2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels in Canada, all equipped with 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 luxurious feel with features like 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 introduced a blacked-out aesthetic with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert. The Telluride's styling was praised for its contemporary design and quality execution, with the transmission shifter strategically placed to preserve storage space. However, the interior colour options were limited to black unless one opted for the SX Limited trim.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, with its distinctive design, required an acclimation period for some. Its blunt and bulbous nose, black windshield pillars, and swollen haunches contributed to its unique appearance. The Highlander Hybrid was offered in LE, XLE, Limited, or Platinum specifications, with Canadian pricing ranging from $45,950 to $56,450, plus a $1,860 destination charge. The Platinum trim featured electronic all-wheel drive, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a surround-view camera system. While the Highlander Hybrid's interior offered an upscale two-tone look with soft leather, the dashboard's asymmetrical design and the infotainment screen's reflections were noted drawbacks. The mix of illumination colours in the gauges also contributed to a busy appearance.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was powered by 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, complemented by 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance. The Telluride excelled in challenging conditions, such as snow and mud, and its suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride. The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, along with a self-leveling rear suspension on higher trims, ensured proper ride and handling. The Telluride's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a tested average of 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, achieving a combined fuel efficiency of 6.7 L/100 km and a total output of 243 horsepower. The hybrid system used an "E-CVT" to mimic an automatic transmission. The Highlander Hybrid's efficiency improved compared to its predecessor, but it sacrificed driving enjoyment. The power was adequate for climbing hills and reaching freeway speeds, but the drivetrain sounded strained under load. The steering was lifeless, and the ride exhibited unwanted body movement. On smooth roads, the Highlander Hybrid handled well, but on uneven surfaces, it struggled. The immediate torque from the electric motor and the electric-only EV Mode were highlights, but overall, the driving experience was not enjoyable.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 12-way power adjustment and a 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, including smartphone storage and a smart hands-free power liftgate. Cargo space measured 601 litres behind the third-row seats, expanding to 1,304 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with all seats down.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum offered roomy accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third-row seat was uncomfortable, with limited legroom and headroom. Storage was adequate but not as generous as the previous generation. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third-row seat, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,387 litres. The Highlander lacked storage wells for securing items like milk jugs or wine bottles.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with 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, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, and the Limited grades added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system, and a navigation system. The infotainment system was well-designed, with large stereo volume and tuning knobs and main-menu shortcut buttons. The JBL sound system offered 1,200 watts of power but had mixed sound quality. The Highlander also included Driver Easy Speak technology and a video rearview mirror for improved visibility.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features 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 five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure with steering assist. New features included intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The Highlander also had a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system on the Platinum trim. The Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact results.