2021 Kia Telluride vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling, with soft, curvy lines, bore a strong family resemblance to Honda's sedan lineup, giving it a station wagon-like appearance rather than a traditional SUV look. This design approach made the CR-V a paradigm of modern family transportation. However, the interior told a different story, with a mix of textures and materials that didn't always harmonize. While higher trims featured upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery, these clashed with some low-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V models were essentially upgraded versions of a commodity car.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Telluride was praised for its striking design and luxurious feel, both inside and out. The Telluride's exterior styling was impeccable, with no detail or proportion deserving criticism. Inside, the Telluride offered a contemporary design with high-quality execution, marred only by some glossy hard plastics. The transmission shifter, placed to the left of the centre console, preserved storage space and operated smoothly, enhancing the sense of quality. However, the interior colour options were limited, with light grey leather available only on the SX Limited trim. Despite these minor flaws, the Telluride's look and feel were largely positive.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain was well-suited to the CR-V, offering a quick feel, especially in Sport mode. The CVT mimicked a conventional automatic transmission well, providing a smooth driving experience. The CR-V's car-like demeanor extended to its road manners, with nimble handling and a firm yet comfortable chassis. Its low curb weight contributed to its excellent acceleration, handling, and fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined and AWD models at 8.1.

The 2021 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Kia's Drive Mode Select technology offered various driving modes, including Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. The Telluride's AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, and its 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance allowed it to handle low-grip terrain effectively. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride even on uneven surfaces. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with our testing loop averaging 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was known for its masterful packaging, offering a roomy cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan without feeling oversized. The seating position provided excellent visibility, and the cargo compartment matched the Tiguan in volume. Clever storage solutions, such as a deep centre console and a two-position load floor, enhanced the CR-V's practicality. The rear seats could be folded to create a flat floor, offering up to 1,110 litres of cargo space. Even the door pockets were spacious, making the CR-V easy to live with.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 12-way power adjustments and a high seating position for a commanding view. The front seats featured heating and ventilation, while the second-row captain’s chairs added heating and ventilation on Limited grades. The third-row seat was usable for adults, and a button facilitated easy access. The Telluride provided ample storage, with smartphone-friendly bins and USB ports throughout. The smart hands-free power liftgate revealed 601 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,455 litres with the seats folded.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and even Apple CarPlay and Android Auto felt tacked on. However, the CR-V offered plenty of USB ports and a wireless phone charger on higher trims.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive operation. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, and Limited grades added a head-up display. The Telluride's technology offerings were comprehensive and well-executed.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with caveats for trims below Touring due to headlight performance.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and forward-collision avoidance. Exclusive features on the SX trim included front parking sensors and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, with minor issues in frontal-impact tests.