2022 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the NX 300 and the performance-oriented NX 300 F Sport. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The NX F Sport variant added sportier touches like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior, alongside more traditional color schemes. The interior materials were of high quality, with a familiar gauge cluster featuring a 3D speedometer and tachometer. However, the design seemed outdated compared to newer models like the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also appeared dated but remained functional. The lack of open small-item storage between the driver and passenger was a notable drawback.

The 2022 Kia Telluride continued to impress with its muscular design and balanced proportions, making only minor updates to the grille pattern and adding new badges. Available in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, the Telluride's pricing ranged from $32,790 to $44,590, with AWD available for an additional cost. The SX trim, tested with AWD and the SX Prestige Package, totaled $48,325.

The Telluride's interior was both stylish and functional, with thoughtful details like overhead air vents, rear smartphone storage pouches, and USB ports in all three rows. Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard, with higher trims offering real leather and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The SX Prestige package added features like heated and ventilated seats, dual sunroof panels, and a Smart Power Liftgate. The Telluride comfortably seated adults in all three rows and offered ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a standard performance for its segment. While the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically, though some purists found this unnecessary.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar figures but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX 300 had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and a top speed of 124 mph. The adaptive suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though the steering lacked feedback.

The 2022 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride's AWD system included a Lock mode for even power distribution between the front and rear axles. With eight inches of ground clearance, the Telluride performed well on snow and muddy roads but was best suited for less challenging terrains.

The Telluride offered a satisfying driving experience on dry pavement, thanks to its brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes. The SX trim's 20-inch wheels and 245/50 tires provided good grip, and the ride quality was smooth with minimal body roll. The Telluride excelled on long-distance drives, aided by the Highway Driving Assist technology. Fuel economy for the AWD model was 21 mpg combined, matching the EPA estimate, while the FWD model achieved 23 mpg. The Telluride's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom for rear passengers. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. The NX's cabin was quiet, with minimal road and wind noise. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale, organized interior. Thoughtful details included overhead air vents, rear smartphone storage pouches, and USB ports in all three rows. Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard, with higher trims offering real leather and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The SX Prestige package added features like heated and ventilated seats, dual sunroof panels, and a Smart Power Liftgate. The Telluride comfortably seated adults in all three rows and offered ample cargo space, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The flat load floor made it easy to transport large items.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included predictive traffic information, ETA calculation, and fuel station guidance. New for 2021, the Navigation package added HomeLink and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the Lexus infotainment system was less user-friendly compared to competitors. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed users to control various functions remotely.

The 2022 Kia Telluride featured a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and voice recognition. The system required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB charging ports were available in all three rows, and a wireless smartphone charging pad was standard in all trims except the LX. Kia Connect provided connected services, including emergency assistance, remote engine start, and home-to-car smart speaker integration. The Telluride also had standard Quiet Mode and Driver Talk functions, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a head-up display, and a surround-view monitoring system.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with no recalls reported. Lexus provided a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Kia Telluride included numerous standard safety features under the Kia Drive Wise umbrella, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction. The Telluride also had Highway Driving Assist, Smart Cruise Control-Curve, and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim featured Blind-Spot View Monitor technology. The Telluride received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS.