2022 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Kia Telluride was a standout in the midsize SUV segment, thanks to its muscular design and balanced proportions. It featured trendy blacked-out wheels and trim, which added to its handsome appearance. For 2022, Kia made only minor changes to the grille pattern and updated the badges, maintaining the successful design. The Telluride was available in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, with prices ranging from $32,790 to $44,590, plus a destination charge. The interior was well-organized and attractive, though the glossy plastic in the lower cabin detracted from the overall upscale feel, especially in the SX Prestige trim with its Nappa leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, reminiscent of its 1980s roots. It maintained its connection to the Toyota Tacoma pickup, offering a more niche vehicle for off-road enthusiasts. The 4Runner's high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper emphasized its off-road capabilities. Inside, the design was functional but dated, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. The 4Runner was available in multiple trims, including SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited, each offering unique features tailored to different driving needs.

The 2022 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided a satisfying driving experience. The Telluride offered AWD with a Lock mode for better power distribution, though its limited wheel articulation suggested sticking to less challenging terrains. It featured a brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and offered driving modes like Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport. The Telluride excelled on highways, aided by its Highway Driving Assist technology, and achieved an EPA fuel economy estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission, felt underwhelming in most driving situations but was reliable. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with significant body roll. However, off-road, it excelled, with features like Crawl Control and a locking differential enhancing its capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, matching the Telluride's towing capacity.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale, organized interior. It featured thoughtful details like overhead air vents, rear smartphone storage pouches, and USB ports in all three rows. The SX Prestige package added premium Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner, enhancing the luxurious feel. The Telluride offered comfortable seating for adults in all three rows, though the third row was less preferred. It provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model. The three-row 4Runner had 88.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, with 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window for easy access. While not the most spacious, the 4Runner provided adequate storage for gear.

The 2022 Kia Telluride came standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including navigation and voice recognition. It lost wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, requiring a wired connection. Kia Connect offered connected services like 911 Connect, remote engine start, and smart speaker integration. The Telluride featured Quiet Mode and Driver Talk functions, enhancing family-friendliness. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a surround-view monitoring system.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It included Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While lacking advanced features like a head-up display, the system was straightforward and relied on tactile controls. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2022 Kia Telluride prioritized safety with Kia Drive Wise, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, 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.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense, featuring forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. The 4Runner earned four stars in NHTSA frontal and side-impact testing and three stars for rollover testing.