2021 Kia Telluride vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV known for its clean styling, which some might have considered boring. However, this simplicity was expected to age well, making it a practical choice for long-term ownership. The King Ranch edition stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and unique grey-painted lower exterior trim. The Star White metallic paint added to its appeal, although some design elements like the taillights and roof C-pillar could have been improved. Inside, the King Ranch featured Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, adorned with King Ranch logos, though the presence of hard plastic in lower trims was a drawback, especially given the SUV's high price point.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Telluride was offered in four trims, all with standard AWD, and was praised for its luxury feel at a mainstream price. The SX Limited trim, in particular, added premium features like Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and heated and ventilated seats. The new SX Limited Nightsky Edition introduced a blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch wheels and a unique grille. The Telluride's design was lauded for its contemporary style and quality execution, with thoughtful interior features like a well-placed transmission shifter and ample storage. However, the interior colour options were limited, and some hard plastic elements detracted from its otherwise upscale feel.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 lb-ft of torque at 2,250 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power and a pleasant exhaust note. The Expedition's 4WD system, standard in Canada, offered 24.9 cm of ground clearance, with the MAX version slightly lower at 24.6 cm. Towing capacities were impressive, with the standard model capable of 4,173 kg and the MAX at 4,082 kg. Despite its size, the Expedition handled well in urban environments, thanks to its tight turning radius and adaptive damping suspension, though the ride could be busy on rough roads. Fuel consumption was rated at 14.1 L/100 km city, 10.6 highway, and 12.5 combined.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Kia's Drive Mode Select offered various driving modes, enhancing its versatility. The AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for improved traction, and the Telluride's 20.3 cm ground clearance aided in handling low-grip conditions. The suspension design, with a self-leveling rear suspension on higher trims, minimized head-toss and provided a smooth ride. While body roll was noticeable in curves, the Telluride maintained good grip, aided by brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 L/100 km combined, with real-world testing showing 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo, and passenger capacity. The King Ranch's power running boards facilitated easy entry, and the interior offered comfortable seating, especially in the front with heated and ventilated seats. The second-row captain's chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults, thanks to the independent rear suspension. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,962 litres with all seats folded in the standard model.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was praised for its comfort and utility. The SX's driver's seat offered 12-way power adjustments, and both front seats were heated and ventilated. The second-row captain's chairs, with heating and ventilation, provided comfort and convenience, while the third-row seat was accessible and usable for adults. Storage solutions were thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin, catering to modern family needs. The smart hands-free power liftgate added convenience, revealing 601 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,455 litres with seats folded.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured an 8-inch Sync 3 infotainment system, which, while functional, was considered outdated compared to newer systems. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and FordPass Connect with a WiFi hotspot. A premium Bang & Olufsen sound system and rear-seat entertainment were available, along with Pro Trailer Backup Assist for towing.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system allowed pairing of two smartphones and included wireless charging. The SX trim featured a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and Limited grades added a head-up display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice-recognition system had room for improvement.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's size contributed to its crash safety, and it came with Ford Co-Pilot360 as standard, including features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional. The Expedition earned 5-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a 4-star rollover rating.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and forward-collision avoidance. SX trims added front parking sensors and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA, with some lower scores in frontal-impact tests.