2022 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Kia Telluride was a standout in the midsize SUV category, 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 on the lower half of the cabin detracted from its overall appeal. Despite this, the Telluride offered numerous standard features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and advanced driving aids.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a mature crossover SUV, had evolved significantly since its introduction in 1996. It was a sales leader in the United States, thanks to its sophisticated design and practicality. The RAV4's exterior featured angular wheel arches and crisp lines, creating a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by a straightforward center stack. The touchscreen interface was conveniently positioned for minimal distraction. The interior design included unique elements like a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern, which tied various cabin areas together. The Adventure-trim test vehicle featured 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels, adding to its distinctive appearance.

The 2022 Kia Telluride was a satisfying drive, powered by a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine with 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered all-wheel drive with a Lock mode for power distribution. The Telluride's ground clearance was eight inches, but limited wheel articulation suggested sticking to well-traveled paths. It performed well in snow and mud, and on dry pavement, it benefited from a brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes. The Telluride's ride quality was smooth, with a little more roll in corners than some might prefer. It achieved an EPA fuel economy estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, including a gasoline-only model with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option. Fuel economy for FWD models was 30 mpg combined, while AWD models achieved 28-30 mpg combined. The RAV4 Hybrid used a similar engine with an electric motor, producing 217 combined net hp and achieving 40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid offered 302 hp and could run up to 42 miles on electricity alone, with an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe combined. The Adventure AWD model provided smooth power delivery and car-like handling, with a multi-link suspension and dynamic torque vectoring for improved cornering.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale, organized interior. It featured thoughtful details like overhead air vents, manual rear side window shades, and USB ports in all three rows. The SX Prestige package added premium Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. The Telluride offered comfortable seating for adults in all three rows, with a one-touch sliding and folding second-row seat mechanism for easy access to the third row. It provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Telluride's flat load floor made it practical for hauling large items.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while classified as a small SUV, offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. It had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four adults, with ample legroom and storage options. The front row featured individual bucket seats and a spacious center console, while the second-row split-folding bench seat accommodated three passengers in a pinch. The RAV4's interior design included numerous cupholders and storage compartments for convenience.

The 2022 Kia Telluride came standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including navigation and voice recognition technology. While it lost wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, it offered 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 smart speaker integration. The Telluride also featured Quiet Mode and Driver Talk functions for convenience. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a head-up display, and a surround-view monitoring system.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime featured advanced technology, including five USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. It also offered a bird’s-eye view camera system and a 10-inch head-up display. The RAV4's technology package included Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect, providing connectivity and convenience for drivers.

The 2022 Kia Telluride prioritized safety with its Kia Drive Wise suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance technologies. It included features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Telluride also offered Highway Driving Assist and Smart Cruise Control-Curve systems. Safe Exit Assist warned occupants of approaching vehicles or cyclists. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System, featuring enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking. It included eight airbags and LATCH child-seat anchors. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 provided driver-assist systems like pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. Higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.