2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Kia Telluride was a striking midsize SUV that captivated consumers with its muscular design and balanced proportions. Kia made only minor changes to the grille pattern and added new badges for 2022, maintaining the Telluride's handsome appearance. Available in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, the Telluride offered a range of features at competitive prices, with the SX trim providing a luxurious interior with Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. Despite some glossy plastic in the cabin, the Telluride's interior was well-organized and appealing, with new standard features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and advanced driving aids.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, making a statement with its luxurious design. Its exterior was a scaled-down version of the larger Range Rover, featuring a sleek, sporty profile with a long wheelbase and distinctive Land Rover grille. The Velar's design included unique elements like pop-out door handles and bronze accents in the R-Dynamic trim. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sophisticated, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The infotainment system was improved with the Pivi Pro interface, offering a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. Despite its stylish appearance, the Velar's interior space was limited compared to other SUVs.

The 2022 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided satisfying acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The Telluride offered all-wheel drive with a Lock mode for better traction, although its off-road capabilities were limited. On the road, the Telluride excelled with its Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and multiple driving modes, delivering a comfortable and composed ride. It achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving with AWD and had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in improved handling and steering compared to previous Land Rover models. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, offering decent performance but lacking excitement. The Velar's optional air suspension provided a plush ride and increased ground clearance. For those seeking more power, the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system delivered up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. While the Velar's off-road capabilities were limited, it offered a refined driving experience on paved roads.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with its upscale interior design and practical features. It offered ample space for passengers and cargo, with 21 cubic feet of storage behind the third row and up to 87 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Telluride's interior included thoughtful details like overhead air vents, rear smartphone storage, and USB ports in all rows. The SX Prestige package added premium Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner, enhancing the cabin's luxurious feel. The Telluride's seats were comfortable for adults, and the Smart Power Liftgate made loading cargo easy.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar prioritized style over interior space, offering a tighter cabin compared to midsize SUVs. Rear-seat headroom and visibility were limited due to the Velar's sleek design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's interior featured high-quality materials and a modern design, but some controls were less intuitive, such as the parking brake integrated with the transmission button. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, and the Velar offered advanced features like a heated windshield and 360-degree cameras.

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, the system offered a range of connected services through Kia Connect. This included emergency assistance, remote engine start, and smart speaker integration. The Telluride also featured USB ports in all rows, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a Quiet Mode for the stereo. The SX trim added a Harman Kardon sound system, head-up display, and surround-view monitoring.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system offered a simplified layout with customizable options. It included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation features. The Velar's technology suite also featured a heated windshield, 360-degree cameras, and an off-road mode. The instrument panel could display full-width maps and reconfigure information displays. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2022 Kia Telluride prioritized safety with its Kia Drive Wise suite of driver assistance technologies. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Telluride also offered Highway Driving Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The SUV earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS, although it missed the highest award due to headlight ratings.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. safety agencies, but it performed well in European NCAP tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.