2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Kia Telluride

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. This package transformed the Telluride into a luxury SUV with 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. 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 Kia Telluride's styling was a major selling point, with its exterior design receiving widespread praise. Inside, the interior was a model of contemporary design and quality execution, despite some glossy hard plastic on the lower parts. 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. Overall, the Telluride's look and feel were impressive, with only minor flaws.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came in base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trim levels, with prices starting at $25,195 and topping out at $35,295 for the Touring trim. The destination charge was an additional $1,125. We tested the new-for-2022 Forester Wilderness in Bend, Oregon, and the Cascade Mountains. Our test car, with white paint and a dark gray interior fitted with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, had a base price of $33,945, including destination. An option package added a navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a power rear liftgate, bringing the total to $36,014.

The Subaru Forester's styling has always been utilitarian, and the Wilderness trim's rugged enhancements, including a suspension lift, higher ride height, and massive protective cladding, did little to change that perception. Inside, the Forester emphasized function over form, with hard plastic and soft surfaces combining to create a cabin that exuded quality construction and clarity of purpose. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for stereo, climate, and main menu shortcuts. The Wilderness trim's long-travel suspension and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires made it capable off-road, but the lack of engine power and excessive wind noise at higher speeds were drawbacks.

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's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth and compliant ride, especially at higher speeds. The self-leveling rear suspension on EX and SX trims ensured proper ride and handling when loaded. The Telluride's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving by the EPA, and our testing loop averaged 20.5 mpg.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the previous year, producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. All Foresters had a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and AWD, with the Wilderness model featuring a design that increased initial torque supply by 25%. The CVT allowed the Forester Wilderness to double its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The EPA rated the Forester Wilderness at 26 mpg in combined driving, and our test drive averaged 25.9 mpg. The Forester's engine was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive's Sport mode improved the driving experience, but a turbocharger would have been beneficial. The dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension enhanced the Forester's off-road capabilities, with the Wilderness trim offering improved ground clearance and approach, breakover, and departure angles.

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 thigh extension, while the front passenger seat had 8-way power adjustment. Both front seats were heated and ventilated, and the Prestige package added premium leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain's chairs were also 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, and there was a pass-through between the captain's chairs. The Telluride provided ample storage, including a smartphone bin, door trays, and second-row USB ports and cupholders. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate revealed 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery in the Wilderness trim was water-resistant, and the SUV included all-weather floor mats, a rubber cargo mat, and washable rear seatbacks. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester's front and rear seats were comfortable, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Storage space included armrest bins, door panel bottle holders, and dual front seatback pockets. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with the sunroof) with the rear seats folded. The Wilderness trim also included a full-size spare tire.

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 the first year. Features included Rear Occupant Alert, remote engine start, and climate control operation. The SX trim had 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 Subaru Forester's base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Premium trim added a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation system, and Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim also included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The PIN Code Access feature allowed keyless entry, and the voice recognition system was hit-and-miss in effectiveness.

The 2021 Kia Telluride's standard Drive Wise collection included blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, driver-monitoring system, and automatic emergency braking. EX and SX trims added Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. 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, with four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with improved field of vision and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. Touring trim added DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for drowsiness and distraction monitoring. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.