2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels in Canada, all featuring 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 luxurious SX Limited trim, which included 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 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 impeccable exterior design and contemporary interior, although some glossy hard plastic and limited interior colour options were minor drawbacks.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 was lauded for its sporty and svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It featured a lower and wider stance, with a highback tail and a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The EV6's design included voluptuous curves for style and stability, with squinting headlights and a V-shaped pattern on the bumper. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and black and white seats covered in suede and leather. The EV6's aesthetic was described as car-first, computer-second, offering a futuristic yet functional design. However, the cargo space was limited compared to its spacious interior, with a high load floor and low roof height.

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 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. It achieved a fuel efficiency of 11.5 L/100 km on a testing loop, slightly above the expected 11.3 L/100 km.

The 2022 Kia EV6, tested in its most powerful GT-Line e-AWD configuration, featured two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, with a 77.4 kWh battery mounted low in the chassis. The EV6 offered multiple regenerative braking settings, including a one-pedal driving mode. However, its driving range was disappointing in cold temperatures, achieving only 65 percent of Kia's 441-kilometre estimate. The EV6 could accept up to 240 kW of charging power, but real-world charging times were longer than Kia's claims, highlighting challenges in cold weather conditions.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs offered heating and ventilation, while the third-row seat was accessible via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. The Telluride provided 601 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with the second-row seats down. The smart hands-free power liftgate added convenience, and the interior featured ample storage solutions for modern families.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, its cargo space was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shortcuts were combined in a touchscreen, which could be frustrating to use while driving. The EV6's towing capacity was rated at 1,043 kilograms, and it included an onboard power generator for additional utility.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, 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 featured a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, while the Limited grades added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was praised for its simplicity and connectivity, although it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots, and the 360-degree surround-view cameras offered sharp and clear visuals. The head-up display used augmented reality for navigation, and the highest trim included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking assist system. The EV6's technology was impressive without being overwhelming.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also included adaptive cruise control, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist. 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 Kia EV6 had not been tested by any government or independent agency in the U.S., but it offered impressive safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360 cameras.