2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels in Canada, all equipped with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The trims ranged from the EX to the SX Limited Nightsky Edition, with base pricing from $46,195 to $55,695, excluding destination charges. The Telluride EX was noted for its value, but many opted for the SX Limited trim, which offered luxury features like premium stitched Nappa leather and a head-up display. The SX Limited Nightsky Edition introduced a blacked-out aesthetic with unique design elements. The Telluride's styling was widely praised, with its exterior and interior design receiving high marks for quality and execution. However, the interior colour options were limited, with light grey leather only available in the SX Limited trim.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for the year, came in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. The NX 350 was the focus of this review, featuring a turbocharged engine. The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, with a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details. The new model was larger, offering more passenger and cargo space, and featured NuLuxe simulated leather upholstery, with real leather available in higher trims. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with sportier design elements and interior features. The interior design took a minimalist approach, which, while modern, sometimes made it challenging to quickly locate and use certain features. Despite some ergonomic challenges, the NX's quality levels were generally high, though some controls felt less refined.

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 over uneven surfaces. 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 2022 Lexus NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 350h and NX 450h+ offered electrified options, with the latter being a plug-in hybrid. The NX 350 F Sport included additional driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350's performance was smooth and responsive, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of approximately 6.6 seconds. Fuel consumption for the NX 350 was estimated at 9.5 L/100 km in combined driving, with test results showing 10.6 L/100 km for the F Sport and 9.2 L/100 km for the non-F Sport. The NX's handling was impressive, though the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of some competitors.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 12-way power adjustments and a heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with distinctive leather upholstery. 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. The Telluride offered ample storage, with smartphone-friendly features and a smart hands-free power liftgate. Cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,455 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room, though it felt more intimate from the driver’s seat. The NX was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim provided better bolstering for the front seats. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX featured a panoramic glass sunroof and a Thematic Ambient Illumination system. Cargo space increased by 14%, with 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with seats folded.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. A 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system was standard with SX trim, though sound quality was not exceptional. The Limited grades added a head-up display with comprehensive information.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 9.8-inch touchscreen standard and a 14-inch screen optional. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Voice Assistant technology. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The NX offered cloud-based features, though streaming music was limited in remote areas. The Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems were responsive, and the NX included a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect services. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and digital key capability.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic alert. 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 some lower frontal-impact results.

The 2022 Lexus NX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had a standard blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety technologies were available in packages, including rear pedestrian detection and a panoramic view monitoring system.