2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels in Canada, all equipped with standard all-wheel drive: 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 feel with features like premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display, 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 design was praised for its exterior styling and contemporary interior, although some glossy hard plastic and limited interior colour options were noted as minor drawbacks.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus was an attractive SUV with a balanced yet characterful design. It featured a Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence for a welcoming approach after dark. The interior offered premium leather upholstery in various colours, though some chrome-plated plastic pieces detracted from the overall luxury feel. The Nautilus Reserve, the sole model available in Canada, had a starting MSRP of $59,800, excluding a $2,395 destination charge. The test vehicle included optional Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage, which were ideal for long drives. Despite some design criticisms, the Nautilus provided a decadent experience with its high-quality materials and ambient lighting.

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 with 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 offered a smooth ride with minimal head-toss due to its suspension tuning. The SX Limited and Nightsky Edition trims included a self-levelling rear suspension for optimal ride and handling. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a tested average of 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD in Canada. An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine offered 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque for an additional $4,000. The Nautilus featured Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with adaptive suspension adjustments. The V6 model had a fuel consumption rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, achieving an average of 9.4 L/100 km over 1,400 kilometres. The Nautilus was praised for its quiet and comfortable ride, with impressive grip from its 21-inch wheels, though the steering lacked engagement.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The interior featured distinctive leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass for a quiet ride. The second-row captain’s chairs offered heating and ventilation, with easy access to the third-row seat. The Telluride provided ample storage solutions, including smartphone storage and a smart hands-free power liftgate. Cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third-row seats, expanding to 2,455 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The optional 22-way power front seats provided exceptional comfort. Rear seating was heated, but legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. Storage space was adequate, though some areas were hard to access. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 1,055 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,948 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It supported dual smartphone pairing and wireless charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice-recognition system had room for improvement. A 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system was standard on SX trim, with a head-up display available on Limited grades.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a 13.2-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 software, offering over-the-air updates, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The 19-speaker Revel audio system provided excellent sound quality. The system was intuitive, with physical stereo and climate controls. The Nautilus also featured Phone as a Key, allowing smartphone-based access and ignition.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included a suite of advanced safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control. Exclusive to SX trim were 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 five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Black Label added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and a surround-view camera system. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.