2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

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. Pricing ranged 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 Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, and heated and ventilated seats. 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 considered contemporary and well-executed. The transmission shifter was strategically placed to maximize storage space, and the interior offered a sense of quality, despite some hard plastic elements. However, the interior colour options were limited to black unless one chose the SX Limited trim.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its second generation into its 14th year, maintaining a mature design. Its exterior was characterized by a modest grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a substantial presence. The Sequoia's dimensions included a height of 1,956 mm, a width of 2,030 mm, and a length of 5,210 mm, with a wheelbase of 3,099 mm. Inside, the Sequoia's design appeared dated compared to modern trends, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. Despite this, the interior was well-constructed, with high-quality materials and tight seams. The Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, showcased Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia updated. However, the Sequoia's interior design lagged behind competitors, lacking the modern infotainment features found in newer SUVs.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It offered various driving modes, including Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart, through Kia's Drive Mode Select technology. The Telluride's AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, complemented by 20.3 cm of ground clearance. During testing, the Telluride demonstrated impressive off-road capabilities, handling challenging conditions with ease. The suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride over uneven surfaces. The SX Limited and Nightsky Edition trims featured a self-leveling rear suspension for optimal ride and handling. The Telluride's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 L/100 km in combined driving, with a tested average of 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, featuring a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential and a two-speed transfer case in 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck-based design contributed to a payload capacity of up to 608 kg and a towing capacity of 3,221 kg. However, its weight of approximately 2,721.5 kg impacted fuel efficiency, with ratings of 18.5 L/100 km in the city, 13.9 on the highway, and 16.4 combined. Despite its heft, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with competent off-road capabilities. The TRD Pro model featured enhanced suspension with Fox shocks for improved off-road performance. The Sequoia's turning circle was 12.5 metres, making it manageable in suburban settings.

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 featured heating and ventilation, while the second-row captain’s chairs offered similar amenities. The Telluride's third-row seat was accessible via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. Storage solutions were abundant, with smartphone-friendly bins and trays. The smart hands-free power liftgate provided easy access to the cargo area, which offered 601 litres of space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 2,455 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with spacious seating across all three rows. It featured three-zone climate control and a standard power moonroof. Heated front seats were standard, with heated rear seats available on the Platinum grade. The Sequoia's cargo area included a 12-volt outlet and offered 535 litres of space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 3,401 litres with seats folded. Storage options included a large centre console, glove compartment, and door pockets.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It supported dual smartphone pairing via Bluetooth and included wireless smartphone charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice-recognition system had room for improvement. The SX trim featured a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, while Limited grades added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity. The Platinum and TRD Pro trims added navigation and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. Despite its dated technology, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

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. It also offered 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.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. However, it was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also featured a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Toyota's STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes.