2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Ford Expedition

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 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 popular blacked-out look. The interior was praised for its contemporary design and quality execution, with the transmission shifter positioned to preserve storage space. However, the interior colour options were limited to black unless one opted for the SX Limited trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition underwent several changes, including exterior styling revisions and updated infotainment technology. It featured a new grille, headlights, and bumper, along with redesigned wheels across the model lineup. In Canada, the Expedition came standard with a four-wheel drive (4WD) drivetrain and was available in XLT, Limited, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from just under $70,000 to over $95,000, excluding a $2,195 destination charge. The Expedition Timberline trim catered to off-road enthusiasts with all-terrain tires and suspension modifications. The Stealth Edition packages, available with Limited trim, added black 22-inch wheels and distinctive exterior trim. Inside, the Expedition boasted a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, featuring a 15.5-inch touchscreen display. The Limited Stealth Edition offered a leather-lined interior with a 12.4-inch digital instrumentation display, though it was noted for its F-150 pickup-grade plastic trim.

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 excelled in challenging conditions, such as snow and mud, and was praised for its ride and handling, minimizing the "head-toss" effect. The suspension tuning, with a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear design, provided a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds, while softening at higher velocities. The Telluride achieved a fuel efficiency of 11.5 L/100 km on the testing loop.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Expedition’s powertrain offered a towing capacity of up to 4,173 kg (9,200 lb) when properly equipped. The twin-turbo V6 delivered an addictive power experience, though it consumed more fuel, with an observed economy of 14.5 L/100 km. The Expedition’s driving dynamics were noted for their sport-tuned suspension, though the ride quality was sometimes harsh due to the 22-inch wheels and tires. Despite its size, the Expedition was easy to park, thanks to excellent visibility and parking aids. It excelled on highways, providing a quiet and comfortable ride for long trips.

The 2021 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable and stylish interior with a power-adjustable driver’s seat featuring lumbar support and a thigh support extension. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a distinctive leather upholstery pattern. 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 it provided adequate space for adults. The Telluride offered 601 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 2,455 litres with the rear seats folded. The smart hands-free power liftgate was a convenient feature, automatically opening when the key fob was nearby.

The 2022 Ford Expedition provided ample space and comfort, with power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs offered plenty of legroom and climate controls, while the third-row seat provided leg support and a power recline function. The Expedition’s cargo space measured 546 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,961 litres with the rear seats folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo capacity. The electric running boards made entry and exit easy, and the interior featured numerous storage options, including a large centre console bin and wireless smartphone charging pad.

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

The 2022 Ford Expedition introduced the Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with a 12-inch or optional 15.5-inch touchscreen display. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Sync 4A offered an upgraded voice-recognition system and an adaptive dashcard user interface. The Expedition’s audio options included two Bang & Olufsen premium sound systems, with a new 22-speaker B&O Unleashed system available on higher trims. The Expedition also featured Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 and an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was equipped 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. 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 four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured Ford Co-Pilot360 safety packages, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and intersection assist. The Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 package, standard on Platinum trim, included a surround-view camera system and rear automatic emergency braking. The Expedition also offered BlueCruise hands-free driving technology for approved highways. The adaptive cruise control was praised for its smoothness, while the lane-centring assist had some issues with accuracy and reliability.