2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Genesis GV70

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 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 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's placement enhancing storage space and operational smoothness. However, the interior colour options were limited to black unless one opted for the SX Limited trim.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, diverging from the rest of the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's two-line lighting signature, creating an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. The GV70 offered six grades in Canada, with four featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6. The Sport and Sport Plus grades had unique styling elements, including a sculpted hood and dark chrome finishes. Genesis allowed customers to order directly, offering over 100 colour combinations, including exclusive matte paints for the Sport grades. The GV70's cabin featured an elliptical theme, with premium grades offering quilted leather seats and door panels. While interior surfaces were largely of high quality, some plastic elements were present, particularly in areas meant to mimic chrome or metal.

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 firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a more compliant ride at higher velocities. The SUV's 20-inch wheels and tires offered commendable grip, and the brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology enhanced 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 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the test unit featuring a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine aimed to compete with mid-level performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i and Audi SQ5. Fuel consumption was estimated at 11.6 L/100 km combined, with test results trending slightly lower. The GV70's AWD system prioritized the rear axle, transferring up to 50% of available torque to the front wheels when needed. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, allowing up to 100% of torque to be sent to a single rear wheel. The GV70 featured Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes, with Sport+ delivering aggressive throttle response and partial traction control disabling. The electronically controlled suspension system used a forward camera to detect road surface changes, balancing rough surface smoothing with driver feedback. The GV70's turning radius was notably tight, aiding urban maneuverability.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with the SX's driver’s seat offering 12-way power adjustment and a heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The front seats featured heating and ventilation, with the front passenger seat offering 6-way power adjustment. The Telluride's second-row captain’s chairs were 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 robust grab handles aided exit. The Telluride provided ample storage, with smartphone-friendly bins and trays, airline-style USB ports, and grocery bag hooks. The smart hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when the key fob was nearby, revealing 601 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 2,455 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-centric design, with a tall centre console and intuitive button and dial controls. The infotainment system was controlled via a raised dial, and climate controls were configured under a single pane with haptic feedback. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims. The rear space featured a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades, though storage was limited. Cargo volume was rated at 819 litres behind the second row, expandable to 1,610 litres with seats folded. The tonneau cover could be stowed under the rear load floor when not in use. Overall, the GV70's ergonomics and functionality were above average, despite some less intuitive steering wheel functions.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system allowed pairing of two smartphones via Bluetooth and included wireless 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, though sound quality was only satisfactory. The Limited grades added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with high-resolution graphics and split-screen capability. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though not wirelessly. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 3D digital instrument cluster and a fingerprint recognition system for keyless start. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top grades. The GV70 also included two USB ports for both front and rear rows.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with eight standard safety features, including 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, despite a 4-star frontal-impact result.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 included ten standard safety features, such as blind spot collision avoidance, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance. A new rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist system offered lane centring and automatic lane changing functions, though it required hands-on operation. As of publication, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable, so the GV70's safety assessment was based on its onboard systems.