2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of production, offered a nostalgic nod to its storied past with the Heritage Edition trim. This version was celebrated for its classic design elements, such as bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima Megawarrior roof basket, which were best showcased in Midnight Black. However, the standard Land Cruiser, which arrived for review, was dressed in Magnetic Gray with Terra leather upholstery. Its exterior, reminiscent of a first-generation Toyota Highlander, was adorned with oversized headlights and a chrome-heavy two-box shape, lacking distinctive character. Inside, the Land Cruiser combined Toyota's parts-bin switchgear with Lexus-inspired design, featuring high-quality materials and a traditional hand-operated parking brake, evoking a sense of time travel to a not-so-distant past.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Telluride boasted a muscular and balanced design that drew consumers with its handsome midsize SUV appeal. For 2022, Kia made minimal changes, updating the grille pattern and adding new badges. The Telluride was available in four trims, with pricing ranging from $32,790 to $44,590, plus a destination charge. The SX trim, tested with AWD and the SX Prestige Package, offered a luxurious interior with Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. Despite some glossy plastic in the cabin, the Telluride's interior was thoughtfully designed, with logical controls and numerous standard features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and advanced driving aids.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra. Despite its power, the engine's roar was subdued, contributing to an average fuel economy of 14.7 mpg, slightly better than the EPA rating of 14 mpg. The eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system, with a two-speed transfer case, provided impressive off-road capabilities. The Land Cruiser featured a Torsen limited-slip differential, mud-and-snow tires, and a suite of off-road technologies, including Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. On pavement, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight required some effort when maneuvering. It was rated to tow up to 8,100 pounds.

The 2022 Kia Telluride, with its 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivered a satisfying driving experience. The engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power, though it was the only engine option. The Telluride's AWD system included a Lock mode for even power distribution, and its brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system enhanced handling. The Telluride offered a smooth ride, with driving modes like Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport. On the highway, it cruised effortlessly, aided by Highway Driving Assist technology. The Telluride achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior, while swanky, was somewhat dated. It featured plush leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was roomy and included heated cushions, while the third-row seat could accommodate adults if the second row slid forward. The Land Cruiser offered 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 82.8 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The split clamshell-style liftgate provided easy access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Kia Telluride excelled in balancing form and function. Its upscale interior featured thoughtful details like overhead air vents, rear smartphone storage pouches, and USB ports in all three rows. The SX Prestige package added Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. The Telluride's three rows of seats were comfortable for adults, with a one-touch sliding and folding second-row seat mechanism for easy access to the third row. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 87 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Smart Power Liftgate and flat load floor made it practical for hauling cargo.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was a throwback to simpler times. It featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Entune technology, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system required tapping rather than swiping, and the voice-recognition system was basic. The Land Cruiser included a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, a 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system, and large, well-marked buttons and knobs for easy control.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including navigation and voice recognition. While it lost wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered USB ports in all rows and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Kia Connect provided connected services, including emergency assistance, remote engine start, and smart speaker integration. The Telluride also featured Quiet Mode, Driver Talk, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, along with a head-up display and surround-view monitoring system.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, with 10 airbags and a substantial curb weight, offered a good chance of survival in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings and advanced driving assistance systems. Standard Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard.

The 2022 Kia Telluride prioritized safety with Kia Drive Wise, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS.