2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels in Canada, all equipped with standard all-wheel drive (AWD): EX, SX, SX Limited, and SX Limited Nightsky Edition. The base pricing ranged from MSRPs of $46,195 to $55,695, excluding destination charges of $1,895. The Telluride EX was noted for its value, but many opted for the SX Limited trim, which offered a luxury SUV feel at a mainstream price. This trim added premium features like stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. The SX Limited Nightsky Edition, new for 2021, featured gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert, giving it a popular blacked-out look. The Telluride's styling was praised for its exterior and interior design, with only minor criticisms regarding some glossy hard plastic and limited interior colour options.

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a large Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body styling included crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold taillights. The Q5's appearance was described as classy and modern, with exceptional fit and finish. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern look, packed with technology yet uncluttered. The materials used were authentic, with real wood and metal, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen was well-placed for the driver. The second row was nicely appointed with standard leather upholstery, offering a comfortable and stylish interior.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology, offering Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. The AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, and with 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance, it handled low-grip terrain effectively. 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. It offered commendable grip with 20-inch wheels and tires, and though not performance-oriented, it handled twisty roads well. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with an observed average of 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the standard Q5 with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. The PHEV could accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in 5.3 seconds and achieved impressive fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres combined. In gasoline-only mode, it was rated at 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The Q5 PHEV's drivetrain included a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD, offering various driving modes for battery power management. It featured speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and a four-wheel independent suspension, providing good handling with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 12-way power adjustment and a standard heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The front seats provided heating and ventilation, and the second-row captain’s chairs offered similar features. The third-row seat was usable for adults, and the Telluride provided ample storage solutions for modern families. The smart hands-free power liftgate revealed 601 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with the second row folded.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging, with the battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 710 litres of space behind the second row, expandable to 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The second row offered reasonable legroom and headroom, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured smartly laid-out storage solutions, maintaining an uncluttered design.

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

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. It offered a customizable and futuristic tech experience, enhanced by LED ambient interior cabin lights. A Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers was standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included eight standard safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist. SX trim added 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 5-star rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 Q5 received top ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Pre Sense front, Audi Side Assist, and adaptive cruise control.