2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Toyota Venza

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 did not offer a front-wheel drive (FWD) option. The Telluride EX was considered a great value, but many opted for the luxurious SX Limited trim, which featured 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, new for 2021, added gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert, giving the Telluride a popular blacked-out look. The Telluride's styling was praised for its contemporary design and quality execution, with only minor criticisms regarding the interior's glossy hard plastic and limited colour options.

The 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged with a modern design on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform, shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. Measuring 4,739 mm in length, 1,854 mm in width, and 1,674 mm in height, the Venza was on the shorter side of the midsize crossover SUV segment. Its exterior design was sleek and Lexus-like, with a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent nose. The interior was elegant, featuring high-quality materials and a well-placed touchscreen display. The Venza's cabin was spacious, with supportive front seats and ample room for three adults in the rear. The design was more suited for urban environments than off-road adventures, with standard 18-inch alloy wheels.

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 cm 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 well-tuned suspension. 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 L/100 km in combined driving, with a tested average of 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for efficiency and performance, with electric motors at the rear axle providing AWD. Drivers could choose from EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the main charge came from the gas engine. The Venza offered agile handling and a comfortable ride, with a wheelbase shared with the Camry. It was not designed for aggressive cornering but delivered a reliable performance as a midsize family vehicle.

The 2021 Kia Telluride offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a distinctive leather upholstery pattern. 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, and the Telluride provided ample storage options for personal items. 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 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with a 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat. Both rows offered good headroom and legroom, with 114.8 cm of hip room in the second row. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. The interior featured convenience elements like an overhead console, power-adjustable front seats, and an electric parking brake. The Venza had four cupholders and bottle holders, with a lithium-ion battery pack under the second-row seats. It offered 816 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,560 litres with seats folded. The cabin was designed for quiet travel, with sound-blocking and absorbing materials throughout.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came 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, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. 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 Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, offering a range of over 800 kilometres on a full tank. It featured a Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program that optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The Venza LE included an eight-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The XLE and Limited trims added a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and a head-up display. Toyota Connected Services were standard, with various trials for Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included eight standard safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also had adaptive cruise control, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist. 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 rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured the Toyota Star Safety System, with stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a rearview camera. It had eight airbags and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. A blind-spot monitor and hill-start assist were standard, with XLE and Limited models adding parking assist and a surround-view camera. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA.