2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that included a revised exterior. New standard LED headlights flanked the Pacifica’s new hexagonal grille, giving the front end a more muscular aesthetic compared to the previous three years. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. Chrysler also introduced six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened features and black accents.

Inside, the Pacifica differentiated itself from other minivans like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by balancing practicality with premium touches. The Pacifica Pinnacle trim, in particular, aimed at luxury customers, featured a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and real metal surrounds. Quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats added to the upscale feel. The doors had a well-weighted feel, and sound deadening technology kept road noise at bay.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with base pricing ranging from $32,190 to $42,490. The top-of-the-line SX trim, especially with the Prestige package, transformed the Telluride into a luxury SUV at a mainstream price, adding premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display, and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition package, available with EX and SX trims, added gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert.

The Telluride’s styling was a major selling point, with a well-executed interior design that included a solid and smooth transmission shifter. The SX trim offered interior color options beyond black or gray, and the overall design was contemporary and high-quality, aside from some glossy hard plastic on the lower parts of the interior.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered either AWD or the hybrid powertrain.

AWD was a new addition to the Pacifica lineup, automatically activating on-demand based on various driving conditions. The hybrid model, designated as the Pacifica Hybrid, had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models seeing a slight decrease in fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a single powertrain: a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. AWD was optional and included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, combined with the SUV’s eight inches of ground clearance.

The Telluride’s suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a more compliant ride at higher speeds. The EX and SX trims included a self-leveling rear suspension for proper ride and handling when loaded. The Telluride’s fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, with our testing loop averaging 20.5 mpg.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage. The front seats were comfortable, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, and Stow ’n Go seats were standard. The second-row under-console storage and Stow ’n Go third-row bench seat added to the practicality. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustable thigh support extension. The second-row captain’s chairs, heated and ventilated with the Prestige package, provided ample comfort. The third-row seat was accessible via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, 46 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and 87 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was graphically appealing, responsive, and easy to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with a rear-facing child seat view, split-view display, and zoom-to-seat feature. The sound system options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX trims featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation. Kia’s UVO Link connected services offered various plans, including remote engine start, climate control operation, and vehicle alerts. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included eight standard safety technologies, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. The EX and SX trims featured Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The SX trim also included front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.