2022 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a rugged-looking exterior that mimicked the traditional SUV style, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive design stood out against the competition and added to the perception that the RAV4 was more than just an ordinary vehicle. However, beneath this bold exterior, the RAV4 was based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which it shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna. This meant that while the RAV4 looked like a 4Runner, its mechanical components were more akin to a Camry.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Telluride boasted a muscular design with balanced proportions and trendy blacked-out wheels and trim. For 2022, Kia made only minor changes to the grille pattern and added new badges, maintaining the Telluride's handsome appearance. The Telluride's interior was upscale and organized, with thoughtful details like overhead air vents, manual rear side window shades, and USB ports embedded into the front seatbacks. The SX Prestige package added premium Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner, giving the interior a luxurious feel.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Despite the engine's impressive thermal efficiency and high-revving nature, the transmission often hesitated to shift, and the steering lacked feel, making the driving experience less dynamic. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models featured a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity, enhancing their off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride offered AWD with a Lock mode for even power distribution. Despite its size, the Telluride handled well on dry pavement, thanks to its brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and various driving modes. It provided a smooth ride and performed admirably in snow and muddy conditions. The Telluride's fuel economy was respectable, with an EPA estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving for the AWD model.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions. Cargo space was above average at 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, but still behind the Honda CR-V. The interior featured oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, but storage space on the console was limited.

The 2022 Kia Telluride excelled in balancing form and function. Its interior was upscale and organized, with functional grab handles and thoughtful details like overhead air vents and rear smartphone storage pouches. The Telluride offered dual-zone automatic climate control for the front seats and single-zone for the rear. The SX Prestige package added premium Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. All three rows of seats were comfortable for adults, and the Telluride provided ample storage space, with 21 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row and a maximum volume of 87 cubic feet.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered an 8-inch or 9-inch screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly flashy. The RAV4 lacked a head-up display in the gasoline models, which was available in the RAV4 Prime.

For 2022, the Kia Telluride made its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard, including navigation with voice recognition. However, it lost the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The Telluride featured USB charging ports in all three rows and a wireless smartphone charging pad in most trims. Kia Connect provided connected services, including emergency assistance, remote engine start, and safe teen driving alerts. The Telluride also offered a Quiet Mode and Driver Talk function, enhancing its family-friendly appeal.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

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, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured Highway Driving Assist and Safe Exit Assist. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS.