2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels in Canada, all featuring standard all-wheel drive: EX, SX, SX Limited, and SX Limited Nightsky Edition. The base pricing ranged from $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 included premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. The SX Limited Nightsky Edition, new for 2021, added gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert, giving the Telluride a popular blacked-out look. The Telluride's styling was praised for its contemporary design and quality execution, with the transmission shifter's placement preserving storage space and providing a solid, smooth operation. However, the interior's glossy hard plastic and limited colour options were noted as minor drawbacks.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, in contrast, was a statement of elegance and understatement, despite its massive size and 22-inch wheels. It shared some design elements with the Ford Expedition but stood out with its unique styling and luxurious feel. The Navigator Reserve, priced at $97,000, was built by Ford but felt distinctively premium. Its exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, body-colour grille, and a few chrome accents, while the interior impressed with seven colour palettes and a modern, muted design. The materials were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, providing exceptional comfort. The Navigator's interior space was vast, accommodating six adults comfortably, and the cargo space was generous, with the option for even more in the long-wheelbase version. However, the Navigator's technology felt dated compared to newer competitors, and its ride quality was not as refined as some rivals.

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 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 firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a more compliant ride at higher speeds. The SUV's 20-inch wheels and tires offered commendable grip, and its brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology contributed to its composed handling. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with test results averaging 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, provided impressive acceleration and a satisfying sound. The Navigator's 4WD system was smooth and responsive, and its towing capacity was a substantial 3,765 kilograms. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with an average of 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, but its suspension felt less refined compared to competitors with more advanced systems. The steering and brakes lacked the precision found in some rivals, but the Navigator's overall refinement and power made it a comfortable highway cruiser.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 12-way power adjustments and a high driving position for excellent visibility. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with distinctive leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass for a quieter ride. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated and ventilated, with side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was accessible via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat, and storage was ample throughout the cabin. The Telluride's smart hands-free power liftgate provided easy access to the cargo area, which offered 601 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,455 litres with seats folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, accommodating six adults comfortably. The second-row captain's chairs were manually reclining, and a bench was optional for up to eight passengers. The cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator Reserve featured heated rear seats and a three-zone climate system, but lacked some features offered by competitors. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility from the high driving position. However, parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size, despite the 360-degree cameras.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Its 10.25-inch touchscreen display included a navigation system and was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive operation. The infotainment system allowed pairing of two smartphones simultaneously and included wireless charging. The SX trim featured a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, and the Limited grades added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt dated, with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The software was intuitive, sharing its interface with Ford but with a unique Lincoln skin. The Navigator included wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming. However, the lack of onboard apps and wireless software updates was a drawback.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also included adaptive cruise control, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist. The 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 overall rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star frontal-impact result.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star rating for rollover resistance. It included standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.