vehicle as more capable and rugged, which was achieved with the new model.

The Pathfinder was 0.6 inches wider, with a track 1.2 inches wider, giving it a planted look on the road. It was 0.2 inches higher and 0.8 inches shorter end-to-end, with more legroom than the previous generation. The Pathfinder came in four trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, all featuring body-color door handles, chrome badging, and a chrome grille. The interior offered standard eight-passenger seating, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. Cloth upholstery was standard on S and SV grades, while semi-aniline leather-appointed seats were available on SL and Platinum grades. The Pathfinder's interior was considered equal to or more upscale than its closest competitors.

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. Kia's Drive Mode Select technology offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. AWD was optional, featuring a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction and eight inches of ground clearance. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a more compliant ride at higher speeds. The Telluride's AWD model had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg combined, with our test averaging 20.5 mpg.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Pathfinder was available in FWD and AWD configurations, with FWD models featuring a five-position drive mode selector and AWD models offering seven drive and terrain modes. The Pathfinder's FWD model had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23 mpg combined, while the AWD model maintained the same combined rating. The Pathfinder had a 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity and a stable ride, with a tight turning radius making it easy to park and steer.

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 were heated and ventilated, with the front passenger seat offering 8-way power adjustment. The Prestige package added distinctive leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, 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. The Telluride provided ample storage, including a bin for smartphones and airline-style USB ports. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate revealed 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 87 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder's interior focused on flexibility and comfort. Improved insulation and acoustic laminated glass reduced road noise. The Pathfinder offered wide-opening doors, optional second-row captain's chairs, and the ability to fit three car seats across the second-row bench. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology allowed easy third-row access. The second-row center console was removable, and the front center console offered 13.4 liters of storage space. The Pathfinder provided 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 80.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The rear cargo space was designed to accommodate large items, and the Pathfinder could fit three adults across the rear seat.

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 offered remote engine start, climate control operation, and other features, but lacked a WiFi hotspot. 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 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a wealth of technology. Standard features included a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant Voice Recognition, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and hands-free text messaging. The Pathfinder Platinum trim offered a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and head-up display. A 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system was available on the SL trim and standard on the Platinum. Upper trims also featured a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, and additional USB ports.

The 2021 Kia Telluride's standard Drive Wise collection included eight advanced safety technologies, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. The EX and SX trims featured Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The SX trim also included 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 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Additional standard features included a driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, and forward-collision warning. Upper trims offered a surround-view monitor. The Pathfinder had ten airbags, with the Platinum trim adding an eleventh. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had crash-tested the Pathfinder.