2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

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 $46,195 to $55,695, excluding destination charges of $1,895. The Telluride did not offer a front-wheel drive (FWD) option. The SX Limited trim was particularly popular, offering a luxurious feel with features like premium 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, added gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert, giving the Telluride a distinctive blacked-out look. The Telluride's styling was widely praised, with its exterior and interior design receiving high marks for quality and contemporary execution. However, the interior was limited to black unless opting for the SX Limited trim, which offered light grey leather.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out with its distinctive design, featuring wide headlights, a long hood, and an assertive trapezoidal grille. The character line along the side was reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and the taillights bore a Lexus-like appearance. For 2021, Toyota introduced the XSE trim level, which featured a more aggressive front end and sportier suspension tuning. The Limited trim, just below the Platinum level, offered chrome roof rails and accents, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Highlander excelled in luxury, with near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and dark brown trim. The wood details, though not real, added to the luxurious feel. The Highlander prioritized comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for families.

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 AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, complemented by 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride. The SX Limited and Nightsky Edition trims included a self-leveling rear suspension for optimal ride and handling. The Telluride's 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 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. The Highlander Hybrid was also available. The powertrain provided adequate performance for everyday driving, comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The Highlander's suspension was soft and comfortable, with the XSE trim offering sportier tuning. While not a performance vehicle, the Highlander delivered a smooth and predictable driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and ventilation, and the SX Limited trim added heating and ventilation to the second-row captain's chairs. The Telluride's third-row seat was usable for adults, with easy access via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. The Telluride provided ample storage, including smartphone-friendly bins and trays. The smart hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when the key fob was nearby, revealing 601 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,455 litres with seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered practical interior features, including shelves ahead of the front seats for smartphone storage and a wireless charging pad on XSE and above trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with seats that moved to optimize space. The third row was less accommodating for adults. The Highlander had 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,245 litres with seats folded. The rear-seat climate control vents were positioned on the ceiling, which some found less than ideal.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and the ability to pair two smartphones via Bluetooth. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice-recognition system had room for improvement. 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 offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch screen available on the Platinum trim. Both systems were easy to use, though the navigation struggled with points of interest. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, as was Bluetooth connectivity. The 12.3-inch screen was visually impressive, but its functionality was limited. A JBL audio system was standard from the Limited grade, providing good sound quality.

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. 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, though it received four stars for frontal-impact tests.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. It also offered adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring was standard, and LED headlights were included. The Highlander received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.