2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 had a traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, fitting seamlessly into the Volvo lineup with its “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a white contrasting roof for a retro look. The XC40 Recharge featured a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, with a gloss black roof and mirror caps, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic color. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a coherent and high-quality design.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with base pricing ranging from $32,190 to $42,490. The top-of-the-line SX trim, especially with the Prestige package, transformed it into a luxury SUV with premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display, and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition package added gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert. The Telluride’s styling was praised for its contemporary design and quality execution, with thoughtful details like a solid and smooth transmission shifter and a well-designed interior.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base FWD T4 had 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 had 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, had one electric motor for each axle, providing AWD and a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. All versions were electronically limited to 112 mph. The XC40 Recharge emphasized quiet and comfort, with excellent ride quality and the capability of one-pedal driving. It also had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was equipped with 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. AWD was optional, including a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction. The Telluride’s suspension tuning nearly eliminated head-toss, providing a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a compliant ride at higher speeds. The EX and SX trims featured a self-leveling rear suspension for proper ride and handling when loaded. The Telluride’s fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, with an average of 20.5 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge had no difference in passenger or cargo space compared to gasoline models, but it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions included a removable trash bin in the center console, a bag hook in the glovebox door, and extra-large door bins due to the relocation of the Harman Kardon system's speakers. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim’s driver’s seat offered 14-way power adjustment, and both front seats had heating and ventilation. The second-row captain’s chairs, included in the Prestige package, also featured heating and ventilation. The third-row seat was usable by adults, with easy access via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. The Telluride provided ample storage, including smartphone bins, USB ports, and grocery bag hooks. The “smart” hands-free power liftgate revealed 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded and 87 cubic feet with the second-row seats down.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system with Google apps, including Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge also had OTA update capability and lacked a start button, allowing the driver to simply shift out of park to start the car.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX and SX trims had a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and other upgrades. Kia’s UVO Link connected services offered various plans, including features like Rear Occupant Alert and remote engine start. 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 gasoline 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge model had Volvo’s latest sensor suite, scalable for future advanced driver aids.

The 2021 Kia Telluride’s standard Drive Wise collection included eight safety technologies, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, 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 had 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 five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.